Within the framework of the interview with the Director General of Materiel of the Argentine Army, Brigadier General Pablo Javier Rolando, Zona Militar had the opportunity to learn what the latest progress and expectations are for the VCBR 8×8 Stryker program. The aforementioned project is one of the many initiatives being carried out by the institution in order to incorporate new capabilities and develop its modernization cores.
Currently, a large part of the activities with the new M1126 Stryker combat vehicles are being carried out at the Army’s Directorate of Arsenals, more precisely at the 601st Arsenals Battalion. It is worth noting that the facilities in Boulogne also host another of the Army’s ongoing programs: the TAM 2C-A2, a project focused on recovery and modernization.
“…Both projects, TAM 2C-A2 and Stryker, are in full development. Both are a priority for the Army and both are progressing simultaneously and in parallel. And both have the corresponding budget to complete the planned and envisioned modernization cores…”, Brigadier General Rolando told ZM.
Requirement for an intermediate wheeled system
The incorporation of the first batch of M1126 Stryker wheeled armored combat vehicles (VCBR) responded to the Argentine Army’s requirement for an intermediate wheeled system in order to constitute a large combat unit with the characteristic features of these platforms: armor, firepower, and mobility.
“…The Army needed to incorporate this new capability… we tested different platforms and capabilities, and once the final one was selected, we are now incorporating it. We are currently in the process of training the personnel who will operate them…”, detailed Colonel Diego Cabrera Rosas, head of the VCBR Stryker project.
It is worth noting that the VCBR program extended over several years until, finally, the Argentine Army was able to materialize it with the incorporation of eight M1126 Strykers from U.S. Army stocks. However, to reach this result, considerable time had to be invested, during which a large number of candidates and options were studied.
Going through this first stage, which will culminate with the operational incorporation of the VCBR Strykers into their unit, the Argentine Army is already projecting how it will move forward in the next acquisition phase. For the latter, it must be taken into account that the institution maintains a requirement for more than two hundred wheeled armored combat vehicles from the same family.
Training, delivery, and field deployments
During our recent visit to the Directorate of Arsenals, we coincided with the start of the New Equipment Training program, instruction carried out with the assistance of personnel from General Dynamics Land Systems in order to “…adapt existing processes in the Army garrisons of Toay and Pigüé, under the supervision of the Directorate of Operational Education of the Force. This initial phase of instruction and live-fire adaptation will be complemented with a field stage…”, the Argentine Army reported a few days ago.
The New Equipment Training (NET) program is aimed at the incorporation of new equipment so that both the system and the personnel reach the unit that will operate it with full capability. The courses are directed at Stryker operators as well as its field maintenance.
For the operator course, training is provided to drive the combat vehicle under all conditions, both day and night, across varied terrain. Personnel are also trained in the use of the Protector M151 remote weapon station. “…The field maintenance course is aimed at mechanics who learn to repair the vehicle and maintain it in operational conditions…”, added the project officer.
“…Personnel are being trained so that they, in turn, can become instructors for the units to which the Strykers will be assigned. This was contracted in the LOA signed between the United States and Argentina, where one of the lines of this contract was training and turnkey delivery… Now we are training through instructors from the vehicle manufacturer… Once our instructors are trained, and once all the components of this purchase are received, the VCBRs will then be delivered to the operational unit…”, detailed Colonel Cabrera Rosas.
Once the M1126 Strykers are delivered to the units that make up the 10th Mechanized Brigade, it is expected that the new combat vehicles will begin participating in the various deployments planned by the Argentine Army for 2026. These instances will not only allow their crews to gain experience but will also provide the necessary testing of the institution’s different doctrinal aspects.
Leveraging existing capabilities and challenges for the Stryker
In a context where resources are always limited, the Stryker program aims to make use of existing Army capabilities, which are already employed in other projects. One example will be training with live fire from the Protector M151 turrets, for which the range previously adapted for testing and certification of the TAM 2C-A2 will be used.
“…Where can we conduct detailed maintenance training? Here, in Boulogne. Because all the tools are available. In addition to the expertise present in this logistics hub, which helps us achieve training…”, detailed Colonel Cabrera Rosas.
It is also worth highlighting the prior experience with the Oshkosh MTV truck family, vehicles that have been in service for several years with mechanized infantry units that are expected to receive the VCBR Strykers. However, although both vehicles share some similarities, the challenges lie in personnel training and in establishing solid lines to ensure the operation, maintenance, and sustainment of the M1126.
As expected, the incorporation of the M1126 Stryker VCBRs into the Argentine Army is not without challenges. One of the most important is the change that the new combat vehicles will generate in the organizational culture and idiosyncrasy of the institution. “…The challenges of incorporating new equipment lie precisely in making people aware that it is not the same as before. This vehicle is not the same as an M113, it is not the same as a truck, it is not the same as a VCTP. It is something new…”.
Additionally, challenges will also arise when applying the knowledge acquired in this initial phase in the field. “…That is where doctrine is tested, where they will realize the capabilities of the thermal camera, how the machine gun performs on a remote turret, and the capabilities provided by a vehicle that is completely silent… these technical qualities are the challenge when applying them in the field… another important challenge will be to generate our own doctrine, beyond the doctrine that comes from abroad…”, concluded the project officer.
Acknowledgments: Argentine Army; Army General Secretariat; Directorate General of Materiel; Directorate of Arsenals; 601st and 602nd Arsenals Battalions.
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