Brazilian Army Begins Operational Testing of Chivunk Light Vehicle

The Brazilian Army, through its Army Evaluation Center (CAEx) and with technical support from the Army Technological Center (CTEx), initiated operational testing for the pilot batch of the 4x4 general-purpose aerotransportable light vehicle, known as Chivunk. The evaluations began on November 3 at the facilities of IDV Brasil located in Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais.

The initial phase features dynamic testing under severe operational conditions. Evaluators are measuring parameters such as top speed, acceleration, obstacle clearance capabilities, lateral stability, and overall maneuverability to verify compliance with established military requirements.

Throughout the month, road tests will also be conducted as part of the operational assessment. These sessions include the participation of military personnel drawn from future user units who will operate the vehicle in the field.

This initiative represents the final milestone for the validation of the vehicle's design, which was conceived by CTEx, as well as its production process managed by IDV Brasil, a company within the Leonardo Group. The tests ensure the platform adequately meets the operational needs of the land forces and reinforces technological innovation.

In a separate recent deployment, the Brazilian Army also expanded its support efforts following a severe F2 tornado that struck Maringá in the state of Paraná on November 2. The municipal government announced that the military presence would increase from 11 to approximately 40 personnel, accompanied by heavy equipment including trucks and cranes to assist local disaster recovery operations.

The multi-agency task force has been working to clear fallen trees, remove damaged structures, and restore essential services across the affected urban and rural areas. While local emergency services and volunteers handle immediate relief efforts, the additional military assets aim to support heavy logistical tasks and improve access for isolated rural families.

The parallel developments highlight the diverse roles of the Brazilian Army, spanning from advanced equipment validation and technological research to humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations across the country.