General Dynamics delivers two first LAV-II Cayman armored vehicles to Peruvian Naval Infantry 0705152.

They are also amphibious, so able to carry personnel from ship to shore, and come equipped with a 50-calibre gun.

The contract will see 32 vehicles delivered plus logistical support package. GLDS was awarded the US$ 55 million contract only last year by the Peruvian Ministry of Defence via the Government of Canada.

The Marines have named their new LAV-II the Cayman in honour of Special Forces who fought the Shining Path in the 1980s.

In recent years, the Marines have received training from their counterparts in the United States—veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. They are still put in action against the Shining Path, who, although not the danger they once were, now partner with drug cartels.

Peru recently eclipsed Colombia as the world’s biggest source of cocaine.

“Your vehicles will honour the name and memory of good people,” Admiral Deville del Campo told GLDS.

Two Caymans will join a national parade in Lima in July.

The LAV II - with full amphibious capability - has a length of 6.5 m, width 2.62 m and height of 2.69. The combat weight is 13.2 tons. It is designed to carry 10 troops (3 crew and 7 children). Propulsion is ensured by a 300 HP 6V53T diesel engine , and its top speed of 100 km / h (10 km / h in amphibious operations). The range is 640 km. The APC version is fitted with a Browning machine gun M-2HB 12.7 mm, whilethe Infantry Fighting Vehicle variant is fitted with one M242 25mm cannon and a M-240C 7.62 mm machine gun.