International Armored Group (IAG) showcased the Guardian Xtreme MRAP at Expodefensa in Bogotá, emphasizing its certified protection and expanding influence in Latin America. This demonstration holds significance as regional militaries, particularly Colombia, evaluate new armored mobility solutions that align with NATO standards amid evolving asymmetric threat environments.
In December 2025, during an exclusive interview on the exhibition floor at Expodefensa, IAG’s growing presence in Latin America was clear, with particular focus on the Guardian Xtreme MRAP. This platform is positioned as a vital and combat-relevant solution for military and internal security forces. The conversation offered insights into IAG’s operations, production capabilities, and long-term engagements with governmental clients across the region.
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International Armored Group featured the Guardian Xtreme MRAP at Expodefensa, emphasizing its STANAG-certified protection and multi-role capability for military and police forces. Increasing adoption by governments, embassies, and security agencies throughout Latin America underscores its significance (Picture source: Army Recognition).
During the interview, Imran Shabbir, Key Accounts Manager at IAG, underscored the company’s extensive experience in armored vehicle manufacturing, spanning over three decades. With production facilities located in the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Bulgaria, and its corporate headquarters in Canada, IAG employs a distributed manufacturing model. This structure allows for vehicle customization to meet regional operational demands while adhering to internationally recognized certification standards.
The spotlight during IAG’s presentation at Expodefensa was on the Guardian Xtreme MRAP, which is designed as a versatile option for both military and police missions. Shabbir explained that the MRAP is certified to STANAG Level 2 ballistic protection and offers blast resistance up to Level 3A and 2B. This means it provides solid protection against mines and improvised explosive devices, essential for navigating asymmetrical threat environments. The MRAP accommodates up to ten personnel and includes blast-attenuating seats with five-point seatbelts specifically intended to mitigate the impact of underbody explosions.
The discussion delved deeper into the vehicle’s combat configurations and mobility features. The Guardian Xtreme MRAP can be fitted with either a manually or electrically operated 360-degree turret, enabling the addition of crew-served weapons suitable for convoy protection or securing designated areas. Its suspension system features military-grade wheel assemblies with a four-link design, while an option for independent suspension is available, delivering flexibility based on mission requirements. Notably, IAG has highlighted the vehicle’s heavy-duty brakes and a powerful powertrain that contribute to a favorable power-to-weight ratio, a vital edge over its competitors in the MRAP class.
Beyond the technical specifications, IAG’s established reputation with government clients was notable. The company reported that its armored vehicles are operational across a broad spectrum of end-users, including national armed forces, police departments, embassies, and ministries, as well as international bodies such as the United Nations. Shabbir remarked that this diverse operational presence showcases the company’s capability to support both combat operations and sensitive internal security or diplomatic missions.
Particularly significant was the discussion regarding Colombia and the broader Latin American market. IAG confirmed that Colombian Army units, including infantry and cavalry formations, are slated to evaluate and test the Guardian Xtreme MRAP in the period following Expodefensa. These demonstration trials aim to highlight the vehicle’s mobility, protective features, and operational versatility, representing a promising first move for Colombia toward acquiring a fully certified STANAG Level 2 protected platform.
IAG projects that its growing visibility at Expodefensa reflects a strategic pivot, identifying Latin America as a priority market. The Guardian Xtreme MRAP exemplifies the intersection of military operations, law enforcement needs, and diplomatic security strategies in response to increasingly complex threat environments.