Special Forces of Bulgaria have received Guardian Xtreme MRAP 4x4 armored vehicles.

According to information published at the end of December 2021, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense took delivery of 45 armored vehicles including Guardian Xtreme 4x4 MRAP vehicle and Toyota pickup that will be used by the Bulgarian Special Forces. An official ceremony was held in the factory of the Bulgarian company Samel-90.
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In December 2021, Bulgarian MoD took delivery of new armored vehicles Guardian Xtreme and Toyota pick at the Samel-90 factory, in Samokov, southwest of Sofia, Bulgaria. (Picture source Bulgarian MoD)

According to Samel-90, it is planned to deliver a total of 98 combat vehicles to the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense (MoD) that will be built in 10 different variants and the deliveries to be completed by the end of 2022. Official pictures published on the official website of the Bulgarian MoD show Guardian Xtreme 4x4 armored vehicles and Toyota 4x4 pickup fitted with two doors can and enclosed cabin at the rear.

The contract for the supply of armored vehicles for the Special Operations Forces was concluded on December 8, 2020, between the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense and the Bulgarian company Samel-30. The contract includes the delivery of 98 wheeled armored and tactical vehicles in 10 different variants. The delivery of all the vehicles will be carried out over a period of 3 years.

For the Guardian Xtreme 4x4 armored vehicles, the Bulgarian company Samel-90 has signed a collaboration agreement with the UAE-based company International Armored Group (IAG) to finalize the integration and customization of all the combat equipment on the vehicles.

The Guardian Xtreme is a 4x4 wheeled armored vehicle in the category of MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) developed and manufactured by the company IAG. The design of the vehicle is based on V-Hull shaped floor to increase protection against the blast of mines and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) explosions.

The Guardian Xtreme provides ballistic protection STANAG Level II against the firing of small arms 7.62×39mm API BZ at 30 meters and mine protection STANAG 2a, 2b and 3a offering a withstand of 8 kg TNT explosion under the wheels.

The Guardian Xtreme has a conventional layout with the engine at the front, crew including driver and commander in the middle, and troops compartment at the rear. It can sit up to 10 fully geared military personnel including driver and commander and is equipped with military grade certified blast attenuation seats. Optional accessories can be integrated which include automatic remote control weapon station, thermal imaging surveillance camera systems, grenade launchers, black-out lights, and much more.

International Armored Group IAG Guardian Xtreme 4x4 MRAP armored vehicle. (Picture source Army Recognition)