According to sources consulted by Zona Militar, the Argentine Army is in the process of receiving its second batch of four (4) M1126 Stryker 8×8 Wheeled Armored Combat Vehicles (VCBR). More specifically, this shipment completes the original contract signed with the United States last year for a total of eight (8) armored vehicles, whose first delivery took place in late November, followed by their official presentation in early December.
As part of the VCBR Program, during 2025 the Argentine Army achieved one of the most significant milestones in the renewal of its armored personnel transport capabilities, materialized with the incorporation of a batch of eight 8×8 Stryker vehicles.
The arrival of the Strykers at the end of last year, and their subsequent presentation at the Army’s Directorate of Arsenals in Boulogne, Buenos Aires Province, brought to an end a decades-long process in which several candidates had been evaluated, such as the 6×6 VBTP-MR Guaraní and the Pandur II.
It is worth noting that prior to delivery and arrival in the country, Army personnel completed intensive training courses in the United States, where they became familiar with aspects such as safety procedures, driving, and preventive maintenance of the 8×8 platform.
Subsequently, their arrival at the Port of Zárate was confirmed, where part of the equipment they incorporate was detailed, highlighting the M151 Protector remote weapon stations manufactured by Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
With this background, and although their arrival had initially been expected by the end of 2025, following statements made during the presentation ceremony by the former Minister of Defense, Luis Petri, sources consulted indicated that the second batch of four 8×8 Stryker VCBRs recently arrived in the country via the same route as the first shipment.
Currently, the personnel assigned to their reception are reportedly completing the relevant documentation to begin their transfer to the unit designated to receive these new vehicles. It is also worth noting that the Argentine Army is awaiting the arrival of a logistics support package to move forward with training courses aimed at preparing additional personnel to operate the Strykers in the coming months.
This is no minor detail, as it is not only necessary for the selected vehicles to arrive in optimal condition, but also with the full logistics and support package required to ensure their operation—both for potential troop deployments and for conducting training programs for crews and support personnel responsible for maintenance and sustainment.
Finally, as previously reported by Zona Militar and acknowledged by the leadership of the Argentine Army, the reception of the first eight M1126 Strykers should be followed by additional batches of 8×8 VCBRs, with the aim of meeting the objectives set out in the VCBR Program, which envisages the acquisition of up to 209 vehicles.
These vehicles are intended to equip a Medium Brigade—specifically the 10th Mechanized Brigade, based in La Pampa Province—which serves as a core element of the capabilities projected by the Army’s Rapid Deployment Force (FDR).
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