The Brazilian Army, through the Comando Logistico (COLOG) /Diretoria de Material (DMat), has chosen the Centauro II 120 mm system made by Società Consortile Iveco–OTO Melara (CIO) as top of the list within the procurement process named Viatura Blindada de Cavalaria Média Sobre Rodas (VBC Cav – MSR 8×8).
The Centauro II armoured vehicle is a wheeled 8×8 system fitted with 120 mm armament,
representing the top in the sector in terms of power, observation, mobility, ergonomics, firing performance, communication and crew protection.
CIO Iveco – OTO Melara
The Iveco – Oto Melara Consortium, CIO for short, was established in 1985 on an equal participation basis between Iveco Defence Vehicles and former OTO Melara, now Leonardo.
Within the Consortium, Iveco Defence Vehicles, an Iveco Group company, provides for the engines, transmission and all the automotive components, as well as the hull and final assembly, while Leonardo handles the weapon systems, sight, command and control communication systems, as well as the hull and final assembly of tracked armoured vehicles.
Both companies have consolidated experience in the field of protection against direct fire, mines and IEDs.
Source Leonardo Press Office – Media Hub