OREANDA-NEWS. January 11, 2013.  The Colombian Ministry of National Defence has awarded a USD 65.3 million contract to General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada for 24 Light Armoured Vehicles (LAVs) for the Colombian Army. General Dynamics Land Systems, the Canadian company’s parent corporation, is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).

The contract was signed through the Canadian Commercial Corporation, a Crown Agency of the Government of Canada.

This contract was a priority acquisition by the Colombian Ministry of National Defence and provides a new capability for the Army. Vehicles provided under this contract will be the LAV III version with double-V hull technology and add-on armour that provides crew members with the latest in protection against mine blasts, IEDs and other threats. All vehicles will be equipped with a Rafael Remote Controlled Weapon Station. Deliveries will be completed by May 2014.

Dr. Sridhar Sridharan, senior vice-president and general manager for International Operations, General Dynamics Land Systems, said, “We are proud to have been selected by the Colombian military to meet their armoured vehicle requirement and look forward to establishing a long-term relationship with this very important customer.”