June 12, 2006: The Iraqi army is buying 378 armored trucks modeled on the Cougar vehicle used by the U.S. Army and Marines. This Iraqi Light Armored Vehicles (ILAV) will cost about $432,000 each. The Cougar armored vehicles are basically 12 ton trucks with armor added so that it can survive bombs, mines, and bullets. The Cougars are built using the same construction techniques pioneered by South African firms that have, over the years, delivered over 14,000 landmine resistant vehicles to the South African armed forces. The South African technology was imported into the U.S. in 1998, and has already been used in the design of vehicles used by peacekeepers in the Balkans. The ILAV is based on the four wheel Cougar, which can carry ten passengers (the six wheel version can carry 16). The Cougar/ILAV vehicle uses a capsule design to protect the passengers and key vehicle components from mines and roadside bombs. The larger Cougar costs about $730,000 each, fully equipped. The Cougars have been very popular with American troops, and with Iraqis who have worked with them. The first ILAVs will arrive next year, some equipped with the new USMC turret system. If the ILAV proves popular, the contract already makes provision for a total of 1,050 vehicles to be delivered by 2009. The ILAV gives Iraqi troops the same degree of protection that most Coalition troops have. Currently, most Iraqi troops and police operate with light, unarmored, trucks. The procurement project has been subcontracted to the same crew that develops and buys armored vehicles for the U.S. Army.