Continuing with the modernization process of its armored forces, the Brazilian Army received the second 8×8 Wheeled Combat Vehicle “Centauro II” on September 2. This vehicle is part of a batch of two units that will be evaluated through a series of technical-operational tests.
The second Centauro II arrived in Rio de Janeiro to join the first unit, received on August 17. This marks the beginning of the initial tests at the Army Evaluation Center in Rio de Janeiro, responsible for the vehicle evaluations. Subsequently, evaluations will take place at the Santa Maria Armored Training Center in Rio Grande do Sul and at the Barão de São Borja Training Field in Rosário do Sul, also in Rio Grande do Sul.
It is noteworthy that an initial acquisition of 96 additional units of these armored vehicles produced by the Italian consortium Iveco-Oto Melara is anticipated. These will represent a strategic advance for Brazil, reinforcing its commitment to modernization and efficiency of its Armed Forces. The Centauro II will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, featuring a stabilized 120 mm cannon as its main armament.
As previously mentioned, the Brazilian political decision, which results in various processes for incorporating new capabilities into the Armed Forces, contrasts with the situation in Argentina, particularly the lack of decision on the project to incorporate 8×8 Wheeled Combat Vehicles (VCBR) for the Argentine Army (EA). Approaching five decades without realizing the incorporation of a capability to complement the infantry transport armored vehicles M113 in its various versions and TAM VCTP, the EA continues to wait for the long-awaited mechanization of strategic units such as the 10th Mechanized Brigade, which is part of the Rapid Deployment Force. Having these types of vehicles will significantly increase the mobility of different units, being a decisive factor in the tactical field.
Image credits: Brazilian Army.
You may also like: Brazilian Army paratroopers conducted jumps from C-130 and C-17 aircraft of the U.S. Air Force
