August 23, 2007: Canadian troops are finding that
driving their LAV III wheeled armored vehicles around Afghanistan is tough on
the equipment. This is especially true when the LAV IIIs go off the roads. In
order to supply more vehicles to replace those being worn down, 33 LAV III ATGM
(Anti-Tank Guided Missile) vehicles are going to have the ATGM launchers and
missiles removed. These vehicles will be converted to the basic infantry
carrier. This is the most widely used one in Afghanistan, and peacekeeping
missions in general. The ATGM versions were a Cold War relic, for use fighting
hordes of Russian tanks. Canada also cancelled a project to develop an LAV III
that carried a 105mm gun. Again, this was another Cold War relic. Smart
munitions (bombs and artillery shells) can do the same job more cheaply and
effectively.
It will cost about $1.4 million to convert each of
the ATGM vehicles, and this will include upgraded electronics and other
components. Canada has nearly 700 LAV IIIs in service. The LAV III vehicle was
the basis of the U.S. Stryker armored vehicle.
