156 Vehicles in Three Variants for Army

Argentine Minister of Defence, Jorge Taiana, and Brazilian Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira, signed a letter of intent on 23 January for the procurement of 156 Guaraní 6×6 armoured vehicles for the Argentine Army from IVECO Defence Vehicles (IDV).

Production will include components manufactured in Argentina – at the IVECO factory in Córdoba. The letter of intent also included technology transfer for the progressive increase in the manufacture of parts in Argentina, logistical support and the training of crews and technical personnel of the Argentine Army. The acquisition will significantly improve interoperability between the armies of Argentina and Brazil.

Of the 156 units that Argentina wants for the Army, there are 120 Personnel Transport Vehicles (VCBR-TP), featuring an ARES Remax turret with 12.7mm machinegun; 27 Infantry Combat Vehicles (VCBR-CI), with the UT30-BR turret carrying a 30mm gun; and 9 Command Post vehicles (VCBR-PC).

The Guaraní was extensively evaluated in June 2021, at which time the Argentine Army already indicated its preference for this vehicle over the General Dynamics Stryker and the Norinco VN-1. Although the latter two met the requirement of being 8×8, additional commercial, industrial, technological and political considerations favoured the IDV solution.

Santiago Rivas reporting from Buenos Aires for MON