The main developer of the VBTP-MR program, is Italy’s Iveco Defense Vehicle.
The VBTP-MR Guarani is a 6×6 armoured personnel carrier capable of carrying various combat modules and other equipment, with a six-wheel chassis. The VBTP-MR is fitted with an armour protection, which gives protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle can be fitted with add-on composite armor for improved protection. This armored personnel carrier has a V-shaped hull, which provides protection against landmines. Interior is fitted with a spall liner.
Guarani armored vehicle is powered by a 383 hp Iveco Cursor 9 diesel engine. The chassis is 6.9 m long, 2.7 m wide and 2.4 m high, and the weight of the armored vehicle is 16.7 tons. It can reach a maximum road speed of 110 km/h. The vehicle will also have hydro-pneumatic suspension, with operational range of 600km.
Guarani is operated by a crew of two and can carry 9 soldiers. The infantry fighting vehicle is equipped with a 30 mm Mk 44 automatic cannon. It could also be used as a reconnaissance vehicle, equipped with a 105 mm cannon, or as a 120 mm self-propelled mortar.
In November 2009, Brazil officially announced the start of the experimental phase. At this stage, the project was renamed Guarani. To date, the Brazilian army has received more than 500 units. It is expected that by 2030, the Brazilian army plans to buy up to 2044 Guarani armored fighting vehicles.
Very quickly, the VBTP-MR project has received the attention of a number of other countries, such as Argentina, Colombia, Chile and Ecuador. In 2017, a contract was signed with Lebanon, with 10 vehicles being exported. Not long ago, VBTP-MR project participated in bidding and won against other competitors in December 2020. The Philippine army signed a contract to buy 28 vehicles, with a total value of 47 million US dollars.
Based on the eight-wheeled version of the VBTP-MR, Iveco has developed a new platform, the SuperAV, with some key changes. This model was supplied to the Italian army to replace obsolete amphibious vehicles. Last year, SuperAVs was selected by the United States Marine Corps for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle program.
