Centauro

The Centauro is an Italian 8x8 wheeled military vehicle developed by the Società Consortile Iveco Fiat - OTO Melara (CIO) consortium. Development began in 1986 in response to an Italian Army requirement for a wheeled tank destroyer with firepower equivalent to the Leopard 1 main battle tank but with higher strategic mobility. Iveco Fiat designed the hull and propulsion systems, while Oto Melara was responsible for the turrets and weapon systems. The platform entered production in 1991, with deliveries of the initial version concluding in 2006. Production of the second-generation Centauro 2 began in 2021.

The vehicle utilizes an all-welded steel armored hull. The baseline configuration provides protection against 14.5 mm rounds and shell fragments, with the frontal section resistant to 25 mm projectiles. Protection can be increased to withstand 30 mm rounds through the installation of bolt-on appliqué armor. The Centauro 2 features composite armor resistant to 40 mm APFSDS rounds on the front and includes a chassis designed for improved stability and mine blast protection. The primary armament for the original variant is a 105 mm/52 caliber rifled gun equipped with a thermal sleeve and integrated fume extractor. This gun is gyro-stabilized and integrated with the TURMS fire control system, which includes a stabilized gunner's sight, thermal imager, laser rangefinder, and digital ballistic computer. The Centauro 2 carries a 120 mm/45 caliber smoothbore gun with a muzzle brake. Secondary armament typically includes two 7.62 mm machine guns. Propulsion is provided by a V6 turbo-diesel engine and an automatic transmission. The 8x8 configuration includes independent suspension, run-flat inserts, and a central tire inflation system. Steering is active on the first and second axles, with the fourth axle contributing at low speeds.

The Centauro is operated in large numbers by the Italian Army and has been exported to Spain and Oman. Jordan operates units formerly in service with the Italian Army, and Italy has donated vehicles to Ukraine. Brazil has ordered the Centauro 2 for its armored forces. The United States leased units between 2000 and 2002 for evaluation, and Russia conducted trials of multiple variants in 2012. The vehicle has seen combat in several conflicts, including deployments to Somalia, the former Yugoslavia, and Lebanon. During the 1993 Battle of Checkpoint Pasta in Somalia, a platoon of Centauros engaged hostile positions. In the Iraq War, the vehicle was used for convoy escort and road patrols, including participation in the 2004 battle for the bridges of Nasiriyah.