Brazil to buy additional VBMT-LSR Guaicurus 4×4 vehicles

The new VBMT-LSR Guaicurus vehicles will include configurations with the new Ares REMAX 4 remotely controlled weapon station. (Victor Barreira)

The Manufacturing Directorate of the Brazilian Army plans to acquire up to 420 new Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV) Light Multirole Vehicles (LMVs).

The IDV and the Army High Staff signed a protocol of intent on 17 April to pave the way for this acquisition. Designated Viatura Blindada Multitarefa Leve Sobre Rodas (VBMT-LSR) Guaicurus in Brazil, the 4×4 vehicle project is part of the army's Strategic Program Armoured Forces (Programa Estratégico do Exército Forças Blindadas: Prg EE F Bld).

The contract for the acquisition is currently being drafted, according to the army's projects office.

The Brazilian LMV will be acquired in different configurations, the army's Manufacturing Directorate told Janes in 2023.

The original VBMT-LSR project called for acquiring an initial batch of 32 LMVs and placing subsequent orders for two tranches of 77 vehicles each. The plan has since evolved to procuring 420 vehicles, thanks to ordering fewer new IDV VBTP-MSR Guarani 6×6 armoured vehicles than originally planned, a defence sector source told Janes .

To read more on Brazil's armour upgrade, please seeIAV 2024: Brazil upgrades armour.