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| original design |
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| revamped vehicle...pic from Military Photos, believed to have been photographed in Kuwait or Qatar...notice the reshaped nose and provision for swim vane. |
The Ministry of Defense has selected three finalists Colombia to supply the new APC / IFV 8x8 for the Army. Earlier this week, Army officials informed General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, the European group General Dynamics European Land Systems and the Turkish company Otokar shortlisting the models presented for Mechanized Infantry.I'm a bit surprised that the Iveco Super AV 8x8 wasn't offered. The Brazilian's are building a version of it and I would think that they would be keen to sell the Colombians some vehicles...especially when exporting arms is one of the goals of their rebuilt industry.
According to sources close to the process, the announcement was made directly to representatives of companies interested in the offices of the Ministry of Defense, leaving pending from the time of final binding bids in terms of prices, configurations and technical aspects the APC / IFV .
The models presented are the Stryker / LAV III by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, the Pandur III of the Austrian company Steyr, European group within the General Dynamics European Land Systems and Otokar Arma 8x8 latter recently entering the fray after delegation visit Colombia Army at company facilities in Turkey last week.
Even more surprising is the fact that the Patria AMV didn't get selected. Its the most popular 8x8 in Europe, has been tested in combat and has demonstrated the ability to be tailor made for the client.
What is not a surprise is the arms race that is going on down South. I don't know what's spurring it, but nations in South America are gearing up for a fight.