Leonardo, through the CIO Consortium (IDV – OTO Melara), has signed an initial serial production contract with the Brazilian Army within the framework of Programa Estratégico Forças Blindadas, for the Viatura Blindadas de Combate de Cavalaria Média Sobre Rodas (VBC Cav – MSR 8×8) project. The contract provides for the delivery of seven Centauro II 8×8 wheeled vehicles, equipped with a 120 mm main gun, and represents the first batch of serial production under an overall program for 98 vehicles, to be delivered in annual tranches. The agreement was signed following the successful completion of operational testing and the receipt of the two vehicles comprising the initial evaluation batch. The Centauro II represents the most advanced evolution of this type of wheeled armored vehicle, designed to meet the demands of modern operational scenarios. Fully digitized and interoperable, it is engineered to operate ef fectively across a wide spectrum of missions – ranging from national security to peacekeeping and support operations – up to the most complex deployments in different operational theaters.
The Centauro is a family of Italian military vehicles originating from a wheeled tank destroyer for light to medium territorial defense and tactical reconnaissance. It was developed by CIO, a consortium of manufacturers, with Iveco Fiat tasked with developing the hull and propulsion systems, while Oto Melara was responsible for developing the turrets and weapon systems. Equipped with the HITFACT MkII turret, a modern 720 HP propulsion system, and an H-drive transmission, this vehicle combines the firepower of a modern main battle tank with the high strategic mobility of a wheeled platform. Its performance is distinguished by its observation capabilities, firing precision, communication quality, ergonomics, and a high level of crew protection. To date, the Centauro II remains the only vehicle in service capable of integrating a 120mm armament on a wheeled platform. Already adopted by the Italian Army – which has placed orders for 150 units – the Centauro II is establishing itself as a global benchmark in the field of wheeled, large-caliber, anti-tank armored vehicles.
The IDV–OTO MELARA Consortium (CIO) is a Leonardo company. It comprises IDV (formerly Iveco Defence Vehicles), fully acquired and controlled by Leonardo since 2026, and Leonardo through the Electronics Division’s Business Area Defence Systems (formerly OTO Melara). For over 40 years, CIO has been a reference point for the Italian Ministry of Defence in the field of ground vehicles. Its origins date back to the early 1980s, when Italy, preparing to launch a programme to fully renew its fleet of combat vehicles, identified the need for a single industrial interface. This led, in 1985, to the creation of a consortium between the two national land armaments prime contractors, FIAT Iveco and OTO Melara, with equal participation. Each company contributed its expertise to develop a new family of wheeled and tracked vehicles, ranging from light wheeled armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to main bat tle tanks (MBTs). CIO holds the design authority for all vehicles and is responsible for global sales and marketing and, through the forming companies, for the design, production and after-sales for all vehicle components, ranging from hulls, engines, gears to weapon systems, sights, fire control systems and C4I, including the final vehicle integration. Furthermore, CIO offers top-tier protection solutions against direct fire, mines, and IEDs.
Leonardo is an international industrial group that develops multi-domain technological capabilities for global security. A key player in the major strategic programmes in Aerospace, Defence and Security, it employs over 62,000 people worldwide and operates in the Electronics, Helicopters, Aircraft, Cyber & Security and Space sectors. The company has a significant industrial presence in Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland and the United States, and is active in 150 countries also through subsidiaries, joint ventures and investees. Leonardo is a technological and industrial partner to Governments, Defence Administrations, Institutions and businesses. Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (LDO), in 2025 Leonardo recorded new orders of €23.8 billion, an order backlog of €46.6 billion and consolidated revenues of €19.5 billion. Included in the MIB ESG Index, the company has also been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) s ince 2010.
