The Iveco - Oto Melara Consortium (CIO) has signed a contract with the Italian MoD for the delivery of ten Centauro II armoured vehicles to the Italian Army, Iveco Defence Vehicles announced on 24 July.

This is the first tranche out of a total 136 units. Under the contract, Leonardo will be responsible for the development and integration of the complete turret defence system, including the observation, targeting and communications systems.

The CIO contract, including vehicles, equipment and logistics, is worth $185.8 million and the contract value for Iveco Defence Vehicles amounts to around $75.9 million.

Centauro II vehicles feature increased power, better observation capability, mobility, ergonomics, firing range, communication and crew protection in comparison with its predecessor Centauro I.

The vehicles are equipped with a new power pack delivering over 700hp and with H-drive architecture, a hallmark of the 8x8 Centauro range. Centauro II features a complete digital system and a new generation turret mounting with a 120/45mm gun.

The armoured vehicle is capable of operating in any situations including national security missions, peace-keeping and support operations.

The CIO is a partnership between Iveco Defence Vehicles and Leonardo. Within the Consortium, Iveco Defence Vehicles is responsible for engines, gears and all the automotive components, the hull and the final integration of wheeled armoured vehicles while Leonardo is responsible for weapon systems, sight and fire control systems and the hull and the final integration of tracked armoured vehicles.