Colombia to modernize M1117 vehicles with machine guns and grenade launchers.

According to InfoDefensa, Colombia plans to purchase 84 machine guns and 114 grenade launchers for the turrets of its 4x4 AFV M1117 vehicles. The National Army of Colombia's Acquisitions Directorate has initiated a tender process for the acquisition of 84 QCB COAX 12.7x99 mm machine guns and 114 MK-19 Mod-3 40x53 mm grenade launchers to equip the turrets of its Textron Marine & Land Systems (TM&LS) M1117 4x4 AFV vehicles.
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Colombia plans to purchase 84 machine guns and 114 grenade launchers for the turrets of its 4x4 AFV M1117 vehicles. (Picture source: Colombia MoD)

As part of the procurement process, bids have been requested, and suppliers are required to provide a three-year operational warranty and a ten-year supply of spare parts from the official receipt of the weapons.

For the grenade launchers, specifications include an effective range of 1,500 meters, a firing rate of at least 250 shots per minute up to 450 rpm, and a lifespan of 50,000 shots. The machine guns are expected to have a range of up to 6,767 meters, a firing rate of 450 rpm, and a lifespan of ten years or 100,000 shots.

The selection process will utilize an abbreviated reverse auction method, with an anticipated contract value of around 4 million dollars. The execution period is projected to be four months after the contract is signed. The objective of this tender is to equip the TM&LS 40mm/.50 Caliber Remote Turret weapon stations of the M1117 vehicles (214 units in total).

The grenade launchers must comply with the technical standard JEMPP-CEDE4-DIETE-ET No. 04152 and the machine guns with the standard JEMPP-CEDE4-DIETE-ET No. 04153/ARM-00. Additionally, the procurement will consider the terms of the foreign trade concept No. 2022434001880173 from February 8, 2022, with payment upon delivery, covering 100% of the total delivery to satisfaction.

The M1117 is a U.S.-designed armored vehicle equipped with a wide range of weaponry, including a 40 mm caliber automatic grenade launcher, a 7.62 mm machine gun, and a 12.7 mm machine gun. The M1117's armor is resistant to 360-degree small arms fire, anti-tank mines under any wheel, and artillery shell fragments.

Used by several countries, including Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Canada, Iraq, Kosovo, Greece, Ukraine, the United States, and of course, Colombia, this 14,785 kg vehicle demonstrates versatility and reliability on various fronts and can reach speeds of up to 97 km/h.

It is equipped with night/day sight systems, personnel heating, and air conditioning. Optional features such as add-on armor, ABS, GPS, and individual or overpressure NBC protection systems are also available to meet specific needs.

The M1117 can carry a crew of 2 plus a maximum of 8 passengers, making it ideal for a variety of missions, including troop transport and reconnaissance operations. With dimensions of 6.07 meters in length, 2.56 meters in width, and 2.59 meters in height, and a range of 710 km, Colombia thus seeks to update its armored vehicles, with the future bid winner yet to be seen.