Philippines Reinforces Firepower: Guarani APCs Boost Military Might Amid Regional Tensions

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Philippine Army has taken a significant leap forward in its military modernization efforts with the official induction of its first VBTP-MR Guarani 6×6 armored personnel carrier (APC).

The delivery of VBTP- MR Guarani APC marks a crucial milestone as Manila seeks to bolster its defensive and offensive capabilities amid intensifying regional security challenges.

The state-of-the-art armored vehicle, developed by Brazil’s IDV Latam in partnership with Italian defense manufacturer IVECO, was formally handed over in a high-profile ceremony.

This procurement reflects not only the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening its mechanized forces, but also underscores the deepening defense ties between Manila and Brasilia, signaling a strategic shift towards diversified military partnerships.

The newly inducted Guarani APCs will be deployed under the Philippine Army’s Armor Division, a critical component in the country’s defense apparatus.

The APCs are expected to enhance operational readiness, offering battlefield versatility through multi-domain warfare capabilities, and positioning the division as a world-class armored force capable of executing rapid-response and high-intensity combat missions.

“Our objective is to develop a stronger, more resilient military force for a ‘New Philippines’,” stated Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido, highlighting the significance of the new platforms in reinforcing national security.

In February 2020, Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems secured a US$46 million (RM204 million) contract to supply an undisclosed number of Guarani APCs—manufactured by Iveco Defence Vehicles—to an unspecified military in the Asia-Pacific region.

Subsequent reports later confirmed that the contract was awarded under the Philippine Army’s Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier Acquisition Project, a key initiative aimed at modernizing its mechanized infantry units and reinforcing territorial defense capabilities.

The Philippine Army has reportedly ordered 28 units of the Guarani APC, each outfitted with a cutting-edge Remote Control Weapon Station (RCWS) developed by Elbit Systems.

This sophisticated firepower enhancement package ensures that the APC remains highly lethal in both defensive and offensive roles.

The RCWS system integrates a 12.7mm heavy machine gun alongside a 40mm automatic grenade launcher, delivering precise and overwhelming firepower against infantry, light-armored vehicles, and asymmetric threats.

This weapon configuration grants troops superior fire superiority, particularly in urban combat environments and high-risk operational theaters.

Beyond fortifying the APC’s survivability, the integration of an RCWS-equipped Guarani transforms the platform into a formidable force multiplier, empowering Philippine Army personnel with enhanced fire control, target acquisition, and long-range engagement capabilities.

The initial batch of Guarani APCs will soon be reinforced with nine additional units, expected to arrive in the Philippines before year-end.

These vehicles will significantly augment the Philippine Army’s ability to conduct high-speed, large-scale operations across diverse battle environments, from coastal defense operations to counterinsurgency missions.

Furthermore, an additional 14 units are currently in advanced production stages, ensuring that the Philippine Army will soon operate a fully modernized, highly mobile, and heavily armed armored fleet.

The deployment of these vehicles aligns with Manila’s broader defense modernization agenda, which seeks to establish a strategic deterrent posture against emerging regional threats.

This landmark procurement initiative is part of the Philippines’ long-term military modernization roadmap, designed to address escalating geopolitical risks in the South China Sea and beyond.

The Guarani APCs will seamlessly integrate with existing armored platforms, reinforcing the Philippine Army’s combat doctrine of speed, firepower, and survivability.

With this capability expansion, the Philippine Army continues to fortify its mechanized forces, ensuring that its land warfare assets remain combat-ready, resilient, and fully equipped to tackle contemporary security threats, defend territorial sovereignty, and project force when necessary.

As regional power dynamics continue to shift, Manila’s acquisition of armored assets reflects a proactive approach to deterrence and force modernization, further solidifying its place among the most rapidly evolving military forces in Southeast Asia.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA