IAG Guardian Xtreme 4x4 MRAP Designed for Combat Operations by Military and Security Forces.

International Armored Group showcased the Guardian Xtreme MRAP at Expodefensa in Bogotá, outlining its certified protection and growing footprint in Latin America. The development matters as regional militaries, including Colombia, assess new armored mobility options aligned with NATO standards and asymmetric threat environments.

In December 2025, an exclusive interview conducted at Expodefensa in Bogotá highlighted the growing footprint of International Armored Group (IAG) in Latin America and placed particular emphasis on the Guardian Xtreme MRAP as a certified and combat-relevant protected mobility solution for military and internal security forces. The interview was carried out on the exhibition floor and provided insight into IAG’s operational approach, production capacity, and long-term engagement with government customers across the region.
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International Armored Group presents the Guardian Xtreme MRAP at Expodefensa, highlighting its STANAG-certified protection, multi-role capability for military and police forces, and growing adoption by governments, embassies, and security agencies across Latin America (Picture source: Army Recognition).

Speaking during the interview, Imran Shabbir, Key Accounts Manager at International Armored Group, underlined that IAG brings more than three decades of experience in armored vehicle manufacturing. The company operates an industrial network spanning North America, the Middle East, and Europe, with production facilities in the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Bulgaria, while corporate headquarters are located in Canada. This distributed manufacturing model allows IAG to tailor vehicles to regional operational requirements while maintaining internationally recognized certification standards.

At the center of IAG’s presence at Expodefensa was the Guardian Xtreme MRAP, a platform positioned by the company as a versatile solution for both military and police missions. During the interview, Shabbir explained that the vehicle is certified to STANAG Level 2 ballistic protection and blast resistance up to Level 3A and 2B, protecting against mines and improvised explosive devices in asymmetric threat environments. With a capacity of up to ten personnel, the Guardian Xtreme MRAP is equipped with blast-attenuating seats and five-point seatbelts designed to reduce the effects of underbody explosions on occupants.

The interview further detailed the vehicle’s mobility and combat configuration. The Guardian Xtreme MRAP can be fitted with a manually or electrically operated 360-degree turret, enabling the integration of crew-served weapons for convoy protection or area security missions. Its suspension architecture includes a military-grade wheel assembly with a four-link suspension system, with an option for independent suspension depending on mission needs. Heavy-duty brakes and a high-torque powertrain contribute to a favorable power-to-weight ratio, which IAG identifies as a key advantage compared to competing MRAP-class vehicles.

Beyond technical specifications, the discussion emphasized IAG’s established record with government customers. According to the company, its armored vehicles are already in service with a broad range of end users, including national armed forces, police units, embassies, ministries, and international organizations such as the United Nations. This operational presence, Shabbir noted, demonstrates the company’s ability to support both military combat operations and sensitive diplomatic or internal security missions.

A significant point raised during the interview concerned Colombia and the wider Latin American market. IAG confirmed that Colombian Army units, including infantry and cavalry formations, are scheduled to evaluate and test the Guardian Xtreme MRAP following Expodefensa. Demonstration trials are intended to showcase the vehicle’s mobility, protection, and operational flexibility, marking a potential first for Colombia in terms of fielding a fully certified STANAG Level 2 protected platform.

Concluding the interview, IAG expressed confidence that its expanding presence at Expodefensa reflects a broader strategic shift, with Latin America emerging as a priority market. The Guardian Xtreme MRAP stands as a clear example of how certified armored platforms are increasingly positioned at the intersection of military operations, law enforcement requirements, and diplomatic security in complex threat environments.