Based on the schedule, the M11 17 armoured reconnaissance vehicles are joining the Land Army Units in Evros and strengthening our country's defence armour even more.
393 US-made M11 17 armored wheeled vehicles from the USA arrived in Greece by ship. Greece had already received 444, so with the new batch, their number reached 837. The USA also delivered a package of 40 mm grenade launchers and machine guns to arm the vehicles.
The Greek military will receive a total of 1200 M11 17s, which are provided to Greece at a very low cost, essentially just the cost of transportation, through the Greek-American Defense Cooperation Agreement from surplus US defence material. The receipt of 17 M11 type TTOAs will continue in the next period to receive the remaining 363.
The contract of sale
The total cost of the commission approved by the US Congress is US $100,000,000. This means that our country can procure armoured vehicles in excellent condition at approximately 71,000 euros each. Of these vehicles, 900 are expected to be used operationally, and the remaining 300 are expected to be used for the supply of spare parts.
Their real value, even used, is estimated at at least 500,000 euros per vehicle.
The cost results from the works and inspection services, as well as the transport costs of the vehicles determined in the contract at 14,823,638 dollars. With the supply of spare parts and ammunition for the 40 mm grenade launchers.
The total cost came to about $150,000,000.
In the following video, you will see footage from the actions of the Armed Forces in the Evros area, which show the operational duties of the newly acquired armoured wheeled reconnaissance vehicles.
The technical characteristics of the M11 17
The M11 17 is an Armored Security Vehicle manufactured by Textron, based on the older V-100 and V-150 Commando series, and is 6 meters long, 2.6 meters wide and 2.6 meters high.
The vehicle is powered by an 8.3-litre Cummins diesel engine that produces 260 horsepower. Its maximum speed reaches 70 km, and the range exceeds 800 km.
The basic crew is three men, and carrying two more with their materials and supplies is possible. The limited capacity is due to the vehicle's intended role and design, with the engine and passenger compartment positioned in the middle for side door access.
The M1117 cannot cover mainly security and reconnaissance missions.
The vehicle was developed in the late 1990s to equip the US military. Serial production began between 1999 and 2000, and the Guardian was one of the first US vehicles to be designed explicitly with provisions for a mine-resistant vehicle.
The M11 17 features IBD segmental ceramic armour that provides all-around protection against 12.7mm rounds and IED blasts, while the sloped V-shaped armour increases the chances of ostracising RPG rockets. Occupants are also protected from a 5kg mine blast, as well as 155mm artillery shell fragments. The vehicle has an air filtration system to protect against chemical and biological attacks, but not radioactive protection.
Thanks to the special tires it carries, the M11 17, although not amphibious, can move even if it comes under fire, and it also has high off-road or rough terrain capabilities.
Armament includes a Cadillac Gage manned turret, the same as the Marine AAV7A1 amphibious vehicle, which in US service houses a 12.7 mm M2HB heavy machine gun and a 40 mm Mk 19 grenade machine gun.
A 7.62 mm machine gun is carried on a mount outside the gun port, but the armament is not fixed for firing on the move.
READ MORE: “Odyssey Encore” – US and Greek Marines Conduct Large-Scale Joint Training in Olympus and Magnesia.
