Brazilian Army Integrates Centauro II Armored Vehicles to Strengthen Regional Defense Capabilities.

On August 16, 2025, the Chief of Staff of the Brazilian Army officially issued Ordinance EME/C Ex No. 1,590, which establishes the reception plan for the new 8x8 wheeled cavalry armored combat vehicle, designated VBC Cav-MSR. This marks a decisive step in the acquisition process of 96 Centauro II units, intended to reinforce several brigades across the national territory.
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Centauro II 8x8 VBC Cav-MSR from the Iveco–Oto Melara Consortium, to be integrated into Brazilian Army brigades starting in 2027 (Picture source: Brazilian MoD)

The first unit to receive the vehicles will be the 1st Jungle Infantry Brigade, based in Boa Vista, Roraima, near the border with Venezuela. Twelve vehicles will be delivered there as a priority to enhance operational capacity in a sensitive strategic environment. The second priority will be the 11th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, based in Campinas, São Paulo State, which will also receive 12 vehicles. The third priority will be the 15th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, based in Cascavel, Paraná, with the same number of vehicles.

The plan also foresees the gradual equipment of mechanized cavalry brigades. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Brigades will each receive 12 Centauro II vehicles. These will be distributed to the 2nd Mechanized Cavalry Regiment (1st Brigade), the 8th Mechanized Cavalry Regiment (2nd Brigade), and the 7th Mechanized Cavalry Regiment (3rd Brigade). The 4th Mechanized Cavalry Brigade will receive 24 vehicles, distributed between the 11th and 17th Mechanized Cavalry Regiments. This organization provides coverage across a broad geographical spectrum, from the Amazon in the north to the southern border regions.

Beyond territorial distribution, the ordinance defines a phased implementation schedule. As of 2025, technical manuals and training documents, translated into Portuguese, will be provided to the forces. The year 2026 will be dedicated to the training of personnel responsible for operating, maintaining, and supporting the vehicle, including drivers, mechanics, and other specialists.

The delivery of the first lot of vehicles, designated the “doctrinal experimentation batch,” will begin in August 2027 under the responsibility of the Logistics Command (Colog). This batch will include seven Centauro II units, which will be subjected to immediate evaluation. The aim is to enable full integration of the system into operational units by 2028. Training and experimentation phases are expected to ensure gradual capability development, from platoon level up to company or squadron level units, allowing integrated maneuver and combat capacity.

The Centauro II, developed by the Italian Iveco–Oto Melara Consortium, is equipped with a 120 mm/45 gun (with a 105 mm/52 option), capable of firing the full range of NATO standard munitions, with firepower comparable to modern main battle tanks. Its new-generation turret includes an automatic loading system and can be fitted with secondary armament such as a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun or a remotely operated station armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun or a 40 mm grenade launcher. Powered by a 720 hp Iveco engine, the vehicle reaches 105 km/h with a range of 800 km, ensuring high mobility on different terrains through hydro-pneumatic suspension and integrated electronic systems.

Crew protection is based on reinforced armor in line with AEP 55 standards, designed to withstand mines, improvised explosive devices, and modern kinetic threats. Internal configuration includes separate compartments for ammunition, anti-explosion panels, and anti-mine seating, complemented by an NBC system and air conditioning enabling operations in temperatures ranging from -30 °C to +44 °C. The vehicle also incorporates a battle management system, modern communications, and advanced optronics for enhanced situational awareness and fire control.

The introduction of the Centauro II represents a substantial modernization of Brazil’s cavalry forces, combining mobility, firepower, and protection. The choice to prioritize the Amazon region, followed by mechanized brigades in the South and Southeast, reflects an effort to strengthen operational coverage in varied environments, from jungle areas to border plains. The distribution also highlights an emphasis on balancing regional requirements with broader projection capabilities.

The reception plan for the VBC Cav-MSR 8x8 established by the Army General Staff is structured along a defined timeline. The 96 Centauro II units will be progressively delivered to brigades located in strategic areas, beginning with Roraima. The provision of technical documentation, specialist training in 2026, and the arrival of the doctrinal experimentation batch in 2027 will prepare the ground for full operational service in 2028. This phased approach reflects a methodical process linking capability development, doctrinal adaptation, and the integration of a new generation armored system.