Argentine Army receives first of 48 UNIMOG U4000 tactical trucks from Daimler in Germany

Handover of the first UNIMOG U4000 in Germany

After completing the Technical Operational Evaluation (ETO), the selection phase and the contract award, the Argentine Army formally took delivery in Germany of the first of its 48 new UNIMOG U4000 tactical trucks from Daimler. The ceremony was headed by Argentina’s Minister of Defence, Lieutenant General Carlos Presti, alongside representatives of the German manufacturer at the Wörth am Rhein site, home to one of Daimler Trucks’ most significant production facilities.

The presentation of the vehicle in Germany formed part of an official Ministry of Defence delegation tour of Europe. Led by the minister, the delegation is also attending the Munich Security Conference.

In recent days, the Ministry of Defence and its delegation have held senior-level discussions with the defence ministers of Belgium and Italy, aiming to expand dialogue and cooperation in the sector. Meetings have also taken place with representatives from major Germany-based firms, including Airbus and Diehl Defense.

Technical Operational Evaluation (ETO) and model selection for the Argentine Army

Regarding the UNIMOG U4000 acquisition, it is worth noting that during 2025 the Argentine Army conducted a Technical Operational Evaluation (ETO). The purpose was to examine competing proposals as part of a programme to modernise the Army’s tactical truck fleet, which continues to depend largely on long-serving UNIMOG vehicles that, while robust, are now considered technologically outdated.

As part of the trials, several options were tested across different operational environments, including the Arquus VLRA, Renault Trucks D 4×4, and Tatra Force T-815. Ultimately, the UNIMOG U4000-submitted to the evaluation process by Mercedes-Benz Camiones y Buses Argentina S.A.U.-was chosen.

Contract award, costs and the next delivery steps

Following the selection, the Argentine Army’s Directorate of Materiel awarded the procurement under process No. 84/135-0540-LPU25. The purchase covers 48 new U4000 trucks for a total of US$ 8,160,000, corresponding to a unit price of US$ 170,000 per vehicle.

With this symbolic and formal event now completed in Germany, it is expected that over the coming weeks and months the first U4000s will begin arriving in Argentina, after which they will be allocated to Army units.

Longer-term UNIMOG ambitions under BAPIN No. 148.204

The Army’s longer-term objectives appear to extend beyond the current order and may encompass follow-on purchases of next-generation UNIMOG tactical trucks. This intention is reflected in the documentation and investment initiatives underpinning the acquisition and capability renewal effort, outlined in BAPIN No. 148.204, which anticipates the incorporation of up to one thousand new vehicles in this category.

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