As part of an ambitious military modernization plan, the Government of Javier Milei officially announced on Wednesday the acquisition of Stryker 8x8 armored vehicles, modern and versatile combat units used by some of the most advanced armed forces in the world.
The Letter of Acceptance was signed by Minister Luis Petri during an official visit to Washington, marking the first concrete step toward incorporating these systems into the Argentine Army (EA).
The purchase is part of an agreement under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program with the United States and includes an initial batch of eight M1126 Stryker units, which will begin arriving in Argentina at the end of 2025. These are new vehicles, manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems, representing a substantial improvement in the EA's mobility, protection, and firepower capabilities.
What is the Stryker
The Stryker is a family of wheeled armored combat vehicles in an 8x8 configuration, designed for rapid operations and adaptable to different scenarios. It was adopted by the United States Army in the early 2000s and has since participated in multiple theaters of operations, from Iraq to Afghanistan and currently in Ukraine.
The M1126 ICV model (Infantry Combat Vehicle) can transport up to nine soldiers plus two crew members, which is essential for rapid troop deployment. It is equipped with a 350-horsepower Caterpillar diesel engine and can reach speeds exceeding 100 km/h (62 mph).
Its armor provides protection against small arms fire, shrapnel, and, in upgraded versions, against mine and IED (improvised explosive device) explosions.
