General Dynamics [GD] yesterday said the Colombian Ministry of National Defense (MND) has awarded a $65.3 million contract to General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada for 24 Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs) for the army.
The contract was signed through the Canadian Commercial Corporation, a Crown Agency of the Government of Canada.
This contract was a priority acquisition by the Colombian MND and provides a new capability for the army.
Vehicles provided under this contract will be the LAV III version with double-V hull technology and add-on armor 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. The deliveries will be completed by May 2014.
Various vendors took part in tests in January 2012, published sources said, and negotiations were completed with General Dynamics for the LAV III double hull vehicle in late December, according to published sources. Also competing were the Pandur II, a product from General Dynamics European Land Systems unit Steyr, and the Turkish Otokar‘s Arma 8×8 vehicle.
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 armored vehicle requirement and look forward to establishing a long-term relationship with this very important customer.”