Elbit Systems Ltd. announced today that it was awarded a contract valued at approximately $46 million to supply VBTP 6X6 Armored Personnel Carriers (“APCs”) to an Asia-Pacific Army believed to be the Philippine Army. The contract will be performed over a three-year period. As the prime contractor, Elbit Systems will supply the VBTP 6X6 wheeled APCs that were developed by Iveco Defence Vehicles (“Iveco”) in cooperation with the Brazilian Army. The VBTP 6X6 APCs will be equipped with Elbit Systems’ turrets and a range of the Company’s subsystems including electric drive and stabilization systems, fire control systems, TORCH-XTM battle management systems, E-LynXTM software defined radio systems, gunner and commander sights as well as life support systems.
Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit Systems Land, commented: “We are pleased with our continuous co-operation with Iveco, particularly with our capacity to contribute to the export efforts of the Brazilian defense industry. We believe that our strong portfolio of subsystems positions us advantageously to lead procurement programs of armored vehicles, especially as the missions they are tasked with become more diverse and increasingly networked.”
The VBTP-MR Guarani (Viatura Blindada Transporte de Pessoal – Média de Rodas) is a 6×6 armoured personnel carrier developed by Iveco and the Brazilian Army as part of its “URUTU-III” modernization program aimed to replace all EE-11 Urutu by 2015. The 8×8 version of the VBTP-MR is the base of Iveco’s Superav armoured personnel carrier.In the program other Brazilian Companies also participated, such as IMBEL (Communications), ELBIT (Armaments), Usiminas and Villares (development of national ballistic structural steel). The requirements for the VBTP-MR VBCI included an ELBIT remote control turret, equipped with a Mk44 Bushmaster II cannon and a 7.62mm machine gun; it should also be able fire anti-tank guided missiles. This turret, capable of 360 degree swivel and elevation / depression of -15 to +60 degrees, was chosen by the Brazilian Army.
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. Elbit Systems Ltd. is an Israel-based international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs throughout the world. The company also focuses on the upgrading of existing military platforms, developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and providing a range of support services, including training and simulation systems.
