General Dynamics presents LAV 700 Desert Viper 8×8 at DIMDEX 2026 as Qatar evaluates new IFVs.

On January 20, 2026, General Dynamics Land Systems presented the LAV 700 Desert Viper 8x8 infantry fighting vehicle at the U.S. Pavilion during DIMDEX 2026 in Doha.

On January 20, 2026, General Dynamics Land Systems showcased the LAV 700 Desert Viper 8x8 infantry fighting vehicle at the U.S. Pavilion at DIMDEX 2026 in Doha, placing the vehicle within the current Gulf market focus on modern 8x8 wheeled armored vehicles optimized for sustained operations in hot climates. The presentation also coincided with the pavilion’s opening ceremonies attended by representatives of U.S. industry and the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, as the LAV 700 Desert Viper has been mentioned as a potential element within a broader U.S.–Qatar defense package discussed during April 2025, valued at about $42 billion.
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The complete powerpack of the LAV 700 Desert Viper is designed for removal and replacement in under one hour, including in austere conditions, supporting forward maintenance tasks. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Qatar previously signed a letter of intent in December 2017 to procure up to 490 French VBCI 8×8 IFVs, which did not mature into a final contract, leaving the requirement open to competing designs, including the Boxer RCT30 and the LAV 700 Desert Viper. The LAV 700 integrates a digital command and control architecture supporting onboard systems management and vehicle monitoring functions, including health and usage monitoring for maintenance planning and fleet availability. Survivability measures include self-sealing fuel tanks, energy-attenuating seats, add-on armor solutions, and scalable ballistic protection integrated with a double-VTM hull intended to mitigate mine and improvised explosive device (IED) effects.

Protection configurations cover resistance against 14.5 mm armor-piercing ammunition, with front arc protection rated against 30 mm cannon threats, while optional cage armor addresses anti-tank rocket risks. Additional safety and defensive systems include automatic fire suppression, NBC detection with optional overpressure protection, laser warning, shot detection, multispectral smoke launchers, and provisions for integrating an active protection system. The LAV 700 Desert Viper relies on a twin-turbo Caterpillar C13 diesel engine producing 711 hp, coupled to a seven-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, independent suspension, and all-wheel disc brakes. The cooling system supports continuous operation in extreme climates, aligning with long-duration missions rather than short bursts of performance.

The complete powerpack is designed for removal and replacement in under one hour, including in austere conditions, supporting forward maintenance tasks. The chassis is rated for more than 32,000 kg, supporting payload growth and mission equipment integration. Thanks to these features, the LAV 700's top speed exceeds 110 km/h, for an operational range beyond 1,000 km, a trench crossing capability greater than 2.2 m, and a payload capacity of 11,000 kg. The Desert Viper also features an adjustable ground clearance and a central tire inflation system to adapt to terrain and load conditions across desert, urban, and mixed environments. This armored personnel carrier can negotiate 60% gradients, 30% side slopes, and water fording depths up to 1.2 m.

In terms of dimensions, the LAV 700 has a length of 8.2 m, a width of 3.0 m, and a height of 2.8 m, for a vehicle mass of about 21,000 kg, while the gross vehicle weight aligns with the 32,000 kg chassis rating. The internal layout of the LAV 700 supports a crew and six to eight infantry personnel, with access through a rear power-operated ramp and roof hatches. Mission flexibility covers personnel transport, command and control, direct and indirect fire support, reconnaissance, surveillance, ambulance, and repair and recovery roles. Weapon integration options span remote-controlled weapon stations with 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine guns, medium-caliber turrets with 30 mm or 40 mm cannons, larger-caliber turrets with 90 mm or 105 mm guns, semi or automatic 120 mm mortars, and anti-tank guided missiles integrated or stand-alone. Firing trials have also included a configuration mounting the 50 mm XM913 Bushmaster automatic cannon during U.S. Army activities, demonstrating integration margins for heavier armament. 

The Desert Viper designation has been used to highlight an export-oriented LAV 700 configuration first emphasized at DIMDEX 2024, linked to a larger hull, increased payload capacity, enhanced protection options, and the 711 hp powerplant when compared with the earlier LAV 6.0. The LAV 700 lineage traces back to an initial public showing at IDEX 2017 in a command post variant, followed by evaluations that included live-fire activities. Strategic mobility remains a core element of the LAV 700, with compatibility for airlift by C-17 Globemaster III and Airbus A400M aircraft, as the Gulf market reaches a sustained demand for wheeled armored vehicles over tracked types, positioning the LAV 700 Desert Viper as a contender for future 8x8 requirements in the region. For instance, Saudi Arabia already placed an order in 2014 for LAV 700 vehicles in multiple variants, an order that could reach a total of 900 units.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.