Brazilian Centauro II is definitely the most modern “tank on wheels” in the world.
The Centauro II contract was signed by Brazilian Army Logistics Commander General Maurílio Miranda Netto Ribeiro and Giovanni Luisi, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Sales at the IDV–Oto Melara Consortium, a Leonardo company. Photo DefesaNet
DefesaNet Note:
Article published in Portuguese:
Exército Brasileiro assina contrato do Centauro II e inaugura nova era para a Cavalaria
English
Brazilian Army Signs Centauro II Contract, Opening a New Era for Cavalry
Italian
L’Esercito brasiliano firma il contratto per il Centauro II e inaugura una nuova era per la Cavalleria
Nelson During
Chief- Editor — DefesaNet
31 August 2026
Brazil
With 98 vehicles initially and the potential to reach 221 units, the Brazilian Army will operate the most powerful wheeled combat vehicle in Latin America
The Brazilian Army signed today, August 31, at Army Headquarters in Brasília, the contract for the acquisition of the Centauro II, one of the most important modernization programs currently underway within the Brazilian Land Force.
The contract will be implemented through annual orders and initially provides for 98 vehicles, with the possibility of reaching 221 units. Developed by the IDV–Oto Melara (Leonardo) consortium, the Centauro II is equipped with the HITFACT MkII turret and the Oto Melara 120/45 smoothbore 120 mm cannon.
The acquisition is historic. For the first time, the Brazilian Army is introducing a new-generation Cavalry combat vehicle that combines firepower, sensors, fire-control systems and digital combat systems at a technological level comparable to that employed by the world’s leading armored forces.
Brazilian Army Commander General Tomas receive the honors Photo DefesaNet
Giovanni Luisi, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Sales at the IDV–Oto Melara Consortium Photo DefesaNet
With the Centauro II, the Brazilian Army will operate the most powerful wheeled combat vehicle in Latin America.
The Centauro II contract was signed by Brazilian Army Logistics Commander General Maurílio Miranda Netto Ribeiro and Giovanni Luisi, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Sales at the IDV–Oto Melara Consortium, a Leonardo company. Photo DefesaNet
A choice following extensive evaluation
The Centauro II was selected following an international tender for the 8×8 Cavalry Armored Combat Vehicle Program (VBC Cav) and an extensive technical and operational evaluation.
The selection considered mobility, protection, firepower, combat systems, logistics, technology transfer and industrial capabilities.
The vehicles will be introduced gradually, with an initial forecast of at least seven units per year. This number may increase depending on budget availability and the Army’s operational requirements.
Centauro on Soldiers Day Parade August 26th, 2026
Brasília and Santa Maria
The first vehicles will be assigned to the 6th Cavalry Squadron in Santa Maria, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The first batch will also equip the 3rd Mechanized Cavalry Squadron in Brasília.
In addition to its mission of defending the capital, the Brasília-based unit will have the capability to operate as a rapid-response force and can be quickly deployed to other regions of Brazil, including the country’s northern border areas.
Leonardo’s return to Brazil
The contract also marks Leonardo’s return to Brazil through a major strategic defense program, approximately 40 years after the AMX project, developed jointly by Brazil and Italy.
The new program brings the Italian company back to a prominent position in Brazil’s defense industry and opens a new chapter in industrial and technological cooperation between the two countries.
The Centauro II therefore represents the most significant military partnership project between Brazil and Italy in recent decades.
Two Centauro Vehicles used by Brazilian Atrmy in trials in display with other armored vehicles exhibition. Photo DefesaNet
A new generation for Brazilian Cavalry
The Centauro II begins the replacement of a generation of vehicles represented by the EE-9 Cascavel, which for decades was one of the main combat vehicles operated by Brazilian Cavalry units.
The new platform combines 8×8 mobility, protection, modern sensors, digital systems and the firepower of the Oto Melara 120/45 smoothbore 120 mm cannon.
More than simply replacing a vehicle that played a major role in the history of the Brazilian Land Force, the program represents a generational shift for Brazilian Cavalry.
With the potential to reach 221 vehicles, the Centauro II could progressively transform the operational capabilities of the Army’s mechanized units.
The signing of the contract therefore represents more than the acquisition of a new combat vehicle. It marks the beginning of a new era for Brazilian Cavalry.
Centauro firing the gun at Brazilian Army trials
Giovanni Luisi, SVP Sales and Marketing at CIO Consortium:
- “The wonderful milestone we reach today is the result of a journey started with the award of an international tender against top-tier global competition, a process conducted with outstanding professionalism by the Brazilian Army.
History passes through a rigorous homologation of the first two vehicles and comes to a happy end today.
This signature represents for us and for you, a significant milestone and we are proud to contribute to the ongoing modernization process of the Brazilian Army with a solution that combines innovation, protection, mobility and operational effectiveness.
Brazilian Centauro II is definitely the most modern “tank on wheels” in the world.
The serial deliveries will now begin !! in close collaboration with the EB, laying the foundations for an ever-stronger long-term cooperation”.
Centauro II followed by the Cascavel EE-9 at Soldier´s Day Parade August 26th 2026 Brasilia – Photo Brazilian Army
