Now Reading: Marine Corps evaluates Centaur II as new fire support vehicle
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Marine Corps evaluates Centaur II as new fire support vehicle
The wheeled armored vehicle developed by the Italian consortium CIO could soon be integrated into the Spanish Tercio de Armada.
A modern solution for today's needs
During the last edition of the International Defense and Security Fair (FEINDEF 2025), the Italian industrial consortium CIO, formed by Iveco Defence Vehicles and Leonardo, presented its Centauro II armored vehicle in 120 mm caliber. This platform, already operational in the Italian land forces, has aroused the interest of the Spanish Marine Corps, which is looking for a modern replacement to fill the gap left by the old M60A3, decommissioned more than a decade ago.
Strategic transition to wheeled vehicles
The Marine Corps is considering abandoning the traditional tracked configuration in favor of a fleet of wheeled armored vehicles, better suited for rapid deployments and maintenance in mixed environments such as those faced by its amphibious units. With the Army's previous experience operating 86 units of the original Centaur, the evolution to the Centaur II is a natural choice to maintain interoperability and leverage lessons learned.
Adaptable configuration and immediate production
The Centauro II stands out for its 120 mm smoothbore gun, capable of using the same ammunition as the Spanish Army's Leopard 2E battle tanks. CIO has offered a configuration that would replicate the one used by the Italian Army, which would speed up delivery of the vehicles and reduce operational integration times. In addition, the incorporation of national subsystems, such as tactical communications and command and control systems, is contemplated.
Industrial cooperation and contract forecast
Although the program has not yet been allocated funding, sources present at the fair indicated that there is a high probability of budgetary approval during the next fiscal year. If the acquisition is completed, industrial agreements are expected to be signed with Spanish companies to ensure maintenance and logistical support on national territory.
Second international export underway
Spain could become the second international customer for the Centauro II, following the recent incorporation of this model by the Brazilian Army, which has already received the first units. The Marine Corps estimates an initial operational requirement of 12 vehicles, which would be a significant boost to the direct fire capabilities of its mechanized units.
