Do you know which is the best Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) in the world? Which is the greatest modern APC and why? Our Top 10 analysis is based on the combined score of protection, firepower, capacity and mobility. All of the armored vehicles mentioned here are great, however not all of them have seen combat during military operations yet. Analysis is based on specifications and available data. Why all APCs listed here are wheeled? Because currently there is a trend that tracked vehicles are retired from this role due to their poor protection against mines. Why all APCs listed here have 8x8 configuration? Because 8x8 configuration offers better overall mobility, internal volume and payload capacity. This list includes only operational vehicles, that are currently in production. After exhaustive research I was surprised with the results.

   Currently top 10 best armored personnel carriers in the world are these:

Nr.1 AMV XP (Finland)

   The Patria AMV XP is a newer, improved and more capable version of the Patria AMV, which is currently one of the best armored personnel carriers in the world. The "XP" stands for Extra Payload, Protection and Performance. This armored vehicle was first publicly revealed in 2013. The Patria AMV XP was selected by Slovakia. Slovak military plans to order 81 of these armored vehicles for delivery between 2018 and 2024.

   The Patria AMV XP has a maximum combat weigh of 30 t. It is heavier than the standard AMV, which is already one of the heaviest and most protected armored personnel carrier in the world. Considering its protection levels, a well-armed the Patira AMV XP can be seen as a wheeled Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), rather than a wheeled armored personnel carrier. It weights more, is better protected and packs heavier punch than most armored personnel carriers. In many respects it even outperforms many older IFVs, such as American M2 Bradley, British Warrior, or Russian BMP-2.

   With maximum level of protection the front arc of the AMV XP withstands 30 mm armor-piercing rounds. All-round protection is against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. Vehicle also has a top-class mine protection. It withstands blasts equivalent to 10 kg of TNT under any wheel or anywhere under the hull. Uparmored AMV XP can survive hits of RPG-7 rockets. An NBC protection system is fitted as standard.

   The Patria AMV XP can be fitted with various weapon systems, either remotely controlled or turret-mounted weapons. A baseline armored personnel carrier is proposed with a remotely-controlled weapon station, armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun. Slovak armored vehicles will be fitted with a locally-produced Turra 30 remotely-controlled turret, armed with a 30 mm cannon, 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and two anti-tank guided missile launchers.

   This armored vehicle is powered by a Scania DC13 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 603 hp. The Patria AMV XP has amphibious capability. On water it is propelled by two rear-mounted waterjets. However once extra armor is fitted it is no longer amphibious.

Nr.2 AMV (Finland)

   The Patria AMV was developed in association with the Finish Defense Force. It revealed in 2001. This APC has significant export success. Export operators are Croatia, Poland and Slovenia. Some other countries also ordered this armored vehicle.

   With maximum level of protection the front arc of the AMV withstands 30 mm armor-piercing rounds. Vehicle also has a top-class mine protection. It withstands blasts equivalent to 10 kg of TNT. Two uparmored Polish Army vehicles were hit in Afghanistan by RPG-7 rockets, however armor was not penetrated and vehicles managed to return to base.

   The baseline version is armed with remotely-controlled 12.7 mm machine gun, or 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.

   This APC is fitted with a powerful engine, developing 490 or 540 hp. The baseline variant is fully amphibious.

Nr.3 Piranha V (Switzerland)

   The Piranha V is the latest and most protected vehicle of the MOWAG Piranha line. It was revealed in 2010. The Piranha V is in service with Monaco. Recently it was also selected by Denmark, Romania and Spain.

   Vehicle has an all-welded steel armor hull with integrated add-on composite modular armor. With maximum level of protection the Piranha V withstands 25 mm armor-piercing rounds all-round. Vehicle has a double floor with a V-shaped hull and is well protected against landmines and IED blasts. It withstands a 10 kg anti-tank mine blast under any wheel. This APC is also available with active protection system.

   In APC configuration this vehicle is proposed with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, or 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. Though heavier armament can be also fitted. An uparmored and well armed Piranha V can be even considered as a wheeled infantry fighting vehicle.

   The Piranha V is fitted with a powerful engine, developing 580 hp. It has good off-road mobility due to its height-adjustable semi-active hydropneumatic suspension.

Nr.4 LAV 6.0 (Canada)

   The Canadian LAV UP or LAV 6.0 is an upgraded version of the LAV III Kodiak. It was developed by General Dynamics Land Systems. Upgrades were based on the lessons learned by the Canadian Army during combat operations. The General Dynamics Land Systems was awarded a contract to upgrade 616 Canadian Army LAV III vehicles to the new standard. It was planned that all of these vehicles will be upgraded until 2017. These will form the backbone of the Canadian armored vehicle fleet. The new LAV 6.0 is also being proposed for export customers. Saudi Arabia ordered a total of 900 LAV 6.0 armored vehicles in various versions.

   The upgraded LAV 6.0 weights significantly more than the original LAV III. A fully upgraded vehicle with add-on armor kit weights just over 28 t. Protection has been improved, though many of the core design elements remain the same. Currently it is one of the most protected armored personnel carrier in the world. It can be even considered as a wheeled IFV.

   The most notable difference of the upgraded LAV 6.0 is a double V-shaped hull. It was added for improved protection against landmines and improvised explosive devices. Crew members and troops are seated on energy absorbing seats. Vehicle retains a ceramic add-on armor kit of the original LAV III. It looks like with this kit maximum level of all-round protection is against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds and the front arc withstands hits from 30 mm cannons. Cage armor can be installed for protection against anti-tank rockets and missiles.

   The baseline Canadian Army vehicle has a two-man turret, armed with an M242 Bushmaster 25 mm chain gun. This weapon has an effective range of 2.4 km. There is also a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. Another 5.56 mm machine gun is located on top of the roof. Other weapons can be also fitted. Saudi Arabia ordered the LAV 6.0 armored personnel carriers armed with 20- and 30 mm cannons.

   The LAV 6.0 has improved fire control system with an integrated target detection, recognition and identification system. It automatically corrects for target range and crossing speed. Turret sights have been upgraded. The new thermal sight and intensification sight have extended ranges. So overall surveillance capability of the vehicle improved. The gunner can spot a man at a range of 1.2 km. Furthermore the LAV 6.0 has got a new battlefield management system.

   This armored vehicle is powered by a 450 hp Caterpillar diesel engine. The LAV 6.0 is not amphibious.

Nr.5 Eitan (Israel)

   The Eitan (Herbew for persistent) is a new Israeli APC. It was developed to meet requirements of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Actually it is the first wheeled 8x8 APC, developed in Israel. A prototype of the Eitan was first publicly revealed in 2016. After testing this armored vehicles was approved for procurement. Mass production commenced in 2020. It became operational with the IDF in 2022.

   The Eitan has a typical layout for a modern APC. It weights around 30-35 t and is well protected. Actually it could be one of the most protected wheeled APCs in the world. Vehicle has a V-shaped hull for improved protection against mines and improvised explosive devices. However so far there were no official data regarding its ballistic and mine protection.

   It is estimated that front arc withstands hits from 25-30 mm cannons and all-round protection is against 12.7 mm or 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. In terms of mine protection it is likely that this vehicle was designed to withstand blasts equivalent to 10 kg of TNT. The Eitan will be fitted with Iron Fist advanced active protection system.

   Prototype of the Eitan is fitted with a remotely controlled weapon station, armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun. Other weapons, such as 30 mm or 40 mm automatic cannons, will be also available on production version of the Eitan. At least part of the IDF's Eitans will be fitted with unmanned turrets.

   This APC is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 750 hp.

Nr.6 M1296 Dragoon (USA)

   The M1296 Dragoon is an upgraded version of the M1126 Stryker with significantly increased lethality. Its official designation is Infantry Carrier Vehicle - Dragoon, or ICVD. First operational M1296 Dragoon was delivered to the US Army in 2017.

   The M1296 Dragoon is a well protected and well armed APC. However it lacks protections for a true wheeled IFV. Still though it is better protected than many other contemporary armored personnel carriers, including Russian and Chinese designs. Maximum level of all-round protection with add-on ceramic armor is against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. This vehicle was designed to survive mine blasts. It is claimed that Stryker series vehicles are superior to other armored personnel carriers regarding survivability against mines and improvised explosive devices. Dragoons employed in combat zones can be fitted fitted with steel cages, called slat armor, that provides protection against anti-tank rockets and missiles. Recently an explosive reactive armor kit was designed for this vehicle.

   The M1296 Dragoon is fitted with unmanned turret, armed with a 30 mm cannon. It can effectively engage lightly armored vehicles up to a range of 3 000 m. This cannon also fires airburst rounds that explode above the target. It allows to hit people hiding in trenches and behind walls. These rounds are also effective against unmanned aerial vehicles. There is also a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun.

   This APC is fitted with a battlefield information management system. It links up with other similarly equipped vehicles and command posts. It displays position information of friendly vehicles.

   These APCs operate in rapid deployment Stryker Brigade Combat Teams. Each brigade has more than 300 Strykers of all variants, including APCs, reconnaissance vehicles, 105 mm fire support vehicles, 120 mm mortar carriers, command vehicles, armored enginer vehicles, ambulances, anti-tank missile carriers and NBC reconnaissance vehicles. These brigades can be airlifted and deployed anywhere in the world within 96 hours.

Nr.7 Ares (United Kingdom)

   The Ares is a new British armored vehicle. It is not a typical infantry section carrier vehicle, but rather a specialist team carrier vehicle. It was designed to carry combat engineer, battlefield reconnaissance or air defense missile teams with associated equipment. Essentially it is a heavily modified APC variant of the ASCOD 2 infantry fighting vehicle. First pre-production vehicles were delivered to the British Army in 2019.

   This new armored vehicle is technologically advanced. It has a modular armor and innovative protection against mine blasts. It is claimed that it is the best in terms of protection and survivability in its class. It offers high level of protection against small arms fire, artillery shell splinters and mine blasts. Crew and passengers are seated on mine blast resistant seats. This armored vehicle is also fitted with electronic counter measure system, laser warning system, local situational awareness system and some other systems. It looks that the Ares is one of the most protected armored personnel carriers, available today.

   Add-on armor kit can be fitted when needed. Improved armor modules can be fitted once these become available. The Ares vehicle weights around 30 t. With add-on armor its weight is increased to around 40 t. So protection level of the Ares should be similar to that of a well protected infantry fighting vehicle.

   Unfortunately the Ares was never designed to combat hostile armored vehicles and has got no anti-armor capability. Its armament is purely defensive and is limited to a remotely-controlled 12.7 mm machine gun. Most other armored vehicles on this list are capable of carrying cannons and even anti-tank missiles.

   The Ares has superior mobility due to its tracked configuration. It outperforms any wheeled APCs in terms of off-road mobility.

Nr.8 M1283 (United States)

   The M1283 is the latest US Army's armored personnel carrier. It was adopted following the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) program to replace in service the venerable M113A3 armored personnel carrier. The M1283 is based on the turretless M2A3 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle. Low rate production commenced in 2020.

   It is believed that protection of the M1283 is similar to that of the Bradley M2A3 IFV. Vehicle has a welded aluminum armor hull. Front arc has a spaced laminated aluminum and steel armor. It is estimated that front arc provides protection against 30 mm armor-piercing rounds and all-round protection is against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. Interior is lined with Kevlar anti-spall liner. Explosive reactive armor blocks and cage armor are fitted for increased protection against anti-tank rockets and missiles. Vehicle has a V-shape hull floor. Also the hull floor is reinforced with steel plates for a higher level of protection against landmines and IED blasts. Vehicle can be fitted with a jamming system, which prevents detonation of radio-controlled IEDs.

   The baseline M1283 has a crew of 2 and accommodates 6 dismounts. There is an ongoing trend to reduce a number of soldiers carried by armored vehicles. This allows to reduce the number of casualties if the vehicle is destroyed or runs over a landmine.

   The M1283 is armed with a shielded and manually-operated 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. Though most other modern APCs are fitted remotely-controlled weapon stations that are operated from within the armored hull.

   This armored vehicle is superior to wheeled vehicles in terms of off-road mobility. However it looses in terms strategic mobility. Over long distances these APCs are typically carried on trailers. With some preparation this armored vehicle is amphibious.

   Initially five variants of the M1283 are planned, including the M1284, M1285, M1286 and M1287. It is planned that during initial phase over 2 900 of these armored vehicles will be delivered to the US Army to replace the M113 and its variants. It is likely that more variants will be developed and adopted by the US Army in the near future.

Nr.9 Terrex (Singapore)

   The Singaporean Terrex is one of the latest and most advanced armored personnel carriers. It entered service with Singaporean armed forces in 2006.

   Maximum level of all-round protection is against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. Vehicle has a double V-shaped hull, which deflects mine blasts away from the vehicle. The Terrex can withstand up to 12 kg TNT explosion under the hull and the vehicle still keep on moving.

   The baseline version is armed with remotely-controlled 40 mm automatic grenade launcher and coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. Alternatively it can be fitted with remotely-controlled 12.7 mm machine gun.

   The Terrex is fitted with a powerful engine, developing 400 hp. This armored personnel carrier is exceptionally mobile due to its powerful engine and advanced independent suspension system. This APC is amphibious.

Nr.10 Boxer (Germany/Netherlands)

   The Boxer is one of the latest and most advanced armored personnel carriers. It was jointly developed by Germany and Netherlands. As with all German vehicles it is well engineered and reliable.

   It is a truly modular vehicle with interchangeable snap-in modules. It uses a single chassis for different purposes, including infantry carrier, command vehicle, ambulance, supply carrier and so on. Modules can be replaced in less than an hour. Some other armored vehicles are also claimed to be modular. However they never really exploit their modularity.

   Modular armor of the Boxer is made with special ceramic mix. Every mission module has its own primary safety cell. It is claimed that front armor withstands 30 mm rounds. All-round protection is against 12.7 mm fire. Damaged armor slabs can be easily replaced in field condition. The triple hull floor is shaped for maximum protection against anti-tank mines. Also this APC  has low radar and acoustic signatures, making it harder to detect.

   Despite being well protected the standard Boxer is armed only with remotely controlled 12.7 mm machine gun, or 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. There are some proposed versions with turret-mounted cannons.