Brazilian army takes delivery of the 300th Guarani armored vehicle.

On March 16, 2018 at the IVECO factory in Sete Lagoas, Brazil, a delivery ceremony took place marking the reception of the 300th Guarani armored vehicle to the Brazilian army. This ceremony confirms the success of the Guarani program in terms of technological development and employment of Brazilians.

Guarani 6x6 armoured vehicle in IFV configuration with unmanned turret UT30 armed with one 30mm automatic cannon (Picture source Wikipedia)

In December 2009, Brazil signed a EUR 2.5 billion deal with Italian Company Iveco Defence Vehicles for the purchase of a new wheeled armored personnel carrier fleet, and revive Brazil’s land vehicle defense industry.

Brazil’s armored vehicle fleet is currently dominated by a set of Engesa’s vehicles. The EE-11 Urutu is one of the standard wheeled armoured vehicle in service with the Braziian army. The new Guarani will replace the fleet of EE-9 and EE-11 armoured vehicles in service with the Brazilian army, that were manufactured by the Brazilian Company Engensa.

The contract covers the delivery of 2,044 vehicles and logistical support for a period of 20 years. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2012, and continue for 18 years.

The Guarani was designed by the company Italian Company Iveco Defence Vehicles. It was presented for the first time at the Defence Exhibition LAAD in April 2011. In December 2012, The Italian Defence Company IVECO has delivered the first batch of VBTP-MR Guarani 6x6 armoured vehicle to the Brazilian army.

The Guarani is a 6x6 armoured vehicle personnel carrier which is based on an modular architecture allowing the integration of different turrets, weapons, sensors and communications systems onto the same chassis. This armored personnel carrier has a V-shaped hull, which provides protection against landmines. Interior is fitted with a spall liner.

The IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) version of the Guarani is fitted with an UT30 turret, armed with one 30mm gun and one 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun. This remote controlled weapon station is being delivered by Elbit's Brazilian subsidiary, AEL Sistemas.