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VBTP-MR Guarani
VBTP-MR Guarani
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The VBTP-MR Guarani (Portuguese Viatura Blindada Transporte de Pessoal – Média sobre Rodas; "Armored Personnel Transport Vehicle – Medium on Wheels"[2]) is a 6×6 armoured personnel carrier developed by Iveco and the Brazilian Army as part of its "Urutu-III" modernization program aimed to replace all EE-11 Urutu by 2015.[3] The 8×8 version of the VBTP-MR is the base of Iveco's Superav armoured personnel carrier.[4] Other Brazilian companies also participated in the program, such as IMBEL (Communications), Elbit (Armaments), Usiminas and Villares [pt] (development of national ballistic structural steel).

Key Information

History

[edit]

In 1999, the Brazilian Army issued a request (ROB #09/99) for a new family of armored fighting vehicles with amphibious capabilities to replace the EE-9 Cascavel and EE-11 Urutu.[5] The main feature of this new family should be its modular design, allowing the incorporation of different turrets, weapons, sensors and communications systems onto the same carriage. The development program also include a communications version, an ambulance version and different fire support versions, armed with large calibre mortar and gun systems.

The Brazilian Army has signed with Iveco a contract worth about €2.5 billion for supplying armoured personnel carriers of the VBTP-MR model. The vehicles will replace the old Urutu armoured vehicle employed today by the Brazilian armed forces. The contract covers the delivery of 2,044 vehicles and logistical support for a period of 20 years. Deliveries were scheduled to begin in 2012, and continue for 18 years.[6][7][8] The total order was later scaled down to 1,580 units, under a timetable stretched to 2035. By 2023, the Army considered a further cut in the total number to around 900 units.[9]

There is also an 8×8 variant of the vehicle.[10]

Versions

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VBCI-MR Guarani (UT-30BR)
Guarani in amphibious operation

As of 2021 the VBTP-MR has several planned variants of which the VBTP armored personnel carrier has entered production and service, while the rest are under development:

  • VBTP (armored personnel carrier)
  • VBCI (infantry fighting vehicle with 30 mm turret)
  • VBE PC (command post)
  • VBC-MRT (mortar carrier, possibly 120 mm)
  • VBR MR (105 mm cannon)
  • VBE CDT (fire control)
  • VBE COM (communications / command and control)
  • VBE OFN (workshop)
  • VBE SOC (armored recovery vehicle)
  • VBTE AMB (ambulance)
  • VBE ENG (engineering)[11]
  • VBC AAe (anti-air)[12]

The requirements for the VBTP-MR VBCI included an ELBIT remote control turret, equipped with a Mk44 Bushmaster II cannon and a 7.62mm machine gun; it should also be able to fire anti-tank guided missiles. This turret, capable of 360 degree swivel and elevation / depression of -15 to +60 degrees, was chosen by the Brazilian Army on a selection made from among four companies. It is expected to be manufactured in Brazil. The firing system has a laser rangefinder, vision and fire control by day/night thermal vision, double shot of command (commander and gunner of the car, with precedence for the later), automatic target tracking system, and hunter killer smoke launchers. A significant aspect of this vehicle is that the turret is equipped with weapons sights and it is stabilized in two axes, allowing firing on the move with very high probability of hit within the first shot. Future needs will determine what kind of instruments will equip the turret, possibly after the vehicle enters service.

Some speculate that the VBE / CP version will fashion a battle management system. The first level at which information must flow in a bidirectional way, what is known as "situational awareness", refers to the tactical commander. The distress (probably the VBCI) and reconnaissance models are planned to have an 8×8 drive train.

In September 2021, the Brazilian Army launched a test campaign of a new engineering variant. The unit is equipped with an excavator manipulator arm (EMA), earth anchor blade (EAB) and a straight obstacle blade (SOB) systems, supplied by the British company Pearson Engineering Ltd.[11] In April 2023, the Brazilian Army presented the anti-air version equipped with a RBS 70 NG system.[12]

Armament

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Convoy of Guarani armored vehicles
  • UT-30BR turret by Elbit Systems, which will be produced in Brazil by AEL Sistemas S.A (Aeroeletronica). (30 mm autocannon)
  • REMAX turret by Ares Aeroespacial e Defesa S.A. and CTEx. (12.7 mm (.50) machine gun)
  • possibly a 120 mm mortar (mortar version)
  • possibly a 105 mm cannon (reconnaissance version)
  • RBS 70 NG (anti-air version)

Export

[edit]

Compared to the model in use today by the Brazilian Army, the new project brings advantages such as upgraded armor protection, increased mobility, increased range, independent hydropneumatic suspension, increased protection against mines, better ergonomics, air conditioning, brake system with double disc and ABS, GPS, automatic detection and extinguishing of fire, night operation capability as standard and laser detection system.

VBTP-MR Guarani in Brazilian service

According to Waldemir Cristino General Romulo, Military Project Manager, there is an interest in exporting the VBTP-MR to other markets, because Brazil has already sold vehicles to Latin America, Africa and Asia-Pacific in the past. The Argentine Army expressed interest in an 8×8 version. Armies also from Chile, Colombia and Ecuador showed interest in the Guarani.[citation needed]

First orders

[edit]
Guarani in firing operation

On the 26 November 2009, the Brazilian Defence Minister, Nelson Jobim, announced that President Lula had authorized the start of production for 2044 new vehicles with the new name Guarani, formerly known as Urutu III. According to him the new vehicle would replace the entire mobility system of the Brazilian Army. Also according to the minister, $6 billion would be invested in construction for the Guarani over 20 years. It was predicted that the first vehicle would be ready in 2010 and 16 vehicles would be tested by 2011. From 2012 on, the actual production would begin.

The army commander, General Enzo Martins Peri, signed the contract for the manufacture of vehicles on 18 December 2009. The examinations would be held at Army's test range (CAEx), located in Barra de Guaratiba, west of Rio de Janeiro state. The tests would examine the vehicle durability, ergonomics and armour in situation such as landmine explosions,

Only on 7 August 2012, the Brazilian Army signed a contract to produce 86 Guarani.[5] The order was completed by December 2012.[3]

In March 2014, the 33rd Motorized Infantry Battalion of the 15th Mechanized Infantry Brigade will receive the first 13 vehicles.[2] It will be the first regular army unit to be issued the new vehicle. It will be part of trials using the initial 86 vehicles to figure out doctrine for its use in service.

In service

[edit]
Guaranis in 2024 Brazil's Independence Day Parade

In 2018 the 30th Mechanized Infantry Battalion in Uberlandia-MG received 30 VBTP-MR Guaranis.

In 2020, The 14th Mechanized Cavalry Regiment of São Miguel do Oeste received ten VBTP-MR Guaranis equipped with the Remax tower.

In 2021 the 11th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, in Campinas-SP, was equipped with more than 126 VBTP-MR Guaranis. In July, the first units of the Brazilian Army in the northeast of the country started to receive the first Guarani vehicles, an example of the 10th Mechanized Cavalry Squadron of the 11th Infantry Brigade.[13]

On August 4, 2021, it was the turn of the 41st Motorized Infantry Battalion, it becomes the newest military organization to be equipped with the armored personnel transport vehicle, medium on wheels (VBTP-MSR) 6X6 Guarani, with the receipt of eight units, all with SARC REMAX.[14]

Operators

[edit]
VBTP-MR Guarani armed with a Remax during the ceremony to commemorate the 71 years of the Battle of Monte Castello; next to it an M8 Greyhound used in Italy.
 Brazil
Brazilian Army: 700+[15] Deliveries started in December 2012,[3] with four pre-series and 50 purchased units.[8]
 Ghana
Ghana Army: 11 ordered in July 2021 equipped with REMAX turret.[16]
 Lebanon
Lebanese Army: 10 units ordered in 2015.[17]
 Philippines
Philippine Army – Fourteen (14) units out of 28[18][19] total ordered of the armored personnel carrier variant equipped with the Elbit Systems RCWS Mk. 2 were formally received and inducted into service on 5 March 2024.[20][21] The first Guarani was received by the Philippine Army on 8 March 2024.[22]

Potential operators

[edit]
 Argentina
Participated in a tender against the Chinese Norinco VN-1 and the American Stryker.[23] Argentina has officially declared its aim to buy 156 Guarani armoured vehicles produced in Brazil, having signed a letter of intent on 2022 December 23.[24]
 Malaysia
Ciro Nappi reported that the Guarani will participate in a tender to replace the Condor and SIBMAS AFSV90 against the K806, Anoa 2, LAVII and the FNSS Pars.[25]

Failed Exports

[edit]
 Ukraine
Ukraine requested the sale of up to 450 vehicles in 2023, awaiting Brazilian approval for export.[26] In June 2023, it was revealed by Veja, that following orders from the President of the Republic, Lula da Silva, the Brazilian government vetoed the sale of 450 armoured vehicles set for use in humanitarian missions.[27]
[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

VBTP-MR Guarani

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The VBTP-MR Guarani is a family of 6×6 wheeled amphibious armored personnel carriers developed jointly by Iveco Defence Vehicles and the Brazilian Army to modernize the latter's mechanized infantry capabilities. Introduced in service with the Brazilian Army in 2012 as a replacement for the aging EE-11 Urutu, the vehicle features a modular design allowing for various configurations including troop transport, command posts, and weapon carriers equipped with remote-controlled turrets or stations armed up to 30 mm caliber. Weighing approximately 18 tons, it accommodates a crew of two plus up to 11 soldiers, achieves road speeds of 100–110 km/h and water speeds of 9–10 km/h, and provides protection against small arms, artillery fragments, and optional add-on armor kits for enhanced mine and IED resistance. The Brazilian Army has acquired over 1,500 units toward a planned total of 2,044, forming the backbone of its wheeled armored forces, with exports including deliveries to the Philippine Army and a small number to the Lebanese Army.

Development and Procurement

Program Origins and Requirements

The Brazilian Army initiated the VBTP-MR (Viatura Blindada de Transporte de Pessoal - Média sobre Rodas) program as part of broader efforts to modernize its ground forces, with initial fleet analysis commencing in 1999 to address aging equipment and enhance operational capabilities. This effort stemmed from the need to replace the 6x6 armored personnel carriers, introduced in the 1970s and approaching obsolescence, while transitioning units to fully mechanized formations with improved , , and mobility. The program, originally designated Urutu-III, prioritized indigenous development and to bolster Brazil's domestic defense industry amid limited budgets and a focus on self-reliance. In 2007, the launched a competitive bidding process for a new family of 6x6 wheeled armored vehicles, evaluating proposals from international manufacturers including , Defense, and others based on criteria such as cost, local production feasibility, and alignment with strategic needs. emerged victorious, leading to a co-development agreement signed on December 21, 2007, between the company and the Brazilian Ministry of Defense, which formalized joint engineering efforts and established as the prime contractor. This partnership emphasized offsets like local manufacturing in Sete Lagoas, , and integration of Brazilian subsystems to meet national content requirements. Key requirements specified a baseline armored personnel carrier configuration with amphibious capability, a gross around 18 tons, capacity for two crew members plus eight to ten , and modular architecture supporting variants for command, , and roles. Protection standards targeted resistance to 7.62mm fire and 155mm fragments, with provisions for upgradable armor and remote stations, while mobility demands included a top road speed exceeding 100 km/h, operational range over 600 km, and fording depths up to 1.5 meters without preparation. The design also required compatibility with Brazilian logistics, including locally produced engines and a focus on low life-cycle costs to equip multiple mechanized brigades.

Competitive Selection Process

The Brazilian Army launched a competitive bidding process in to select a foreign partner for the development of the VBTP-MR (Viatura Blindada de Transporte de Pessoal - Média sobre Rodas), a new family of 6×6 wheeled armored vehicles intended to replace aging platforms. The process prioritized proposals that aligned with national requirements for modularity, amphibious capability, protection against small arms and artillery fragments, and a capacity for 11 personnel, while emphasizing local production and to build domestic defense industry capacity. Iveco Defence Vehicles emerged as the winner, selected for its proven expertise in armored vehicle design—drawing from platforms like the SuperAV—and a comprehensive package that promised to localize manufacturing and engineering know-how in . By late 2007, joint engineering efforts between , the Brazilian Army's technical teams, and local partners like Iveco Latin America had accumulated 25,000 hours of development work, focusing on adapting the base chassis for military-specific enhancements. This selection underscored the Army's strategic emphasis on offset commitments over purely cost-based criteria, aiming to foster a sustainable supply chain within rather than relying on imports. The outcome paved the way for subsequent phases, including prototype validation and production scaling, with initial evaluation contracts for 86 signed in 2012 at a value of BRL 240 million (approximately USD 119 million at the time). A landmark supply agreement followed in December 2009, committing to up to 2,044 units over 20–25 years for an estimated €2.5 billion, produced at 's facility in Sete Lagoas, . This process reflected the Brazilian military's broader procurement doctrine, balancing operational needs with industrial policy goals amid limited domestic armored vehicle expertise at the outset.

Contract Award and Initial Production

On December 18, 2009, the Brazilian Army signed a contract with Iveco Latin America (a subsidiary of Iveco Defence Vehicles) valued at 6 billion Brazilian reais (approximately €2.5 billion or $3.4 billion at the time) for the joint development and production of up to 2,044 VBTP-MR Guarani 6×6 armored personnel carriers. This umbrella agreement, spanning up to 20 years, focused on replacing aging EE-11 Urutu vehicles and included provisions for technology transfer, local manufacturing, and variants tailored to Brazilian requirements. Initial production was initiated through a follow-on order awarded to in August 2012 for 86 base-model vehicles, valued at R$240 million (about $118.7 million), marking the transition from prototype testing to serial manufacturing. Manufacturing occurred at 's dedicated facility in Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais, which was constructed with an investment of R$55 million and inaugurated in 2013 to support an annual output capacity of around 100 units. Deliveries of the first batch commenced in 2012, with large-scale production ramping up in early 2013 to meet phased procurement targets, generating approximately 200 direct jobs at the plant. By late 2021, cumulative deliveries under the program had reached 500 vehicles, reflecting steady progress despite adjustments to total order quantities in subsequent negotiations.

Design Characteristics

Chassis, Powertrain, and Mobility

The VBTP-MR Guarani employs a hull fabricated from high-hardness ballistic , serving as the primary structural that integrates armor protection and supports modular add-on kits for enhanced ballistic and mine resistance. This design accommodates a combat weight of approximately 17.7 tons in its amphibious configuration and up to 21,000 kg gross vehicle weight on land, with dimensions including a length of 6.91 m, width of 2.7 m, and height of 2.34 m. The powertrain centers on an FPT Cursor 9 inline-six with a displacement of 8.7 liters, common-rail , and bi-fuel capability, producing 380 horsepower at 279 kW and 1,500 Nm of . It is mated to a ZF six-speed with power take-off provisions, enabling a longitudinal driveline layout suited for the vehicle's 6×6 configuration. This setup provides a of 15.7 kW/t in the amphibious variant, supporting efficient operation across varied terrains. Mobility features include fully independent McPherson-type suspension on all wheels, fitted with 14.00 R20 tubeless tires incorporating (CTIS), run-flat inserts, and anti-lock brakes (ABS). The vehicle attains a maximum road speed exceeding 90 km/h, with an operational range of over 600 km at 70 km/h, and demonstrates amphibious capability without preparation, achieving water speeds of up to 7 km/h via wheel propulsion. Off-road performance encompasses a ground clearance of 0.45 m, gradient climbing ability greater than 60%, side slope traversal over 30%, step climbs of 0.5 m, and trench crossings of 1.2 m, with a turning circle of 10.8 m.

Protection and Survivability Features

The VBTP-MR Guarani employs a high-hardness hull as its primary ballistic protection structure, offering baseline defense against small-arms fire including 7.62 mm rounds and shell fragments at distances of 30 meters. This hull is pre-configured for modular add-on armor kits, enabling upgrades to higher threat levels such as resistance to 14.5 mm projectiles or greater, depending on mission-specific packages. Against underbelly threats, the vehicle's V-shaped hull design deflects blast energy from mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), providing protection equivalent to 6 kg of TNT with optional reinforced kits for enhanced floor plating. Add-on modules, including underbelly fragmentation shields (UFF) and hull side defenses (HSF), further mitigate risks from rocket-propelled grenades like the and shaped-charge warheads. Survivability is augmented by collective chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) systems for crew isolation, in both engine and passenger compartments to counter internal blazes, and an eight-tube 76 mm launcher array for tactical obscuration and decoy deployment. These features collectively prioritize crew and troop endurance in operations, with modular scalability allowing trade-offs between protection weight and mobility.

Internal Layout and Capacity

The VBTP-MR Guarani features a of three—consisting of a driver, commander, and gunner—along with capacity for eight fully equipped dismounted troops, for a total of eleven personnel. The protected internal volume measures 12.5 cubic meters, enabling modular configurations while prioritizing space efficiency and survivability. The forward crew compartment positions the driver at the front left, equipped with a hatch and three vision blocks for enhanced . The commander sits behind the driver, also with a dedicated hatch and three vision blocks, while the gunner operates from a compartment behind the front-mounted engine, integrated with weapon station controls. This arrangement incorporates ergonomic improvements, including redesigned seating and digital dashboards with CAN SAE J1939 bus systems for diagnostics and operation. The rear troop compartment employs benches with anti-mine seats suspended from the to avoid contact with the V-shaped lower hull, mitigating blast effects from improvised explosive devices or mines rated to STANAG Level 2a (6 kg under wheel). A heightened floor plate further isolates occupants, and the layout supports rapid dismount via rear doors or side hatches, with optional CBRN protection and automatic fire suppression systems in both crew and troop areas.

Variants and Configurations

Transport and Command Variants

The VBTP-MR Guarani transport variant functions as the baseline armored personnel carrier (APC), designed to ferry infantry units while providing ballistic and mine protection during operations. It accommodates a total crew of 11, comprising the driver, commander, gunner, and up to eight dismounted soldiers equipped for combat. The vehicle's modular hull allows integration of remote weapon stations for self-defense, typically mounting 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine guns, with amphibious capability enabling waterborne transit at speeds up to 10 km/h via propellers. Powered by an Iveco FPT Cursor 9 turbocharged diesel engine delivering 383 horsepower, it achieves road speeds exceeding 100 km/h and features independent McPherson suspension for enhanced cross-country mobility. The command variant, designated VBE/PC (Viatura Blindada Especial Posto de Comando), adapts the Guarani platform for tactical roles, prioritizing integration of communication suites, battle management systems, and operator workstations over troop capacity. This configuration reduces internal seating to accommodate equipment such as TORCH-X command systems, E-LynX software-defined radios, and stabilized sights for , enabling real-time coordination in networked operations. The Brazilian Army approved production of 74 units in October 2024, with development contracted to Defence Vehicles focusing on enhanced electronics and reduced personnel space, while retaining the core 6x6 chassis, armor baseline, and mobility parameters of the transport model. Planned deliveries for command posts are scheduled between 2031 and 2034, supporting mechanized functions with for and multinational missions. The variant's design leverages the family's modularity, allowing field reconfiguration for specific command needs without altering external dimensions or protection levels.

Fire Support and Specialized Roles

The VBTP-MR Guarani supports through dedicated variants like the , which integrates a 30 mm turret for engagements, enabling the vehicle to function as an fighting platform capable of suppressing enemy positions and countering light armored threats with stabilized fire and integrated optics. This configuration leverages the base chassis's modularity to mount remote or manned turrets from partners such as , incorporating fire control systems for day-night operations and burst firing modes. Indirect fire support is provided by the VBE/Mort variant, designed as a mobile with an 81 mm or 120 mm system deployable via the rear door, allowing rapid emplacement and relocation to deliver high-angle bombardment in support of advances. The mortar's integration maintains the vehicle's amphibious and mobility characteristics, with provisions for digital fire direction to enhance accuracy over traditional towed systems. Specialized roles extend to air defense in configurations equipped for short-range surface-to-air missiles, such as the Saab RBS 70 integrated on a remote weapon station, as showcased at LAAD 2025, providing organic protection against helicopters and drones without compromising troop capacity. Anti-aircraft artillery setups are also feasible within the family, mounting autocannons or missile launchers atop the hull for elevated threat engagement. The VBE/CDT variant further specializes in fire control, serving as a forward observer or artillery coordination node with enhanced sensors and communication suites to direct combined arms fires. These adaptations underscore the platform's emphasis on mission-tailored lethality while preserving core survivability features like ballistic protection and low silhouette.

Engineering and Medical Configurations

The VBE Eng (Viatura Blindada de Engenharia) engineering variant of the VBTP-MR Guarani incorporates a modular integration kit developed by Pearson , engineering tasks such as earthmoving and clearance. This kit includes a general-purpose blade, loader bucket, and excavator manipulator arm (EMA) compatible with attachments like the Furukawa Rock Drill FX45 hydraulic breaker and digging bucket, supplemented by an earth anchor blade (EAB) and straight blade (SOB). Two prototypes were converted from standard VBTP-MSR Guarani vehicles belonging to the 15th , with integration beginning in 2020, paused due to the , and resuming in August 2021 before field testing commenced in September 2021 at the São Paulo War Arsenal. One prototype each was delivered to the 15th Mechanized Engineering Company and the 1st Engineering Battalion for evaluation, utilizing a for rapid attachment exchanges to maintain operational flexibility in mechanized units. The VBTE Amb MSR (Viatura Blindada de Transporte Especializado Ambulância - Média Sobre Rodas) medical configuration supports armored medical evacuation, providing health support for transporting wounded or ill personnel from combat zones while offering en-route care capabilities. On December 20, 2024, Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV) and the Brazilian Army Technological Center signed a development contract for this variant, alongside command post models, as part of expanding the Guarani family for specialized roles. The Brazilian Army approved procurement of 80 such ambulance units in October 2024, with a prototype configuration displayed at the BID Brasil 2024 defense exhibition, emphasizing its modular interior adaptations for stretcher accommodation and medical equipment integration while retaining the base vehicle's ballistic and mine protection. This variant builds on the Guarani's amphibious and air-transportable design, ensuring compatibility with C-130 Hercules and KC-390 aircraft for rapid deployment in expeditionary operations.

Armament and Weapon Systems

Primary Armament Options

The VBTP-MR Guarani employs a modular station , enabling the integration of primary armaments ranging from heavy guns to autocannons via manned or remote-controlled turrets. This flexibility supports diverse operational roles, with the choice of system determined by variant-specific requirements such as troop transport, , or . In the baseline armored personnel carrier (VBTP) configuration, the primary armament consists of a remote weapon station mounting a 12.7 mm , supplemented by a coaxial 7.62 mm for sustained fire. This setup provides capability against light threats while maintaining crew protection through remote operation and 360-degree traversal. The infantry combat vehicle (VBCI) variant upgrades to a more potent primary weapon: the UT-30BR turret fitted with a 30×173 mm Bushmaster Mk 44 , capable of engaging armored vehicles and fortifications at ranges up to 2,000 meters. Paired with the same coaxial 7.62 mm , this configuration includes and fire-control systems for precision targeting, with loads typically comprising armor-piercing and high-explosive rounds. Select configurations allow for anti-tank guided missile launchers, such as the Rafael Spike, integrated atop the turret for extended-range engagement of heavy armor, though these augment rather than replace the core gun system. All primary armaments are supported by four 76 mm launchers for concealment.

Defensive and Auxiliary Systems

The VBTP-MR Guarani incorporates defensive systems focused on crew protection and countermeasures, including a high-hardness hull providing baseline ballistic resistance against 7.62mm ammunition and fragments, with modular add-on armor kits available for enhanced protection against higher-threat levels such as 12.7mm rounds at close range. Optional anti-mine kits further improve underbelly survivability against improvised explosive devices. Countermeasure suites include launchers for obscuration and evasion, typically mounted on the hull or turret to deploy multispectral smoke screens. An system operates in the engine and crew compartments to rapidly extinguish incipient fires from impacts or mechanical failures. Nuclear, biological, and chemical () protection is optionally integrated via Aero Sekur systems, featuring and sealed compartments for sustained operations in contaminated zones. Auxiliary systems support weapon employment and , with providing stabilized and gunner sights equipped with day/night thermal imaging and laser rangefinders for up to several kilometers. Integrated fire control computers enable hunter-killer operations, allowing independent and gunner targeting with electric turret stabilization for on-the-move accuracy. The remote weapon station, developed by Brazilian firm , mounts coaxial or 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine guns for close-range defensive fire, remotely operated to minimize exposure. Communication auxiliaries include E-LynX software-defined radios for secure tactical networking.

Integration and Modularity

The VBTP-MR Guarani's armament integration leverages a standardized modular interface on the vehicle's and hull, allowing for the rapid mounting of diverse turrets and remote stations without requiring extensive structural alterations to the base platform. This design supports both manned and unmanned configurations, with compatibility for calibers ranging from 5.56mm machine guns to 30mm autocannons, enabling mission-specific adaptations such as close-protection setups or roles. Key integration features include electrical drive systems for turret traverse, gyroscopic stabilization for on-the-move accuracy, and fire control suites with day/night sights for gunners and commanders, often sourced from . These systems interface via the vehicle's central electronics architecture, which incorporates data buses for seamless connectivity to command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) networks, as well as ancillary devices like jammers or counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) effectors. The remote weapon station, commonly fitted with a 12.7mm , exemplifies this modularity by providing 360-degree coverage and plug-and-play installation through standardized power and control harnesses. Further enhancing flexibility, the platform accommodates automated turrets like the UT-30BR, equipped with an 30mm and coaxial 7.62mm , which integrate via the same modular mounts and benefit from the vehicle's ballistic-tolerant roof reinforcements. This interchangeability reduces logistical burdens and re-engineering costs, as modules can be swapped in field conditions with minimal tools, supporting rapid transitions between variants such as infantry carriers and combat vehicles. evaluations have confirmed the efficacy of these features in maintaining operational readiness across diverse terrains.

Production, Deployment, and Operational Performance

Manufacturing and Local Content

The VBTP-MR Guarani is produced by , a of Iveco Defence Vehicles, at a dedicated facility in Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais, . The plant, established specifically for the Guarani program and inaugurated in 2013, supports an annual production rate exceeding 100 vehicles, though current output for Brazilian orders stands at approximately 60 units per year. In December 2009, the Brazilian Army awarded a R$6 billion (approximately $3.37 billion) contract for up to 2,044 vehicles, structured as a long-term spanning over 20 years to enable phased deliveries starting in . This was preceded by a R$240 million contract in for 86 evaluation prototypes, delivered between 2013 and 2014 to support testing and initial operational validation. Production emphasizes , with assembly lines integrating wheeled , armored hulls, and mission-specific kits tailored to Brazilian requirements. Local content in Guarani production begins above 60% from the outset, with provisions to increase this proportion through domestic sourcing of components such as steel hulls—potentially reaching 70% if fabricated locally—and subsystems from Brazilian suppliers. Early batches relied heavily on imported parts to accelerate rollout, but progressive indigenization aims to lower costs, enhance supply chain resilience, and develop national defense industry capabilities, aligning with Brazil's strategic offset policies. This approach has involved partnerships with over 30 local firms for elements like electronics and armor, though full self-sufficiency remains constrained by specialized technologies.

Deployment in Brazilian Forces

The VBTP-MR Guarani entered operational service with the Brazilian Army in 2014, following initial deliveries of 13 units to the 33rd Battalion as part of the replacement for aging vehicles. Deliveries commenced under a development contract with Defence Vehicles, with production ramping up from an initial batch of 86 ordered in 2012. By November 2021, the 500th unit had been handed over during a ceremony in Sete Lagoas, . As of 2025, over 700 Guarani vehicles have been delivered to the , supporting the ongoing modernization of wheeled armored capabilities with plans for up to 1,500 units by 2033. These are distributed primarily to brigades and regiments, enhancing mobility in diverse terrains including Amazonian borders and urban environments. In July 2025, the 15th Brigade received a batch of 15 vehicles for patrols in the , focusing on rapid response and support. Similarly, the 14th Regiment incorporated five additional units in August 2025 to bolster its reconnaissance and transport roles. In operational contexts, Guarani vehicles have been employed for internal security training, such as joint exercises in Rio de Janeiro in July 2025, where multiple units demonstrated convoy protection and personnel transport under urban threat simulations. They serve in both transport and command configurations across the Army's structure, integrating with existing fleets for deterrence, preparation, and border enforcement, though no deployments have been recorded to date. Ongoing allocations prioritize high-mobility units in regions prone to and territorial disputes, with variants adapted for amphibious and rough-terrain operations.

Performance Evaluations and Upgrades

The VBTP-MR Guarani has undergone various performance evaluations, including explosive resistance testing in in 2011, where it demonstrated resilience against 6 kg improvised explosive devices, protecting occupants from mine and blast threats. In Argentine trials conducted in May-June 2021, the vehicle exhibited strong off-road mobility and effective operation of the remote weapon station turret. Amphibious capabilities were validated through trials, achieving speeds of 9 km/h in rivers with the aid of stabilizers and propellers. Operationally, the Guarani entered service with the Brazilian Army in 2014 and has been deployed primarily for internal security and training, including troop transport and convoy escort during the 2018 Rio de Janeiro intervention for public order maintenance. It has operated across diverse Brazilian terrains such as the Caatinga semi-arid region, Pantanal wetlands, and Pampas grasslands, supporting mechanized infantry and cavalry units without reported systemic mechanical failures in early Midwest deployments. However, incidents of vehicle rollover due to its high center of gravity occurred in 2015 and 2018 training exercises, though without fatalities, and engine failures alongside flooding were noted during 2021 turret integration tests. Upgrades to enhance protection, firepower, and modularity have been incrementally applied. Modular armor kits, including ALLTEC's 1.2-tonne package providing STANAG Level 3+ ballistic resistance against 12.7 mm armor-piercing rounds at 100 m, and Plasan's UFF/HSF add-ons for defense against and rockets, have been integrated for high-threat missions such as . The AMAP-L spall liner reduces internal fragmentation risks by narrowing the spall cone from 87° to 17°. Firepower enhancements include live-fire validation of the UT30BR2 remote turret in May 2025, integrating a 30 mm for improved support. The Brazilian Army's "Guarani 2.0" initiative, aligned with the 2020-2023 Strategic , involves ongoing studies as of early 2020 to upgrade mobility, command-and-control systems, survivability, , and crew habitability, with implementation details pending post-evaluation. In December 2024, Defence Vehicles signed a with the Army Technological Center to develop advanced variants, including the VBTE Amb MSR and VBE PC MSR command post, with prototypes slated for trials at the Army Evaluations Center later that year. An variant with an manipulator arm underwent testing in September 2021. These efforts support the program's expansion to 1,580 units by 2040, emphasizing maintainability and adaptability.

International Exports and Operators

Successful Export Contracts

The first successful export contract for the VBTP-MR Guarani was signed with in 2015 for 16 units, with deliveries commencing in 2017 to support internal security operations. In 2021, entered a contract via Elbit Land Systems for an initial batch of 11 Guarani 6×6 armored personnel carriers, marking the vehicle's entry into West African forces for mobility and protection enhancements. The signed a in early 2021 for 28 units at an estimated cost of 2.3 billion (approximately USD 46 million at the time), with the first batch of five delivered by March 2024 and a second batch of nine shipped in August 2025 to bolster ground forces amid regional security challenges; full fulfillment is targeted within three years of signing.
CountryContract YearUnits OrderedKey Details
201516Deliveries from 2017 for internal use
202111 (initial)Via for force mobility
202128Ongoing deliveries as of 2025; PHP 2.3B contract

Current and Potential Operators

The VBTP-MR Guarani is primarily operated by the Brazilian Army, which initiated deliveries in 2012 under a contract for 2,044 units produced by Latin America over a 20-year period valued at $3.4 billion. As of 2023, the vehicle forms the backbone of Brazil's brigades, with ongoing production emphasizing local content requirements exceeding 60% for national industry development. International operators include the , which contracted for 28 units in 2021 through a deal involving Brazilian manufacturer support and local integration by . The first batch was shipped from in November 2023, with the initial vehicle received on March 8, 2024, to enhance wheeled mobility for territorial defense operations. The also operate 10 Guarani vehicles, delivered from the Sete Lagoas production facility in 2015 to support internal security and border patrols. Among potential operators, has expressed strong interest since 2008 as part of plans to modernize its wheeled armored fleet for two mechanized brigades. In December 2022, Argentina signed a to acquire 156 units, engaging in negotiations for and local assembly to address fiscal constraints and reduce reliance on imported platforms. These discussions, ongoing as of 2023, position the Guarani against competitors like Chinese VN-1 vehicles in tenders, with emphasis on interoperability within frameworks. No confirmed contracts have materialized beyond initial agreements, reflecting budgetary hurdles in Argentina's defense procurement.

Failed Bids and Geopolitical Rejections

In 2023, requested the purchase of up to 450 VBTP-MR Guarani vehicles from , including variants configured for , as part of efforts to bolster its armored capabilities amid the ongoing conflict with . The Brazilian government, through its , ultimately rejected the export authorization, adhering to a policy of neutrality and refusing to supply arms that could escalate the war. This decision persisted despite multiple Ukrainian inquiries since 2022 and appeals from manufacturer Defence Vehicles for permission to negotiate. Brazilian officials cited domestic production priorities for its own armed forces and a reluctance to align with Western arms suppliers in the conflict. The rejection prompted retaliatory measures from , a key supplier of components such as engines and transmissions integrated into the Guarani platform. In early 2023, German authorities imposed an embargo on re-exports of Guarani vehicles containing these parts, blocking deliveries to third countries including the , which had secured a for 28 units in 2020. This action, enforced by Germany's Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA), was interpreted by some analysts as leverage against Brazil's non-participation in arming , given Berlin's commitments under the . The embargo delayed Philippine shipments until September 27, 2023, when Germany lifted restrictions following diplomatic negotiations and assurances on end-use. Argentina evaluated the Guarani in a competitive tender for wheeled armored vehicles, competing against options like the Chinese Norinco VN-1 and U.S. Stryker, with initial interest in acquiring up to 156 units to modernize its forces. However, the bid did not advance to contract award, as Argentina cited technical incompatibilities and prioritized alternative platforms better suited to its operational requirements, such as interoperability with existing fleets. Similarly, Malaysia expressed interest in the Guarani for potential acquisition but ultimately did not proceed, opting for other vendors amid preferences for higher-mobility 8x8 configurations and regional supply chain considerations. These instances highlight how stances and dependencies on European partners have constrained Guarani exports, with Brazil's non-alignment in global conflicts creating friction in international defense markets. Despite such setbacks, the platform's domestic production emphasis has insulated it from broader sanctions risks, though reliance on imported subsystems remains a vulnerability for future deals.

Challenges and Criticisms

Procurement Delays and Cost Issues

The procurement of the VBTP-MR Guarani for the Brazilian Army originated with a December 2009 contract awarded to Defence Vehicles for the development and production of 2,044 units over a 20-year period, valued at approximately R$6 billion (equivalent to about $3.4 billion USD at the time). Production commenced in 2012 at 's Sete Lagoas facility, with initial deliveries to the Army occurring in 2014, though the pace fell short of projections for rapid fleet expansion. Fiscal constraints stemming from Brazil's economic and measures prompted a contract amendment, reducing the total acquisition to 1,580 units and extending deliveries through 2035, as budget contingencies limited annual funding allocations. This adjustment reflected broader defense spending cuts under spending caps, which slowed modernization programs including Guarani, resulting in deferred payments to the manufacturer and production halts during low-funding periods. By 2019, only the 400th unit had been delivered, underscoring the elongated timeline compared to the original schedule. Subsequent reviews considered further reductions to as few as 1,200 or 900 units, prioritizing alternative acquisitions like the VBMT LSR 4x4 Guaicurus by reallocating resources from Guarani in 2023 planning. These changes arose not from cost overruns in the fixed-price structure but from unpredictable defense budgets, which a federal audit by the TCU highlighted as risking oversight due to the program's complexity and duration amid fiscal volatility. Persistent funding shortfalls have thus protracted the transition to , with the Army operating a mixed fleet longer than anticipated.

Technical Limitations and Reliability Concerns

The VBTP-MR Guarani, while modular and amphibious, exhibits baseline armor protection limited to and artillery fragments, requiring optional add-on kits such as underbelly fragmentation and hull side armor to defend against and similar rocket-propelled grenades. These upgrades increase vulnerability to high-threat environments without prior installation, as the standard configuration prioritizes mobility over heavy protection, a common trade-off in 6x6 wheeled APCs operating in low-intensity conflicts. Operational feedback from the Brazilian Army has revealed reliability issues in key systems during prolonged marches, including electronic controls and transmission, where faults trigger automatic neutral selection and demand immediate diagnostics. Military theses principal subsystems prone to failures affecting , necessitating rigorous preventive to mitigate , though high failure indices persist in unresolved components despite most initial defects being addressed. The 383 hp Cursor 9 provides adequate power-to-weight for road speeds up to 110 km/h but shows limitations in off-road or laden configurations, contributing to evolutionary updates in the Guarani program based on field experiences. Amphibious capability, while functional at 9-10 km/h in water, is constrained by hull asymmetry from front-mounted placement, potentially exacerbating stability in currents or uneven bottoms. These concerns underscore the vehicle's reliance on logistical support for sustained operations, with studies emphasizing human factors in to sustain availability rates.

Strategic Implications and Alternatives

The VBTP-MR Guarani program's strategic implications reflect Brazil's prioritization of defense industrial autonomy, enabling technology transfer and local production to support long-term in armored vehicle sustainment amid dynamics and vast territorial defense needs. By fostering a domestic through partnerships like Defence Vehicles, the initiative aligns with the Brazilian Army's emphasizing high-mobility wheeled platforms for rapid deployment across diverse terrains, including Amazonian operations and border security. However, persistent delays—stemming from fiscal constraints that reduced annual output to 50-60 vehicles against a target exceeding 100—have slowed the replacement of legacy APCs, prolonging maintenance burdens and potentially eroding mechanized force readiness for asymmetric threats or contingencies in . These setbacks highlight causal risks in indigenous development: elevated costs and timelines versus faster integration of mature foreign systems, which could have mitigated vulnerabilities from supply chain dependencies on imported components, as evidenced in export delays due to third-party export controls. By 2025, over 600 units had been delivered, incrementally bolstering capabilities, yet the program's €2.5 billion scope underscores opportunity costs diverting funds from other modernization priorities like or . Alternatives to the Guarani included competitive bids from international firms during the initial VBTP selection, where Iveco prevailed due to its emphasis on and Brazilian content requirements, though specifics on rival proposals remain limited in public records. Off-the-shelf options such as the 6x6 or Boxer, proven in peer operations with superior ballistic protection in some configurations, represented viable imports for quicker fleet renewal but would have entailed higher foreign dependency and reduced industrial offsets. Brazil's commitment to the platform persists through upgrades like the UT30BR2 turret, yet strategic reviews under the Armored Forces Strategic Program suggest potential for diversified sourcing in future phases to balance autonomy with reliability.

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