U.S. Soldiers aboard M117 Guardian armored security vehicles stand by before firing M2 HB .50-caliber heavy machine guns and MK 19-3 40 mm grenade machine guns during a live-fire exercise at Range 5 in Yakima Training Center, Wash., Feb. 4, 2012. The Soldiers, assigned to Military Police Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, are participating in exercise Raider Focus, a monthlong brigade training exercise designed to challenge their ability to conduct full spectrum operations as a combined arms team. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Reese Von Rogatsz/Released)
The "green light" for the acquisition of the first 4x4 M1117 Guardian type armored vehicles is expected to turn on soon with the result that Greece is shielded even more but without spending a fortune.
Recall that in the summer the US Congress had approved the sale of 1,200 used armored vehicles in excellent condition for about 70,000 euros each at a time when their real value is estimated at at least 500,000 euros each!
The above price includes the vehicle without armament but with the turrets, so the machine guns and the grenade launchers will be for the Greek Army to acquire and install them.
The opportunity to procure the M1117 Guardian armored vehicles was identified by the officials of the Ministry of National Defense and since then they have been working silently until the agreement is finalized.
The advantages of these armored vehicles include the fact that they are in excellent condition and in operation while their repair costs are extremely low as the spare parts used are at very low prices as they are in free trade.
The features of the M1117 Guardian
The M1117 Guardian is an armored vehicle developed in the late 90s and has armor that can withstand even a 5kg mine explosion but also against broken shells artillery 155 mm exploding at a distance of 15 meters from the vehicle.
The armored vehicle also has "run flut" tires.
The M-1117 Guardian was developed as a light vehicle and its production began in 1999. In other words, these are about 20-year-old vehicles with a acquisition value of well over $800,000.
The M-1117 weighs 13.4 tons and is 6 meters long, 2.6 meters wide and 2.6 meters high.
The vehicle is powered by an 8.3-liter Cummins diesel engine that produces 260 horsepower and has a beastly torque that is easy to perceive.
Its maximum speed reaches about 100 kilometers per hour and the version of the vehicle the Greek Army will receive could carry five people.
The vehicle offers the crew 360° vision, has an air conditioning system and its armor is tilted to fire anti-tank rockets. The floor shield also has a slope to expel the explosive power generated by mines while also helping to move in mud and water.
Georgios K. Andris is a correspondent for News Auto.