Colombian MoD orders GDLS-Canada LAV III

General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada has been issued a contract by the Colombian Ministry of National Defence that will see the company supply 24 Light Armoured Vehicles (LAVs) for the Colombian Army. The $65.3 million contract, signed through the Canadian Commercial Corporation, a Crown Agency of the Government of Canada, was announced on 10 January.

According to the company the contract is a priority acquisition by the Colombian Ministry of National Defence and will provide a new capability for the army.

General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada will supply the LAV III version with double-V hull technology and add-on armour that provides crew members with the latest in protection against mine blasts, IEDs and other threats. All vehicles will be equipped with a Rafael Remote Controlled Weapon Station.

Dr. Sridhar Sridharan, senior vice-president and general manager for international operations, General Dynamics Land Systems, said: ‘We are proud to have been selected by the Colombian military to meet their armoured vehicle requirement and look forward to establishing a long-term relationship with this very important customer.’

Deliveries will be completed by May 2014.