As part of the most significant modernization process in recent decades, the Paraguayan Army confirmed that in 2027 it will receive its first Oshkosh M-ATV 4×4 armored vehicles, transferred by the United States under the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program. The incorporation of these vehicles marks a qualitative leap in terms of tactical mobility and personnel protection, consolidating the comprehensive renewal that the land force has been promoting since 2024, with the support of the Ministry of National Defense.
In this regard, the Army commander, General Manuel Rodríguez, highlighted that the arrival of the M-ATVs is part of a two-stage plan aimed at modernizing both the administrative and tactical assets of the institution. In total, the Army plans to add more than 150 new and refurbished vehicles to its motor pool, with the objective of improving deployment capability and personnel care. This process includes buses, utility vehicles, cargo vehicles, and armored vehicles, among which the M-ATVs represent the main novelty in the protected transport segment.
Currently, the force has a fleet of Brazilian-origin EE-9 Cascavel and EE-11 Urutu armored vehicles, which have served for decades in mechanized units. The arrival of 20 M-ATVs will allow the reinforcement of operations against organized crime and the transport of troops in hostile environments. Their combat-proven design offers high mobility over difficult terrain and superior protection against mines and ambushes, adapting to the Paraguayan Army’s needs in terms of security and internal deployment.
The Oshkosh M-ATV is a 14-ton 4×4 vehicle with a range of 500 kilometers, capable of transporting up to five fully equipped personnel. It is prepared to integrate various weapons systems, ranging from M240 machine guns or Mk 19 grenade launchers to BGM-71 TOW or MILAN anti-tank missiles. Its robust architecture, combined with the independent TAK-4 suspension, provides it with great maneuverability and durability, making it a versatile platform for both military operations and humanitarian support or border control missions.
This incorporation adds to another recent milestone in the modernization of the Paraguayan Army, namely the upcoming arrival of six 105 mm M108 howitzers donated by Brazil. These are the first self-propelled artillery pieces in the country’s history, implying an expansion of its combat capabilities. This will be complemented by the donation of 20 modernized 6×6 EE-11 Urutu armored vehicles, strengthening the force’s mechanized and artillery components.
In this way, Paraguay is following a modernization process similar to that of the Uruguayan National Army, which also incorporated Oshkosh M-ATV vehicles through U.S. transfers. In the Uruguayan case, the force received 36 units a few days ago and conducted operation and maintenance courses together with technicians from the company ManTech. This trend reinforces defense cooperation between the United States and South American countries, while promoting interoperability among regional armies equipped with state-of-the-art systems.
Images used for illustrative purposes.-
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