Italy signs contract for more Centauro IIs
The Italian National Armaments Directorate has signed a contract with the Iveco-Oto Melara consortium CIO for 86 additional Centauro II armoured vehicles plus an option for ten more, as well as integrated logistic support and equipment.
Details of the cost and delivery timetable remain undisclosed.
This is the third deal for Centauro II, following contracts for ten vehicles in July 2018 and 40 in May 2020.
The Italian Army requires 148 vehicles in all; according to CIO, the new contract ensures ‘long-term stability’ for the programme by guaranteeing continuity of production for the industrial partners.
Equipped with a new power pack delivering over 700hp and with H-drive architecture, Centauro II features an entirely digital system and a new-generation turret mounting with 120mm gun, plus modern C2 systems.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Land Warfare
-
Lockheed Martin signs Australian air and missile defence system deal
Air 6500 Phase 1, worth AU$500 million (US$326 million), will result in a sovereign system that can provide greater situational awareness and help to defend against hostile aircraft and missiles. It will sit at the core of Australia’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence programme.
-
Rheinmetall wins communications deal that could be worth up to €400 million
The systems have been purchased under a special fund which has already been tapped into for the purchase of 60 CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters worth up to €8 billion (US$8.7 billion) and thousands of Rheinmetall Caracal airmobile special operations vehicles worth €1.9 billion.
-
The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions
The southeast Asian country has been enhancing its military readiness by procuring advanced Israeli defence platforms and systems.
-
NSPA signs new helmet system deal and agreement for C-UAS systems
The Caiman helmet has been designed to be scalable for dynamic operations with mission-specific accessories and can incorporate electronics, communications headsets and other critical equipment.