Partner 2023: Yugoimport showcases Lazar III 8x8 armored vehicle with twin-barrel 30mm Remote Weapon Station.

At the Partner 2023 International Defense Exhibition held in Belgrade, Serbia, the Serbian company Yugoimport showcases a new variant of the Lazar 3, the latest iteration of its 8x8 wheeled armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), armed with a twin-barrel 30 mm remote-controlled weapon station RCWS 30/2. Since its unveiling in 2016, this armored vehicle is known for its adaptability, advanced features, and formidable performance. Currently, the Lazar 3 is in active service with both Serbia and Turkmenistan.
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Thanks to its modularity, Yugoimport's Lazar 3 can be armed with a wide range of weapons, including this twin-barrel 30mm RCWS 30/2 remote-controlled weapon station (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Designed with adaptability in mind, this armored 8x8 wheeled vehicle can be configured to serve diverse purposes, and armed with various systems, such as a triple-barrels Kereber RCWS or a 2A42 30mm automatic cannon. Among its variants are an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), the Lazar IIIP Infantry Combat Support Vehicle, a command post, an ambulance, an air defense missile system, and the Lazar/RALAS wheeled anti-tank missile carrier, to name a few. 

The Lazar also has an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) variant, called the Lazar III A1, fitted with a locally produced Remote Weapon Station (RWS), which is armed with a 30mm 2A42 automatic cannon and a 7.62mm 6P7K machine gun, demonstrating the capabilities of the Serbian defense industry.

When it comes to performance, the Lazar 3 has a maximum speed of 110 km/h and a capability to conquer gradients of up to 60%. With its ability to navigate side slopes of 30% and surmount vertical obstacles of up to 55 cm, the Lazar 3 is well-equipped to operate in diverse terrains. Additionally, it can ford waters up to 1.6 m deep, and cross trenches of up to 2 m.

At the heart of the Lazar 3's firepower lies the RCWS 30/2 mm, a remote-controlled weapon station. Armed with a twin-barrel 30 mm cannon, this system is designed for engaging ground targets effectively at ranges of up to 2,000 meters. Its optoelectronic Fire Control System (FCS) features a thermal imaging camera, TV camera, and laser rangefinder. With electric laying and the ability to traverse a full 360 degrees, the RCWS 30/2 mm can deliver a combined rate of fire of 1,000 rounds per minute, thanks to its automatic loader, and carries an ammunition load of 220 rounds.

The Lazar 3's design prioritizes the safety and comfort of its crew. The powertrain is situated in a protected space, separate from the crew, ensuring their safety. The vehicle's modular ballistic protection allows for customization based on user needs, and its anti-mine protection features provide added security.

The Lazar 3 has a ballistic protection Level 3 STANAG 4569 against the firing of small arms 7.62×51mm caliber AP (Amor-Piercing) at 30 meters and anti-mine protection levels 3a and 3b STANAG 4569, mine explosion pressure-activated under any wheel or track location (Level 3a), mine explosion under center (Level 3b).

The driver's and commander's spaces are positioned in the front, with ergonomic seating and adjustable controls. Entry and exit are facilitated through side doors, and hatches above the seats offer improved visibility. The rear crew compartment is accessible through a hydraulic-operated ramp or hatches on the vehicle roof, providing flexibility for various missions. The number of crew members varies based on mission requirements, with configurations accommodating 12 troops for the RCWS-equipped version and one less for the turret variant.

The Lazar 3 presents a range of firepower options to suit various mission profiles. Along with the twin-barrel RCWS 30/2, the APC could be armed with a 30 mm MB2-04 fighting module, designed to engage ground targets, low aerial threats, and soft-skin material effectively. It features a 30 mm gun 2A42, a 7.62 mm machine gun PKTM, a 12.7 mm Kord machine gun, and an electromechanical biplane armament stabilizer.

Additionally, the Lazar 3 can be armed with the Kereber RCWS system, armed with three Hispano M55 20mm automatic guns, a configuration capable of taking down a wide array of targets. The Kereber system is designed for treating ground and seaborne targets at distances of up to 2,000 meters, and air targets at distances of up to 1,500 meters, including slow low-flying aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles. 

Armed with a twin-barrel 30 mm cannon, the Lazar 3 is capable of engaging ground targets effectively at ranges of up to 2,000 m. (Picture source: Army Recognition)