Brazil's Guarani program is a modular leap in armored vehicle design and military capability

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The VBTP-MR Guarani is more than just an armored personnel carrier. Developed by the Brazilian Army and Iveco, this 6x6 platform was designed to replace aging fleets with a modular system capable of supporting everything from ambulances to heavy fire-support turrets, marking a significant shift in South American defense technology.

The Guarani project, originally known as Urutu-III, began in 1999 when the Brazilian Army issued a requirement for a new family of amphibious armored vehicles. The goal was to replace the legacy EE-9 Cascavel and EE-11 Urutu models with a versatile, modular carriage. This design philosophy allows the military to swap turrets, sensors, and communication systems depending on the mission, whether it involves reconnaissance, command and control, or infantry support. The vehicle features modern upgrades such as independent hydropneumatic suspension, improved mine protection, GPS, and night-operation capabilities.

The program has faced significant shifts in scale and procurement. Initially, the Brazilian Army signed a contract with Iveco for 2,044 vehicles, but this order was later reduced to 1,580 units, with further discussions in 2023 suggesting a potential cut to around 900. Despite these fluctuations, the Guarani has seen active deployment across various Brazilian units, including the 33rd Motorized Infantry Battalion and the 11th Mechanized Infantry Brigade. The vehicle is also being positioned for export, with interest noted from nations like Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador, and confirmed orders from Ghana and the Philippines.

Technical versatility remains the program's hallmark. Variants under development or in service include the VBCI infantry fighting vehicle, equipped with a 30mm cannon, and mortar carriers. The integration of advanced systems, such as the REMAX turret and Elbit remote control systems, provides commanders with stabilized, high-precision firing capabilities. While the program has faced geopolitical hurdles—such as the 2023 veto of a proposed sale to Ukraine—the Guarani represents a major industrial achievement for Brazil, involving domestic partners like IMBEL, Usiminas, and AEL Sistemas to ensure local production and long-term logistical support.

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