Brazilian Army commissions first Centauro II BR armored vehicles

Santa Maria (RS) – In a historic milestone for Brazil’s national defense, the Brazilian Army has officially commissioned its first two Centauro II BR armored combat vehicles. The baptism and delivery ceremony took place during the Readiness Exercise of the 6th Armored Infantry Brigade, held at the Capitão José Pessôa Parade Ground.

The vehicles, named “Santa Maria” and “Osório”, are the first of their kind to enter service in Brazil and form part of the Strategic Armored Forces Program, aimed at modernizing the Army’s mechanized capabilities and enhancing the mobility and rapid response capacity of ground forces.

The event was attended by civil and military authorities, who highlighted both the symbolic and operational importance of the delivery. The Centauro II BR is a customized version for Brazil of the Italian 8×8 armored vehicle developed by the Iveco–Oto Melara consortium (CIO), representing the most advanced platform in the category of Wheeled Armored Cavalry Combat Vehicles (VBCCC).

Equipped with a 120 mm main gun, state-of-the-art fire control systems, advanced sensors, and all-terrain capability, the Centauro II BR significantly enhances the Brazilian Army’s lethality, situational awareness, and interoperability with other military assets.

The introduction of the Centauro vehicles strengthens the readiness of the 6th Brigade, headquartered in Santa Maria (RS), recognized nationally for its expertise in armored warfare doctrine and deployment. The vehicles will now undergo troop training, contributing directly to the technological and doctrinal transformation of the Brazilian Army’s Cavalry.