The Argentine Army (Ejército Argentino) received its first batch of 10 Ford Ranger 3.2 XLS 4×4 MT6 pick-up trucks on 31 March. The purchase process for the new vehicles began in early 2019, when a request for proposals was issued and by mid-2019 Ford/Igarreta and Toyota Argentina had presented prototypes for evaluation, In December 2019, the Ranger was selected as the winning solution and the first order for 10 vehicles was placed. The pick-ups, which were built at Ford’s factory in Buenos Aires, were militarised by local company Igarreta. The new vehicles will begin to replace the service’s old Mercedes Benz 230Gs.
Modifications have included an air intake on the top, a large fender on the front incorporating a winch, reinforced suspension, a new electrical system, NATO-standard lights for night operations, fittings to carry a radio and four FAL rifles, roll protection, off-road tyres, a towing winch, tools, two 20-litre fuel drums, and additional coverings to accommodate troops or cargo in the rear. The aim is to continue testing the vehicles before a follow-on order is placed, with the army ultimately needing to replace what remains of 900 Mercedes-Benz 230Gs purchased in 1981.
