• Brazil will induct around 1,800 6x6 armoured personnel carriers (APC) by the end of 2025
• The country signed a deal last year for 420 light multirole vehicles (LMV)
• In search of a new infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) and main battle tank (MBT), Brazil’s Army will continue operating legacy M113s as an intermediary

Brazil is moving forward with several armoured vehicle programmes according to personnel presenting their progress on acquiring three vehicle types during the Future Armoured Vehicles Survivability conference in London on 18 November 2025.

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 one of the platforms, the 6x6 APC, which comes under the auspices of the Brazilian Army’s manufacturing directorate.

It is worth noting that the presentation took place in the UK, which prompted serious consideration over lessons for the British Army’s own efforts to simplify and replace its convoluted force structure comprising many different legacy vehicle types through the Land Mobility Programme.

Guarani 6x6 APC

Guarani are a family of six-wheeled APCs jointly developed by Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV), based in Sete Lagoas, and the Brazilian Army, which can carry up to 11 fully equipped troops. Notably, the platform can be transported by a KC-390 Millennium tactical airlifter.

There is an option for one of three weapon station configurations: the UT30BR 30mm cannon, REMAX 7.62mm/12.7mm, and the ringmount PLATT/REMAN of the same calibre.

Coehlho also drew attention to a new 81mm mortar transport version of the Guarani APC, which was designed by the Army arsenal in Rio de Janeiro. The concept was tested in the Army’s test and evaluation centre, and the service anticipate the production of 60 units by the end of this year.

Likewise, she added, the service has also opened “conceptual development negotiations” for an anti-aircraft version of the APC. No further details were given regarding whether the weapon system would be automated or remotely operated.

Guaicurus 4x4 LMV

Brazil initially procured 48 four-wheeled LMVs in 2019, all of which are now in service, this was followed up with a $240m contract in July 2024 for an additional 420 units and delivery of this tranche is expected to begin in 2026.

Much like the 6x6, the 4x4 LMV will feature both manual and remote controlled weapon systems tailored to meet the demands of modern warfare scenarios.

With a decade-long horizon, this contract enhances operational readiness and stimulates economic growth through localised production and technology transfer.

M113 intermediary

Meanwhile, the Brazilian Army are also exploring the market to fill gaps in the heavier firepower segment of its force structure. A “prospection” is ongoing for a new IFV and MBT, Coehlho said, insisting that the two armoured fighting vehicles will be based on a common platform.

In the meantime, the Army will continue to operate American-made legacy M113 A2 Mk 1 combat vehicles, of which GlobalData intelligence indicates there are 386 in active service, but these were acquired between 1962-76.

Nevertheless, the Army will integrate the indigenously developed remote controlled weapon system, REMAX 4, jointly developed by the Army and a local company called ARES.