The Centauro 2 fire support vehicle is a next-generation version of the original Centauro. It has a revised 8x8 chassis, and is armed with a more powerful 120 mm gun. Also it is better protected and has got a number of other improvements. The Centauro 2 was jointly developed by IVECO and OTO Melara to meet an Italian Army requirement. Development commenced in 2010. The first prototype was ready in 2015. It was first publicly revealed in 2016. Italian Army plans to obtain 74 of these new fire support vehicles. Currently Italian Army reportedly operates a total of 300 original Centrauro B1 fire support vehicles, armed with a 105 mm gun.
The Centauro 2 is intended to carry out tactical reconnaissance, fire support of combat units and territorial defense tasks. It can escort convoys and be used for road patrol missions. Once in service with Italian Army the Centrauro 2 will operate in medium brigades alongside Freccia infantry fighting vehicles, and associated combat vehicles based on similat 8x8 wheeled chassis.
This fire support vehicle is one of the most capable in this class. Most other vehicles are limited by their 6x6 chassis and carry smaller 105 mm guns. The is a US-built M1128 Stryker Mobile Gun System with 8x8 configuration. However it is also armed with a smaller 105 mm gun, as its chassis could not withstand the recoil of the 120 mm gun. There are only few other demonstrators, armed with a powerful 120 mm gun.
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