Spain's Council of Ministers has approved a framework agreement to buy 105mm ammunition for its B1 Centauro wheeled tanks. The maximum value of the deal is estimated at over €86 million.
This framework agreement will last for four years, with the option to extend it for another two. Interestingly, the ordered ammunition is intended for training exercises of the Spanish Army, according to Infodefensa.
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This likely means that over the next four years, the Spanish Army will replenish its stocks of shells through this framework deal as they are consumed during drills. It should be noted that €86 million for tank ammunition alone seems like a significant sum, but when spread across four years, it becomes more than reasonable.
It is not yet known which specific types of shells will be purchased, but given their stated purpose, they are most likely training rounds. In addition to practice ammunition, the B1 Centauro can also employ shaped-charge (HEAT), armor-piercing dart (APFSDS), and high-explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) shells.
Currently, Spain fields 84 of those B1 Centauro wheeled tanks. However, it is worth recalling that Spain's Marine Corps has also expressed interest in acquiring the more modern Centauro II variant, which is currently only in service with Italy and Brazil.
The B1 Centauro was developed in the mid-1980s. It features protection against 14.5mm rounds around the hull and 25mm shells in the frontal arc. As previously mentioned, its main armament is a 105mm gun with a barrel length of 52 calibers, developed by Oto Melara.
It is powered by a 520 hp Iveco V6 turbodiesel engine with a combat weight of 24 tons, which provides a power-to-weight ratio of 19.35 hp/t and a top speed of 100 km/h. A notable feature of its chassis is that not only are the first and second axles steerable, but also the fourth one at low speeds, giving it a turning radius of just 9 meters. Despite its relatively light weight, the vehicle is not amphibious.
The main role of this wheeled tank is to counter potential seaborne or airborne landings. Given Spain's long coastline, this mission remains highly relevant. Essentially, the concept behind the Centauro is to quickly deploy tank-caliber firepower against enemy forces likely equipped only with light armored vehicles.
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