Centauro 2

The Centauro 2 is an 8x8 wheeled tank destroyer and mobile gun system developed by Italy. It features a powerful 120mm/45 caliber main gun and significantly improved protection compared to its predecessor.

Developed by the Iveco-Oto Melara Consortium (CIO), the Centauro II was designed to replace the aging first-generation Centauro and address modern asymmetric threats, specifically incorporating lessons learned from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan regarding IED protection and digital battlefield integration. The vehicle was officially unveiled in 2016, with the Italian Army signing the initial procurement contract in 2018 and receiving its first production units in 2021. While it has not yet seen active combat, the platform is currently being fielded by Italian cavalry regiments to modernize their rapid-reaction capabilities. In addition to its domestic service, the Centauro II achieved export success in late 2022 when Brazil selected it to fulfill its strategic medium armored cavalry requirement, cementing its legacy as a benchmark for modern wheeled fire support.