Brazil to Induct 1,800 Guarani 6×6 APCs by End of 2025, Advances LMV Fleet and Eyes New IFV/MBT

United Kingdom – Brazil is accelerating its armoured modernization, with the Army set to induct around 1,800 Guarani 6×6 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) by the end of 2025. The country also signed a $240 million contract in July 2024 for 420 Guaicurus 4×4 light multirole vehicles (LMVs), while continuing a market search for a new infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) and main battle tank (MBT). A presentation on the programme took place in the UK, offering comparisons with British land mobility efforts.

Key Developments

• ~1,800 Guarani 6×6 APCs to be fielded by end of 2025.
• $240 million for 420 Guaicurus LMVs signed in July 2024; deliveries start in 2026.
• New 81mm mortar transport variant of Guarani; 60 units expected by the end of this year.
• Brazil in “prospection” for a new IFV and MBT on a common platform.
• Legacy M113 A2 Mk 1 vehicles remain in service; integration of REMAX 4 remote weapon system planned.

Modernization Built on Common Platforms

Each vehicle family in Brazil’s programme is designed on a common baseline with modular mission kits. “Each vehicle family is based on a common platform. Each of these baseline vehicles are designed to be fitted with different mission modules,” said Captain Rebeca Camurco Coehlho, technical manager for the 6×6 APC within the Brazilian Army’s manufacturing directorate.

The presentation’s UK setting prompted comparisons with the British Army’s Land Mobility Programme, which aims to rationalize a complex mix of legacy platforms.

Guarani 6×6 Armoured Personnel Carrier

The Guarani family, jointly developed by Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV) in Sete Lagoas and the Brazilian Army, provides protected mobility for up to 11 fully equipped troops. The APC can be air-transported by the KC-390 Millennium tactical airlifter, enhancing rapid deployment options across Brazil’s vast geography.

Weapon station configurations for the Guarani include:

• UT30BR 30mm cannon
• REMAX 7.62mm/12.7mm
• Ringmount PLATT/REMAN (7.62mm/12.7mm)

Coehlho highlighted a new 81mm mortar transport variant designed by the Army arsenal in Rio de Janeiro. The concept has passed testing at the Army’s test and evaluation centre, with the service anticipating 60 units by the end of this year.

She added that the service has opened “conceptual development negotiations” for an anti-aircraft version of the APC. No further details were disclosed on whether the system will be automated or remotely operated.

Guaicurus 4×4 LMV: Fleet Growth and Localization

Brazil initially acquired 48 LMVs in 2019, all of which are in service. A follow-on $240 million contract in July 2024 for 420 additional Guaicurus vehicles is set to begin delivery in 2026. The programme supports local industrial participation through localized production and technology transfer, underpinning both military readiness and economic benefits.

Like the 6×6, the 4×4 LMV will be equipped with manual and remote-controlled weapon systems tailored for current operational needs.

IFV/MBT “Prospection” and the M113 Intermediary

To address heavy armour gaps, the Army is conducting a market “prospection” for a new IFV and MBT, with both planned to share a common platform, according to Coehlho. Until new platforms are selected and fielded, the Army will continue operating American-made M113 A2 Mk 1 combat vehicles.

According to GlobalData intelligence, 386 M113 A2 Mk 1s are in active service in Brazil, acquired between 1962-1976. The Army plans to upgrade firepower and survivability on selected legacy platforms by integrating the indigenously developed REMAX 4 remote weapon system, a joint development between the Army and local firm ARES.

UK Context and Interoperability Considerations

The UK venue for the Brazilian briefing underscores shared modernization themes across NATO partners and allies. Brazil’s emphasis on common platforms, modularity, and scalable lethality reflects broader trends aimed at simplifying fleets, strengthening logistics, and boosting deployability.

Conclusion

Brazil’s armoured modernization is gathering pace, led by the Guarani 6×6 APC induction through 2025 and a significant expansion of the Guaicurus 4×4 LMV fleet. As the Army advances new variants-including mortar transport and potential air-defense-while pursuing a new IFV and MBT, legacy M113 A2 Mk 1 vehicles will bridge the capability gap with upgrades such as REMAX 4. Delivery timelines, local production, and common-platform strategies position Brazil for greater operational readiness and industrial resilience in the decade ahead.