Argentina and Brazil sign a Letter of Intent for the procurement of 156 “Guaraní 6×6” wheeled armoured combat vehicles for the Argentine Army
Argentina Ministry of Defence – published on 23 January 2023. Within the framework of the bilateral meeting between both countries held this Monday, the Minister of Defense Jorge Taiana and the Foreign Minister of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Mauro Vieira, signed a Letter of Intent in order to promote the contractual negotiations between the Argentine Army and IVECO Defence Vehicles for the procurement and putting into service of 156 units of the “Guaraní 6×6” wheeled armoured combat vehicle.
The production of the “Guaraní 6×6 ” wheeled armoured combat vehicles includes parts that are manufactured in the Republic of Argentina, more precisely at the Iveco factory in the province of Córdoba.
In addition to the incorporation of the armoured combat vehicles, the transfer of technology was included in the Letter of Intent, for the progressive increment of manufactured parts in Argentina, the logistic support and the training of crews and technical personnel of the Argentine Army.
This signature represents a success in the integration of the respective industries and reinforce the actions aiming to strengthening the integration, cooperation and mutual trust agenda between the two countries.
On the other hand, this acquisition will also lead to a better interoperability between the armies of Argentina and Brazil, since they would operate with the same vehicle on one side and the other of the border.
Of the 156 units that Argentina requests for the Army, there are 120 Personal Transport Vehicles (VCBR-TP) with a machine gun armed turret, 27 Infantry Combat Vehicles (VCBR-CI) with a gun turret and 9 Command Vehicles (VCBR -PC).
About the Guaraní 6×6
The “Guaraní” 6×6, is an armoured wheeled vehicle for the transportation of amphibious troops, which features different levels of equipment, artillery and logistical support. Currently, the Brazilian Army has approximately 500 operational vehicles.
In addition, it is equipped with a modern operating system (communications and night vision) and thanks to its characteristics it has the mission of constituting the first military response to a crisis, which could provide the two States with an effective tool for combined military action, contributing to the stability in the region.
It is therefore that the Argentine Army carried out detailed studies of it since 2020, being considered the most suitable for its needs, its potential, the proximity to Brazil and the possibility of being manufactured in the country.
Unofficial translation by EDR On-Line
Photo courtesy IDV
