A shipment of six (6) Oshkosh M-ATV Medium Armored Vehicles—out of a total of 36—and six (6) Mk23 7-ton all-terrain (6×6) trucks—out of a total of 60—has arrived at the Port of Montevideo. These vehicles were acquired through the United States’ Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, coming from U.S. Marine Corps stockpiles, following two years of negotiations initiated in 2023 with the U.S. Embassy’s Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) in Uruguay and the U.S. Navy International Programs Office (NIPO).
The M-ATV, officially designated by the Marine Corps as the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected/All-Terrain Vehicle (MRAP/ATV), is a 4×4 light armored tactical vehicle, designed for protection against mines and ambushes. It features a turret equipped with mounts for a .50 caliber machine gun and can also be fitted with grenade launchers. The version acquired by Uruguay is the M1240A1 Special Forces model, built for complex operations and battlefield uncertainty, thanks to its fully configurable and integrated C4ISR systems that provide enhanced situational awareness and communications. It is a highly versatile vehicle, suitable for low-intensity operations such as peacekeeping missions or border patrol duties. Initially, the Uruguayan Army planned to acquire only 20 vehicles, but given their excellent condition and versatile capabilities, the number was increased to 36.
Regarding the tactical trucks (6×6), the Oshkosh MK23 and MK25 models—known in the Marine Corps as “Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) trucks”—are cargo vehicles (7 tons off-road and 15 tons on-road) intended to support tactical operations. Most are standard short-bed cargo trucks, with some variants like crane trucks. All MTVRs are powered by a Caterpillar C-12 diesel engine, 11.9 liters, six cylinders, delivering 425 hp at 1800 rpm. They feature a seven-speed Allison automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive. The MK25 model also includes a 20,000-pound (9,072 kg) winch for self-recovery. These vehicles will enable the Uruguayan Army to strengthen both its core mission areas and support roles, such as aiding the National Emergency System in responding to natural disasters and national emergencies.
The 12 vehicles are expected to be transferred shortly to the Army’s Materiel and Armament Service (SMA) for inspection and the completion of necessary documentation to ensure proper operation and maintenance, prior to being assigned to active units.
With this acquisition, the Uruguayan National Army takes a significant step forward in modernizing its military equipment, reaffirming its commitment to national security and international defense cooperation.
*Photos: Uruguayan Army.
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