ARMOURED VEHICLES SOUTH AMERICA.
Paulo Dominonni
My Mission is to support Executives and their Companies in Building Businesses with their Products in the Brazilian Defense Market . Strategist I Business Focus I Military Market I Police Market.
The South American market for armored vehicles is expected to increase from US$417 million in 2024 to US$563 million in 2029, at a CAGR of 6.2%. With a cumulative spending of US$3.1 billion through 2024 2029..
Brazil is the largest market in the region, with a cumulative spending of US$1.9 billion over the period 2024-2029, followed by Columbia – US$434 million, and Argentina - US$386 million.
The leading programs include Brazil's procurement of 1,416 VBTP Guarans APCs for US$2.4 billion and 221 Centauro II tactical vehicles for US$2.1 billion, Colombia's acquisition of 55 light armored vehicles for US$313 million, Argentina's acquisition of 120 6x6 Guarani for US$201 million, and Chile's 280 MARDER 1A3 IFVs for US$140 million.
ARGENTINA APC, IFV and Tactical and support vehicles In February 2023, Argentina announced its plan to procure 156 domestically produced 6x6 Guarani VCBR TP vehicles in APC, IFV and tactical vehicle variants from Iveco.
In the following months, the Argentine Army conducted an extensive technical-operational evaluation (ETO) of the Guarani test vehicles across various geographical environments, successfully passing all tests. However,
Argentina has been unable to finalize the procurement due to Brazil's reluctance to fund the project. Meanwhile, Argentina is considering proposals for several 8×8 wheeled armored combat vehicles, including the M1126 Stryker from the US, the Pandur II from Israel, and the LAV 5 model 2003 from New Zealand.
A contract is anticipated to be signed by the end of 2024 or early 2025. MBT: TAM 2C modernization In June 2022, domestic company Industrias Mecánicas Pescarmona SA (IMPSA) won a contract from the Argentine army to upgrade the turret of the Argentine Medium Tank (TAM) as part of the TAM 2C modernization program.
This program involves the modernization of the FCS and commanders/gunners' optics and stabilization of the 105mm gun, which would allow the TAM MBT to detect and engage targets under various weather conditions or at any time of the day/night. It also includes a new sighting system, much like the Commander Open Architecture Panoramic Sight (COAPS) system made by Elbit Systems, and a new detection system.
The first modernized TAM was delivered to the Army the following October, with all 126 units expected to enter service by 2029. The total program value has been estimated at around US$189 million
BRAZIL LMV: BR2/VBMT-LR program In July 2024, the Brazilian army signed a US$257.3 million contract with Italy's Iveco Defense to acquire 420 LMV-BR 2 light multirole vehicles, referred to domestically as “Guaicurus.” These vehicles are anticipated to enhance the army's tactical readiness across diverse terrains.
The LMV-BR 2, introduced in 2001, is a 4×4 light armored vehicle designed for transport, reconnaissance, combat, and peacekeeping missions. It features a V-hull and a collapsible sandwich structure for protection against mine blasts, while its modular design allows for customizable armor based on specific needs.
Under the contract, Brazil will receive two variants of the LMV-BR 2: one featuring a manual weapon system and the other with a remote-controlled weapons station. Production will occur at Iveco's facility in southeastern Brazil, with deliveries slated to start in 2026 and continue through 2029. Tactical and Support Vehicles: Centauro II - VBC Cav-MSR In November 2022, the Brazilian army contracted a Leonardo and Iveco consortium to search for around 98 Centauro II tactical vehicles, with the total procurement expected to increase to 221 vehicles over the long term.
The Centauro II was selected over other competing designs, such as the LAV 700 with a Cockerill turret by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), the Tigon by Hanwha, the ST-1 by NORINCO, the Eitan by Ares-Elbit Systems, and the Kestrel by Tata Motors. The vehicles are expected to replace the Army's aging fleet of EE-9 Cascavel armored cars. The total program is expected to value over US$2 billion, with around US$420 million being spent over the period 2024-2029.
领英推荐
APC: Guarani VBTP-MR 6x6 ARMORED VEHICLE GLOBAL DEFENCE ACQUISITION REPORT 2025-2029 In December 2009, the Brazilian army contracted Iveco to procure as many as 2,044 VBTP-MR Guarani APCs for a total consideration of around US$3.4 billion.
However, financial considerations trimmed this number to 1,416, with deliveries spread out until 2037. IDV is currently producing 60 Brazilian vehicles annually at the plant in Sete Lagoas. Each vehicle is 6.91m long, 2.34m high, and has an overall width of 2.7m. It has an empty weight of 14.5t and a gross vehicle weight of 17.7t for amphibious operations. It is also equipped with a turret built by Elbit Systems and features electric drive and stabilization systems, fire control systems, gunner and commander sights, and life support systems. The total program value has been revised to US$2.4 billion, with US$629 million expected to be spent over the period 2024-2029
CHILE APC: Bastion 4×4 armored vehicles In December 2023, France's Arquus secured a contract to supply five Bastion 4×4 armored vehicles to Chie.
The Arquus Bastion is a modular 12.5-ton armored vehicle built on the 4×4 chassis derived from the company's VLRA light tactical vehicle family. It is designed to provide a blend of tactical performance, durability, and easy maintenance, accommodating a crew of two and eight additional personnel.
Production of the Bastions has already commenced at Arquus's New Vehicle Production Center of Excellence in Limoges, with deliveries scheduled for the end of 2024. While the contract value has not been disclosed, Chile is expected to invest approximately US$5 million in this program in 2024
PERU Wheeled Armored Vehicle (WAV) - K808 In May 2024, the Peruvian Army signed a contract with a consortium of South Korean defense manufacturers, STX and Hyundai Rotem, for the procurement of K808 wheeled armored vehicles.
Under the terms of the contract, Peru's Arms and Ammunition Factory (FAME SAC) will collaborate with the Korean manufacturers, and a new vehicle assembly plant will be set up at FAME headquarters to produce a range of advanced special units.
This agreement positions STX-Hyundai Rotem as a primary supplier of defense and specialized vehicles for the Peruvian Army. The Army is set to receive 120 K-808 White Tiger 8x8 wheeled armored vehicles by 2029, with the initial batch of 30 units expected by the end of 2025. The K-808 is designed with puncture-resistant tires and an automatic control system that adjusts tire pressure based on terrain. It also features an amphibious propulsion system, allowing it to navigate rivers.
Peru is anticipated to invest around US$240 million in this program from 2024 to 2029.
SOURCE:DEFENSEIQ