Philippines awards contract to Elbit Systems for Iveco VBTP 6x6 armored personnel carriers
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| The VBTP 6x6 APC from Iveco Defence Vehicles, which will be delivered by Elbit Systems to an Asia-Pacific army believed to be the Philippine Army. Photo c/o Elbit Systems. |
Israeli defense company Elbit Systems confirmed in a press release 0n 07 February 2021, that it has been awarded a contract worth US$46 million for the supply of VBTP 6x6 wheeled armored personnel carriers (APC) to an army of an Asia-Pacific country.
As the prime contractor, Elbit Systems will work with Iveco Defence Vehicles to supply the Brazilian-made VBTP APC, and integrated Elbit Systems’ products including turrets, electric drive and stabilisation systems, fire control systems, TORCH-X Battlefield Management Systems (BMS), E-Lynx software defined radio (SDR) systems, gunner and commander sights and life support systems.
While the country was not identified, Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines confirmed in October 2020 that the Philippine Army selected Elbit Systems to supply 28 new VBTP-MR Guarani 6x6 wheeled APCs together with Elbit’s TORCH-X BMS and E-Lynx SDRs under a Php2.265 billion (US$46 million) deal.
The VBTP APC, also known as the Guarani in Brazilian Army service, was developed by Iveco Defense Vehicles with the Brazilian Army to replace older armored vehicles. It is powered by an Iveco-FPT 9-liter 281KW bi-fuel common-rail engine, coupled with an automatic gearbox. It is 7.0 meters long, 2.7 meters wide and 2.3 meters tall, and can be transported by C-130 aircraft.
No information was provided by Elbit Systems with regards to weapon systems, but it appears that it would have a manned turret with 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine guns.
This is the second major deal signed by Elbit Systems with the Philippines in 2021, after being awarded a contract to supply the Sabrah Light Tank system for the Philippine Army last January 2021. The Sabrah Light Tanks are also equipped with the TORCH-X BMS, E-Lynx SDR, weapons and fire control systems and other equipment from Elbit Systems.
[1] Elbit Systems
[3] Philippine Defense Resource
Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal
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February 08, 2021
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