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Mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle (MRAPV), also known as MRAP vehicle, is a type of armoured personnel carrier that is designed specifically to withstand the impact of land mines, improvised explosive device (IED) attacks, and ambushes.^[1][2][3][4] Most modern infantry mobility vehicles also have a certain level of MRAP capabilities.

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Specialized light armored vehicles designed specifically to resist land mines were first introduced in the 1970s by the Rhodesian Army, and were further developed by South African manufactures in 1974 with the Hippo armored personnel carrier (APC).^[5][6] The first step by the South African Defence Force (SADF) was the Bosvark also known as a kwêvoël 100, a Unimog fitted with a shallow mine-deflecting tub on the chassis to protect the crew. Then came the first generation of purpose-built vehicles, including the Hippo and various other light vehicles. They were essentially armoured V-shaped hulls mounted on truck chassis.

The next generation was represented by the Buffel, a Unimog chassis with a mine-protected cab and a mine-protected crew compartment mounted on it. These early vehicles overloaded their chassis and were clumsy off-road. The Casspir Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle was developed for the SADF in May of 1979 and the first order was placed in 1980;^[7] It was commonly used for anti-insurgency operations by SWATF and Koevoet that took place on the border of South West Africa (Namibia), as well as military operations in Angola during the Angolan Civil War and by the South African Police for protest dispersion/ large scale deployment.^[8][9] The Casspir was the inspiration for America's and the other military MRAPV programs and is the basis for most of the program's high grade vehicles.^{[10][11][12][13]}

These vehicles have good off-road mobility, and armor protection against small-arms fire, IEDs, and antipersonnel mines. These armored vehicles generally have a distinctive V-shaped hull (for mine protection) and a wheeled chassis.^[1][2][3][4]