The Uruguayan MoD is currently in negotiations for the transfer of around 60 M1117 ASV (Armored Security Vehicle) armored vehicles from U.S. inventories. The units would be paid for with GPOI (Global Peace Operations Initiative) funds, a program administered by the U.S. Department of State.
The transaction is valued at approximately seven million dollars and the negotiations have already begun for several years, with an original order made by Uruguay for Humvee armored vehicles and that has evolved until the current negotiations for the versatile M1117.
Although the negotiations are very advanced, until a few months ago there were still some aspects to be ironed out, especially in relation to what additional equipment that, if any is finally included, would be transferred with the vehicles.
Urgent need
Uruguay urgently needs modern vehicles to replace its armored forces deployed in peacekeeping missions, particularly in the Golan Heights, where exposure to improvised explosive devices and mines is much larger than in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Additionally, UN requirements regarding the age and characteristics of the vehicles deployed in peace missions have left basically all the armored vehicles that Uruguay has disabled due to their age.