The Brazilian Army has delivered the first batch of Guarani Armored Personnel Transport Vehicles to a mechanized infantry unit in Western Parana state.

The Guarani is a 6x6 wheeled armored vehicle developed by the army in collaboration with Iveco of Italy, which built a factory in Brazil for its production. It is based on an Iveco product but Brazil holds the intellectual property rights.

A total of 13 vehicles were delivered to troops this week and 86 others will be delivered to soldiers around the country by the end of the year.

Brazil says it expects to field more than 2,000 of the vehicles over the next 20 years.

The Guarani, which has amphibious capability, can carry 11 soldiers and can be equipped with machine guns and a 30mm cannon. It is also armored and features GPS navigation, ABS brakes and night vision equipment.

The Guarani will replace Cascavel and Urutu armored vehicles that have been in service with the military for nearly 40 years.