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Could the Canadian Roshel Senator 4x4 replace Chile’s outdated fleet of Piranha 6x6 armored vehicles?.


On January 15, 2025, Infodefensa reported that the Chilean Army is considering purchasing Senator 4x4 armored vehicles from the Canadian manufacturer Roshel Inc. as part of a revised approach to the Cromo project. Initiated in 2018 by the Army Projects and Research Directorate (Dipride), the Cromo project aimed to replace Mowag Famae Piraña 6x6 vehicles, which have been in service for over 30 years and are nearing the end of their operational lifecycle.
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Over 1,400 Roshel Senator 4x4 armored vehicles have been supplied to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began, where they have been utilized for troop transport and medical evacuation, and Roshel recently expanded its production capabilities by opening its first U.S. facility in Shelby Township, Michigan. (Picture source: Roshel)


The original plan involved acquiring 40 new 8x8 armored vehicles for the Mechanized Battalion of the 1st Buin Infantry Regiment, with a budget allocation of $111.8 million. Due to delays and complications, the tender process was declared void in April 2024, prompting an expansion of the project’s scope to include 4x4 and 6x6 platforms.

The initial tender specified several requirements, including vehicles capable of carrying ten personnel, meeting NATO STANAG 4569 Level 3 standards for ballistic and mine protection, and integrating remote weapon stations for NATO-classified armaments. These vehicles were intended for use in non-war military operations, disaster response, and training in Peldehue, located north of Santiago. However, financial limitations and challenges integrating L3Harris telecommunications systems led to the rejection of all submitted bids.

Following the cancellation of the tender, the Chilean Army issued a request for information (RFI) to manufacturers, expanding its interest to 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8 configurations. Companies responding to the RFI include BMC and Otokar from Turkey, Excalibur Army from the Czech Republic, Iveco from Italy, Patria Group from Finland, and General Dynamics Land Systems. The RFI outlined specifications such as STANAG 4569 Level 2/2A/2B protection, operational functionality in extreme conditions at altitudes above 4,500 meters, and temperature ranges from -20°C to 45°C. The vehicles are also expected to demonstrate versatility across various terrains.

Roshel’s Senator 4x4 is among the vehicles being evaluated. This Canadian-made Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle has been used in Ukraine, with more than 1,400 units delivered since 2022. Reports from Ukraine have described the vehicle’s reliability and off-road performance under frontline conditions. Therefore, the Chilean Army is reportedly considering direct procurement of the Senator through the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), bypassing a competitive bidding process. This method has been criticized for potentially limiting market competition and excluding alternatives, such as Colombia’s Hunter TR-12 or France’s Arquus Bastion.


Chile's original plan involved acquiring 40 new 8x8 armored vehicles to replace Mowag Famae Piraña 6x6 vehicles, which have been in service for over 30 years and are nearing the end of their operational lifecycle. (Picture source: Chilean MoD)


As part of the evaluation process, the Chilean Army is planning a visit to Roshel’s facilities in Canada to assess the Senator directly. This decision has raised concerns regarding the impartiality of the RFI process, as it may suggest a preference for the Senator despite the ongoing review of other vehicles. Additionally, legal constraints exist, as the Ministry of Defense has not amended the Supreme Decree that originally allocated funds specifically for 8x8 vehicles. Without such amendments, the use of these funds for 4x4 vehicles is not permitted.

The Chilean Army’s interest in 4x4 platforms appears linked to priorities such as border surveillance in the Southern Macrozone and addressing irregular immigration and security issues in the Araucanía Region. However, this focus has been criticized for diverging from the original Cromo project’s aim of equipping mechanized infantry units with 8x8 or 6x6 vehicles, which are considered more aligned with global trends and offer greater versatility. Argentina and Peru, for example, have reportedly prioritized 8x8 platforms for their mechanized forces. Compared to 6x6 and 8x8 configurations, 4x4 vehicles have reduced payload capacities, less off-road mobility, and are less suited for integrating heavier weapon systems.

Roshel recently expanded its production capabilities by opening its first U.S. facility on December 13, 2024, in Shelby Township, Michigan. The facility consolidates manufacturing processes, accommodates U.S. federal and government clients, and includes a service center. The plant produces the Senator Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which is built on the Ford F-550 chassis. This version features STANAG 4569 Level 2 certification, a V-shaped hull for blast mitigation, composite materials for reduced weight, and thermal and acoustic insulation. The MRAP is equipped with a 6.7L turbo diesel engine, an 800-kilometer range, a payload capacity of 2,000 kilograms, and space for ten occupants. It is compatible with various weapon systems, including remote-controlled weapon systems and anti-tank guided missiles.

Roshel operates four facilities in Ontario, producing up to 140 vehicles per month. Over 1,400 Senator vehicles have been supplied to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began, where they have been utilized for troop transport and medical evacuation. Ukrainian reports indicate the vehicle’s ability to withstand attacks, including those involving First-Person View drones. Roshel is planning to establish a factory in Germany to meet NATO and European demands and intends to localize part of its production in Ukraine. Beyond the Senator, Roshel manufactures the Captain, a light tactical armored vehicle based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 chassis, as well as other configurations of the Senator designed for emergency response. The company has delivered vehicles to Costa Rica, South Korea, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and continues efforts to expand its presence in Europe and the United States.


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