Chilean Marine Corps conducts first deployment of NZLAV 8x8 vehicles acquired from New Zealand.

As reported by InfoDefensa on July 24, 2024, the Chilean Marine Corps deployed the NZLAV 8x8 armored vehicles for the first time in a recent military exercise. These vehicles, acquired from the New Zealand Defence Force, include a total of 22 units purchased in April 2022 for $19.8 million. The deployment occurred during a routine cold-weather training exercise in the Magallanes region, testing the NZLAV 8x8's capabilities in the region's challenging winter conditions.
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Chile acquired 22 NZLAV 8x8 vehicles from the New Zealand Defence Force in April 2022 for $19.8 million, with the first batch arriving in mid-September 2022. (Picture source: Chilean Army)

Chile acquired 22 NZLAV 8x8 vehicles from the New Zealand Defence Force in April 2022 for $19.8 million. The first batch of these vehicles, now part of the 41st Hurtado Combat Support Battalion, arrived in mid-September 2022, with the remaining vehicles delivered in July 2023. According to the Chilean Navy, the cold-weather exercise is an annual event held in July or August. Its purpose is to familiarize the Marines with the unique and harsh climatic and geographical conditions of the region, which are among the most difficult and comprehensive for naval operations.

Various naval units participated in this exercise, including the multi-purpose frigate FF-18 Almirante Riveros of the National Squadron, the LST-95 Chacabuco landing ship from the Amphibious and Naval Transport Command (Comanfitran), and helicopters such as the AS332L Super Puma from the Attack Helicopter Squadron HA-1 and the AS365 Dauphin from the General Purpose Helicopter Squadron HU-1 of the Naval Aviation.

Vehicles from the 41st Combat Support Battalion were transported from Valparaíso in early June aboard the multi-purpose ship LSDH-91 Sargento Aldea of Comanfitran, along with personnel from the 21st Marine Infantry Battalion Miller.

During the exercise, which included operations on the Navarino, Nueva, Picton, and Lennox islands, the Magellan Strait, the Boquerón sector, and Dawson Island, the NZLAV 8x8 and other vehicles, such as Kia KM 250 trucks and Humvee-based communication units, were deployed from the LSDH-91 Sargento Aldea to shore via the LCU Canave landing craft.

The task force, consisting of the FF-18 Almirante Riveros, the LSDH-91 Sargento Aldea, and the LST-95 Chacabuco, will complete their operations in the Southern Joint Operations Theater by August 5, 2024.

The NZLAV has a crew of three, including a commander, gunner, and driver, and can carry seven fully equipped soldiers. (Picture source: New Zealand Defence Force)

The NZLAV, or New Zealand Light Armoured Vehicle, is a mobile light armored vehicle originally used by the New Zealand Army for reconnaissance and advanced observation roles. Built in Canada by General Dynamics Land Systems based on the Mowag Piranha 8x8 design, the vehicle measures 6.98 meters in length, 2.83 meters in width, and 2.87 meters in height, and weighs between 19 and 21 tonnes depending on its configuration. It can be transported by land, sea, and air.

Based on the LAV III, a license-built version of the Mowag Piranha IIIH, the NZLAV has a crew of three, including a commander, gunner, and driver, and can carry seven fully equipped soldiers. Personnel can enter and exit the vehicle via a rear ramp or roof hatches. The NZLAV is powered by a 350 hp Caterpillar 3126 HEUI diesel engine and features a hydropneumatic suspension system and a central tire inflation system controlled from the driver's station to adapt to different terrain conditions.

Its main armament is a 25 mm Northrop Grumman M242 Bushmaster autocannon with 420 rounds, with an effective firing range of 2,400 meters. It also has two 7.62 x 51 mm FN Herstal Mag machine guns, one mounted coaxially with the cannon and another in the turret. Additionally, it is equipped with eight HE or smoke grenade launchers for self-defense. The armor provides protection against 7.62 mm ammunition and can be fitted with a ceramic armor kit to protect against 14.5 mm machine gun fire. The vehicle also has a reinforced undercarriage for improved mine protection and includes automatic fire suppression and NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection systems.

The M242 can fire 25mm rounds with a muzzle velocity of 1,100 meters per second, offering an effective firing range of 3,000 meters and a maximum range of 6,800 meters. (Picture source: New Zealand Defence Force)