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The Brazilian Army has been modernizing its fleet of armored vehicles with the VBTP-MR Guarani, a 100% national armored vehicle that stands out for its impressive range of 600 km on just one fuel tank, a feature that has caught the attention of foreign military personnel and defense specialists.
Developed by the Science and Technology Department of the Brazilian Army in partnership with Iveco, the Guarani represents a significant evolution compared to the traditional EE-11 Urutu, which served the Armed Forces for over three decades. According to public data, the project was initially named “Urutu-3”, highlighting its proposal as a successor to the old national armored vehicle.
“The adoption of the Guarani vehicle into the ranks of the Army is completely valid, as it represents a significant advancement in the military field due to its technological evolution, greater combat efficiency, and safety for the troops”.
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Cutting-Edge Technology with Brazilian DNA
Produced at the Iveco factory in Sete Lagoas (MG), the Guarani is a success story in the national defense industry, with approximately 90% of its components sourced from Brazil. The steel for the armor, a crucial element for troop protection, is manufactured by Usiminas at its research and development center in Ipatinga.
The vehicle has a chassis formed by two long beams at the base, which houses the entire suspension and transmission elements. Over this assembly, an armor structure in the shape of a V has been mounted, capable of resisting mines of up to 6 kg, providing superior protection for its occupants.
Performance That Impresses in Any Terrain
The Guarani is equipped with a powerful 383 hp FPT Industrial Cursor 9F2C engine and a ZF Friedrichshafen 6HP602S automatic transmission, a combination that ensures excellent performance across various types of terrain. Its versatility allows for efficient operations in diverse Brazilian operational environments, from the Amazon rainforests to the Pampas region.
With amphibious capability, the Guarani can cross rivers and flooded areas, significantly expanding its tactical possibilities. Its maximum speed of 110 km/h on roads and a range of 600 km ensure quick movement and reduced refueling needs during extended operations.
Modern and Versatile Firepower
The armament system of the Guarani can include various configurations, such as the UT-30BR turret with a 30mm automatic cannon or the REMAX (Automated Machine Gun Repair X) for 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine guns. According to the monograph by Lucas Costa Pimentel, the firepower of the VBTP-MR Guarani represents a qualitative leap compared to systems previously used by the Brazilian Army.
The REMAX, developed by the Army Technological Center (CTEx), allows the operator to control the weapon from inside the vehicle, significantly enhancing crew protection. This system includes advanced features such as thermal vision and automatic target tracking.
Strategic Program for National Defense
The Guarani program is part of the National Defense Strategy (END) and the Defense Equipment and Articulation Plan (PAED), aiming to replace motorized infantry with mechanized infantry and modernize the mechanized cavalry of the Brazilian Army.
So far, hundreds of units have already been delivered to the Brazilian Army, with a forecast of manufacturing up to 2,044 vehicles in different versions over 20 years. The unit cost, according to public data, is approximately R$ 3.6 million, considered a competitive price for a vehicle with its characteristics.
In 2023, the Ukrainian government even requested the purchase of 450 Guarani armored vehicles for use in humanitarian missions amid the Russo-Ukrainian War, demonstrating international recognition of the quality of the Brazilian vehicle, although the sale was later vetoed by the Brazilian government.
The Guarani represents not only a technological advancement for the Brazilian Armed Forces but also a milestone for the national defense industry, proving that Brazil has the capacity to develop and produce high-performance military equipment that meets the most demanding international standards.
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