Lazar 3 8x8 armored brings big step forward in protection of Serbian infantry units.

Equipping the Serbian Armed Forces with the new Lazar 3 8x8 armored combat vehicle, which is a product of the domestic defence industry, is a major step forward in the protection of infantry units and a significant contribution to the process of enhancing the operational capabilities of the armed forces.
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Lazar 3 multi-purpose armoured combat vehicle (Picture source: Serbian MoD)

The multi-purpose armoured combat vehicle - Lazar 3 was introduced into the armament of the Serbian Armed Forces, and the production of new series of this vehicle for the armed forces is in progress. It is intended for infantry and special units and it is constructed in accordance with the most modern trends in the development of wheeled armored vehicles. It is characterized by high mobility and protection of forces.

Lazar 3 can be equipped with various types of weapons such as an M15 remote controlled weapon station (RCWS) with 12.7mm machine gun and a 30 mm gun turret, which allows it to engage ground targets such as lightly armoured and logistics vehicles, command posts and enemy manpower, as well as air targets - helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The 8x8 and the modern system of independent suspension of all eight wheels provide the Lazar 3 armored combat vehicle with high mobility and payload capacity. The power train is located in the front right part of the vehicle, in a protected space that is completely sealed off from the crew space, and the central transfer case transmits the torque to all wheels. All the shafts provide power, while the first two steer the wheels.

This combat vehicle also has a highly sophisticated, modular ballistic and anti-mine protection. The hull is made of armoured steel and can be fitted with a spall liner used as a protection from fragments (spall).

The number of crew members depends on the type of mission and the weapons used in the vehicle. When the vehicle is equipped with a remote controlled weapon station (RCWS), the vehicle should be manned with 12 troops (commander, driver, gunner + 9 soldiers), while the version with a turret would be manned with one soldier less.

The air conditioning system ensures the functioning of the vehicle and crew in extreme climates, and the loopholes on Lazar 3 are protected by ballistic glass and enable soldiers transported in it to be able to respond to potential threats with small arms and to use them for observation.

The wheeled Lazar 3 vehicle can develop a maximum speed of up to 110 km/h. It is exceptionally manoeuvrable, which enables it to drive at 60% gradient, a 30% side slope, to overcome 0.55 m vertical obstacles, 2 m trenches and 1.6 m water obstacles.

Lazar 3 multi-purpose armoured combat vehicle (Picture source: Serbian MoD)