Colombian Army Deploys LAV III Vehicles for Counter-Insurgency in Valle del Cauca.

The Colombian Army has deployed its 8x8 LAV III armored combat vehicles (VCBR) for the first time in Valle del Cauca, a region facing security challenges due to insurgency and organized crime. This marks a strategic shift, as these vehicles were previously used in low-risk areas like La Guajira. The current deployment includes 10 LAV III units equipped with Israeli-made Rafael turrets to support military operations in rural areas with illegal group activity.
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The LAV III units in Valle del Cauca, which feature STANAG 4569 Level III protection against NATO-standard 7.62x51mm rounds, have been criticized for their vulnerability in high-intensity conflicts, such as those in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Ukraine. (Picture source: Colombian Army)

Known for its improved survivability, especially against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the LAV III DVH features a Double-V Hull design that enhances crew safety in conflict zones. Powered by a 350-horsepower diesel engine, the vehicle reaches a maximum speed of 100 km/h. Its modular design allows it to accommodate various types of armament, including the standard 25mm M242 Bushmaster cannon and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.

In 2023, Colombia decided to enhance its fleet by equipping the new LAV IIIs with the Samson Dual Remote Weapons Station (RWS) from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. This upgrade includes a 30x113mm Orbital ATK cannon and a 12.7x99mm Browning M2A2 QCB machine gun. The choice of the Samson RWS aims to standardize the Colombian Army’s remote weapon systems, as the current fleet already uses the Samson Mini. This addition also improves the LAV III’s firepower, incorporating the Spike-ER anti-tank system.

Additionally, Colombia has a history of developing its own armored vehicles. The ISBI, a locally manufactured vehicle, was deployed in the Chocó department to enhance road security. Despite initial resistance from military leadership, the ISBI has proven effective in protecting key routes like Quibdó-Medellín and Quibdó-Pereira. The Colombian Army has been criticized for not refurbishing the older EE-11 Urutu vehicles, which could still contribute to security in remote areas due to their armor and the troops' familiarity with them.

In 2023, Colombia decided to enhance its fleet by equipping the new LAV IIIs with the Samson Dual Remote Weapons Station (RWS) from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Picture source: Colombian Army)

Known for its improved survivability, especially against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the LAV III DVH features a Double-V Hull design that enhances crew safety in conflict zones. Powered by a 350-horsepower diesel engine, the vehicle reaches a maximum speed of 100 km/h. Its modular design allows it to accommodate various types of armament, including the standard 25mm M242 Bushmaster cannon and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.

In 2023, Colombia decided to enhance its fleet by equipping the new LAV IIIs with the Samson Dual Remote Weapons Station (RWS) from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. This upgrade includes a 30x113mm Orbital ATK cannon and a 12.7x99mm Browning M2A2 QCB machine gun. The choice of the Samson RWS aims to standardize the Colombian Army’s remote weapon systems, as the current fleet already uses the Samson Mini. This addition also improves the LAV III’s firepower, incorporating the Spike-ER anti-tank system.

Additionally, Colombia has a history of developing its own armored vehicles. The ISBI, a locally manufactured vehicle, was deployed in the Chocó department to enhance road security. Despite initial resistance from military leadership, the ISBI has proven effective in protecting key routes like Quibdó-Medellín and Quibdó-Pereira. The Colombian Army has been criticized for not refurbishing the older EE-11 Urutu vehicles, which could still contribute to security in remote areas due to their armor and the troops' familiarity with them.