USMC rolls out upgraded LAV-ATM
The first two Light Armoured Vehicle Anti-Tank Modernisation (LAV-ATM) A2 models equipped with the Modified Target Acquisition System (MTAS) turret have rolled off the line at production plant Barstow, the US Marine Corps (USMC) announced on 23 June.
The new turret significantly enhances the tank killing capabilities of the LAV-ATM for the USMC.
The MTAS replaces the Emerson 901 turret in use on the LAV since the vehicle was introduced in 1983. The Emerson had to be stowed while the vehicle was on the move, making preparing the turret to scan for targets unwieldy.
The MTAS, on the other hand, is always in the up position and can scan on the move, track on the move, and when the vehicle stops, the crew is instantly ready to fire.
The TOW missile fired by the LAV-ATM has a nearly two-mile range and can penetrate almost three feet of armour.
The final testing of the MTAS turret is almost complete and the upgraded system will be issued to USMC units for deployment very soon.
Production Plant Albany is also expected to start inducting LAV-ATM vehicles and incorporating the turrets.
More from Land Warfare
-
![What weapons have Israel and Iran been using against each other?]()
What weapons have Israel and Iran been using against each other?
Tehran has been relying on UAVs and ballistic missiles while Jerusalem uses jets, deep fires and precision-guided munitions.
-
![Paris Air Show 2025: Fulgur air defence missile revealed in anticipation of potential market]()
Paris Air Show 2025: Fulgur air defence missile revealed in anticipation of potential market
The missile was first unveiled at SeaFuture 2023 and later at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024. Operational delivery is expected in 2028.
-
![Paris Air Show 2025: MBDA bets on carmaker to help make new one-way effector]()
Paris Air Show 2025: MBDA bets on carmaker to help make new one-way effector
The One-Way Effector (OWE) is a ground-launched missile or drome designed to act as a swarm to overwhelm air defence systems. It was displayed for the first time in Paris this week.
-
![UK artillery factory opens as defence review inches forward]()
UK artillery factory opens as defence review inches forward
The new artillery and howitzer factory pre-dates the emphasis on this capability from this month’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR). The first joint industry-government meeting outlined in the review took place this week.
