View source for LAV-25

{{Short description|Canadian/American reconnaissance vehicle}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = LAV-25
| image              = LAV-25A2.jpg
| image_size         = 350
| caption            = LAV-25A2
| origin             = Canada/United States
| type               = [[Reconnaissance vehicle|Armored reconnaissance vehicle]]–[[infantry fighting vehicle]]<ref name=green>{{cite book |title=Modern U.S. tanks & AFVs |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=7ec-WH-4H3kC&pg=PA72 |publisher=Zenith Imprint |author=Michael Green |author2=Greg Stewart  |year= 2003 |isbn=9780760314678 |access-date=29 January 2011}}</ref>
| is_vehicle         = yes
| service            = 1983–present
| used_by            = 
| wars               = [[United States invasion of Panama|U.S. invasion of Panama]]<br />[[Gulf War|Persian Gulf War]]<br />[[Operation Uphold Democracy]] <br /> [[War in Afghanistan (2001–14)|War in Afghanistan]] <br /> [[Iraq War]]
| designer           = [[General Motors Diesel]] (later [[General Dynamics Land Systems]])
| design_date        = 
| manufacturer       = [[General Motors Diesel]] (later GDLS)
| unit_cost          = 
| production_date    = 
| number             = 
| variants           = 
| crew               = 3+6
| length             = {{convert|6.39|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| width              = {{convert|2.50|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| height             = {{convert|2.69|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| weight             = LAV-25: {{convert|12.80|t|ST|abbr=on|lk=on}}<br/>LAV-25A2: {{Convert|14.4|t|ST|2|lk=on|abbr=on}}<ref name="MCTP">{{Cite web |last=U.S. Marine Corps |date=24 March 2023 |title=MCTP 3-10D, Employment of Light Armored Reconnaissance Units |url=https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/MCTP%203-10D%20(SECURED).pdf?ver=1jBUDYUNqOfB7OX5daCNPA%3d%3d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241028145712/https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/MCTP%203-10D%20(SECURED).pdf?ver=1jBUDYUNqOfB7OX5daCNPA%3d%3d |archive-date=28 October 2024 |access-date=12 February 2025}}</ref>
| armour             = Welded steel
| primary_armament   = [[M242 Bushmaster]] 25{{nbsp}}mm chain gun with 210 rounds of ammunition
| secondary_armament = Two [[M240 machine gun|M240]] [[7.62×51mm NATO|7.62 mm]] machine guns with 660 rounds of ammunition, one mounted co-axially and one pintle-mounted on the roof
| engine             = [[Detroit Diesel]] [[Detroit_Diesel_Series_53#6V-53|6V53T]]
| engine_power       = 300 [[horsepower|hp]] (205 [[kilowatt|kW]])<ref>{{Cite web |title=LAV II |url=https://international.gdls.com/english/products/LAV/LAV-II.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221214306/https://international.gdls.com/english/products/LAV/LAV-II.pdf |archive-date=21 December 2024 |access-date=11 February 2025 |website=General Dynamics Land Systems}}</ref>
| pw_ratio           = LAV-25: 21.26 hp/st (16.02 kW/t)
LAV-25A2: 18.89 hp/st (14.24 kW/t)
| transmission       = [[Allison Transmission|Allison]] MT653
| suspension         = 8×8 wheeled
| speed              = {{convert|100|kph|mph|abbr=on}} on road<br/>{{convert|10.4|kph|mph|abbr=on}} in water<ref name="MCTP"></ref>
| vehicle_range      = {{convert|660|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| payload_capacity   = 
| clearance          = 
| fuel_capacity      = 
}}

The '''LAV-25''' ('''Light Armored Vehicle''') is a member of the [[LAV II]] family.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Gordon |first1=John |last2=Schaefer |first2=Agnes Gereben |last3=Shlapak |first3=David A. |last4=Baxter |first4=Caroline |last5=Boston |first5=Scott |last6=McGee |first6=Michael |last7=Nichols |first7=Todd |last8=Tencza |first8=Elizabeth |title=A Proposed Airborne Light Armored Infantry Force |date=2014 |publisher=RAND Corporation |page=34 |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7249/j.ctt14bs1w5.12 |access-date=14 February 2022 |chapter=CHAPTER FOUR A Proposed Airborne Light Armored Infantry Force|jstor=10.7249/j.ctt14bs1w5.12 |isbn=9780833082169 }}</ref> It is an eight-wheeled [[amphibious vehicle|amphibious]] armored [[reconnaissance vehicle]] built by [[General Dynamics Land Systems]] and used by the [[United States Marine Corps]] and the [[United States Army]].

==History==
[[File:A Panamanian man smiles at some Marines from Company D, 2nd Light Armored Infantry Battalion, as they ride past him aboard an LAV25 light armored vehicle during Operation ROUGH RIDE - DPLA - b1cf33332d2f5cfa3c12dceca6d752b0.jpeg|thumb|Three U.S. Marine LAV-25s in Panama during [[Operation Just Cause]].]]
During the 1980s, the U.S. Marine Corps began looking for a light armored vehicle (LAV) to give their divisions greater mobility.

In April 1981, the [[United States Department of Defense]]  opened submissions to the LAV program. Three contractors were downselected.<ref name="Hunnicutt">{{cite book |last1=Hunnicutt |first1=R. P. |title=Armored Car: A History of American Wheeled Combat Vehicles |date=2002 |publisher=Echo Point Books & Media |isbn=978-1-62654-155-9 |pages=220–222 }}</ref>

*[[Alvis Car and Engineering Company|Alvis]] – A [[Scorpion 90]] and three Scorpion APCs.<ref name="Hunnicutt"/>
*[[Textron Marine & Land Systems|Cadillac Gage]] – A V-150S (a stretched V-150 [[Cadillac Gage Commando]]) and a [[LAV-300|V-300]].<ref name="Hunnicutt"/>
*[[General Motors Canada|General Motors of Canada]] ([[General Motors Diesel]])<ref name="Diesel">{{cite journal |last1=Hunter |first1=Andrew P. |last2=Obecny |first2=Kristina |last3=Sanders |first3=Gregory |last4=Ruedlinger |first4=James |last5=Ellman |first5=Jesse |title=Case Studies |journal=U.S.-Canadian Defense Industrial Cooperation |date=1 June 2017 |page=38 |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep23170.8 |publisher=Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)}}</ref> – a license-built copy of the [[Mowag Piranha]] 8×8<ref name="Hunnicutt"/>

The Marine Corps evaluated the three LAV submissions. In September 1982, the General Motors submission was selected. GM was awarded initial production contract for 969 LAVs. The Army type designated the 25&nbsp;mm gun variant as the M1047. The Army sought 2,350 of the 12.7 mm (.50) caliber-armed light squad carrier variant, and at one point was expected to be the LAV's biggest buyer. Congress canceled funds for the LAV-25, causing the Army to drop out of the program. The Marine Corps managed to secure enough funding to buy 758 LAVs in six variants.<ref name="Hunnicutt" />

The LAV entered service with the Marines in 1983. The Army borrowed at least a dozen LAV-25s for use by the [[82nd Airborne Division]], [[73rd Cavalry Regiment (United States)|3 squadron-73rd Armor]] for a scout [[platoon]] during the [[Gulf War]]. These LAV-25s were returned to the Marine Corps after the conflict.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/3-73ar.htm|title=3rd Battalion, 73rd Armor Regiment|website=globalsecurity.org}}</ref> The USMC ordered 758 vehicles of all variants. LAVs first saw combat during the [[United States invasion of Panama|invasion of Panama]] in 1989 and continued service in the [[Gulf War|Persian Gulf War]], [[Iraq War]], and the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–14)|War in Afghanistan]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=LAV-25 - Armored reconnaissance vehicle |url=http://www.military-today.com/apc/lav_25.htm |publisher=ARG |access-date=27 April 2013 |archive-date=6 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206204000if_/http://www.military-today.com/apc/lav_25.htm |url-status=usurped }}</ref>

As of 2023, the [[table of organization and equipment]] for a U.S. Marine Corps [[Light Armored Reconnaissance|light-armored reconnaissance]] (LAR) battalion includes 46 LAV-25s, 12 LAV-ATs, 12 LAV-C2s, 18 LAV-Ls, 6 LAV-Ms, 6 LAV-Rs,  and 4 LAV-MEWSS vehicles.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=U.S. Marine Corps |date=24 March 2023 |title=MCTP 3-10D, Employment of Light Armored Reconnaissance Units |url=https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/MCTP%203-10D%20(SECURED).pdf?ver=1jBUDYUNqOfB7OX5daCNPA%3d%3d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241028145712/https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/MCTP%203-10D%20(SECURED).pdf?ver=1jBUDYUNqOfB7OX5daCNPA%3d%3d |archive-date=28 October 2024 |access-date=12 February 2025}}</ref>

===Replacement===
The LAV platform is planned to remain in service with the Marine Corps until 2035.<ref>[http://www.dvidshub.net/news/122818/force-one-lav-ats-test-modernization-upgrades#.UzWU38JOUdU A force of one: LAV-ATs test modernization upgrades] – Dvidshub.net, 27 March 2014</ref> The Marines aimed to have prototypes for the LAV's replacement, dubbed the [[Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle]] (ARV), by 2023. The ARV was initially planned to be a networked family of wheeled vehicles capable of performing various mission sets, with 500 to be procured.<ref>[https://breakingdefense.com/2018/05/marines-want-armored-recon-prototypes-by-2023-f-35-on-wheels-or-fcs-redux/ "Marines Want Armored Recon Prototypes By 2023: F-35 On Wheels Or FCS Redux?"]. ''Breaking Defense''. 10 May 2018.</ref> 

In April 2021, the Marines revealed they had shifted focus to new capabilities for performing reconnaissance rather than specific types of platforms, and that the LAV-25 replacement may not be a new armored vehicle.<ref>[https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2021/04/26/here-are-some-big-changes-that-may-be-coming-to-the-marine-corps/ Here are some big changes that may be coming to the Marine Corps]. ''[[Marine Corps Times]]''. 26 April 2021.</ref> Nevertheless, proposals for [[Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle]] prototypes were due in May 2021; requirements were for a vehicle with a [[tethered]] [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|unmanned aircraft system]] (UAS) and an open architecture approach allowing for integration of capabilities including battle management systems and communications suites, weighing less than 18.5 tons and being small enough to fit four on a [[Ship-to-Shore Connector]].<ref>[https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2021/5/4/textron-unveils-new-prototype-for-advance-reconnaissance-vehicle-program JUST IN: Textron Unveils New Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle Prototype]. ''National Defense Magazine''. 4 May 2021.</ref> Vendors that submitted proposals include General Dynamics Land Systems, [[Textron]], and [[BAE Systems]]. The Marine Corps plans to make up to three awards for ARV prototypes for testing and evaluation, then choose up to two to continue into a competitive engineering and manufacturing development phase in 2024, after which a decision will be made as to whether production will be pursued.<ref>[https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2021/05/04/major-players-bid-for-chance-to-build-marine-corps-next-advanced-recon-vehicle/ Major players bid for chance to build US Marine Corps’ next recon vehicle]. ''[[Defense News]]''. 4 May 2021.</ref> 

Textron and GDLS were awarded Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contracts in July 2021 for prototypes to be built and evaluated over the next two years.<ref>[https://www.defensenews.com/land/2021/07/16/us-marine-corps-picks-2-companies-to-build-prototypes-for-new-recon-vehicle/ US Marine Corps picks 2 companies to build prototypes for new recon vehicle]. ''[[Defense News]]''. 16 July 2021.</ref> BAE Systems will also participate in a separate technical study to see if a variant of its [[Iveco SuperAV|Amphibious Combat Vehicle]] can meet ARV requirements.<ref>[https://news.usni.org/2021/07/19/textron-general-dynamics-bae-in-hunt-to-build-new-marine-advanced-reconnaissance-vehicle Textron, General Dynamics, BAE in Hunt to Build New Marine Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle]. [[USNI News]]. 19 July 2021.</ref> 

There are planned to be six [[Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle|ARV]] variants: [[Command and control|command, control, communications and computers]]-unmanned aerial system (C4/UAS); organic precision fire-mounted; counter-UAS; 30&nbsp;mm autocannon and ATGM; logistics; and recovery.<ref>[https://breakingdefense.com/2022/09/what-is-the-marine-corps-advanced-reconnaissance-vehicle/ What is the Marine Corps’ Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle?]. ''Breaking Defense''. 6 September 2022.</ref>

==Design==
Developed from the [[AVGP]] family built by General Dynamics Land Systems, the LAV-25 is powered by a 6V53T [[Detroit Diesel]] [[Turbocharger|turbo-charged]] engine, they are [[four-wheel drive]] (rear wheels) transferable to [[Eight-wheel drive]]. These vehicles are also amphibious, meaning they have the ability to "swim" but are limited to non-surf bodies of water (no oceans). While engaged in amphibious operations, the maximum speed is approximately {{convert|12|km/h|mph|abbr=on|sp=us}} using equipped propellers. The current Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) modifications will hinder or eliminate amphibious operations.

Typical land speeds are approximately 100&nbsp;km/h (62.5&nbsp;mph) in either 4- or 8-wheel drive; however, fuel economy decreases in 8-wheel drive. The vehicles operate on [[diesel fuel]]. They are equipped with a 25 mm [[M242 Bushmaster]] autocannon, two  7.62&nbsp;mm  [[M240 machine gun|M240 machine guns]], and two four-barrel smoke grenade launchers located on the forward left and right sides of the turret.  The crew is three; vehicle commander, gunner, and driver; and four passengers (scouts) with combat gear.

<gallery mode="packed" widths="250" heights="150">
File:LAV power pack.jpg|The LAV-25's power plant
File:Marines with 2nd Light Armored Vehicle Battalion float test Light Armored Vehicles 140326-M-SF718-007.jpg|An LAV-25 conducts swim test at [[Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune]]
File:LAV-25 USMC.JPG|SLEP mods to a LAV-25 show new thermal shrouding over the exhaust
File:LAV-25 Interior.jpg|The LAV-25's rear passenger compartment
</gallery>

===Armor===
[[File:RemnantsofLAV25.jpg|thumb|275px|A destroyed LAV-25 from friendly fire during the 1991 [[Gulf War]].]]
The LAV-25 is a lightly armored vehicle. The base model is protected by light gauge high hardness steel armor (MIL-A-46100), varying in nominal thickness from 4.71&nbsp;mm to 9.71&nbsp;mm. This level of high-hardness steel armor is intended only to offer protection against small arms rounds such as the common [[7.62×39mm|7.62x39mm]] M1943 ball used by [[Kalashnikov rifle|Kalashnikov rifles]] such as the [[AKM]], to achieve the lowest possible weight and cost.<ref>Thomas G. Melvin. [http://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a257674.pdf "LAV ARMOR PLATE STUDY"].  U.S. ARMY MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY, April 1992. Page 1.</ref>

==Variants==
===LAV-25===
The standard LAV is fitted with a turret with 360° traverse, armed with an M242 25&nbsp;mm chain gun with 420 rounds of 25&nbsp;mm ammunition, both M791 APDS-T (Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot-Tracer) and M792 HEI-T (High Explosive Incendiary-Tracer), of which half is ready for use. 150 rounds are ready for use from one stowage bin, 60 from another stowage bin, the other 210 rounds are stowed elsewhere in the vehicle. A coaxial M240C machine gun is mounted alongside the M242, and a pintle-mounted M240B/G machine gun, with 1,320 rounds of 7.62&nbsp;mm ammunition, is mounted on the turret roof.  The [[Canadian Army]] uses an upgraded version of this chassis for its [[Coyote Reconnaissance Vehicle|Coyote]] Armoured Reconnaissance Vehicle.

===LAV-25A1===
The vehicle has been through many changes through the late 1990s.  The new modification or SLEP has changed the LAV-25 to the ''LAV-25A1'' standard and has been completely fielded.

===LAV-25A2===
[[File:LAV-25A2 firing.jpg|thumb|LAV-25A2 firing its 25 mm [[M242 Bushmaster]]]]
Funding has been approved for continued upgrades to the LAV family to bring them up to the LAV-A2 standard.  Phase I improvements include increased external and internal ballistic armor upgrades, improved fire suppression equipment, and upgrading the vehicle's suspension to the Generation II standard.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/lookupstoryref/200692212337|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060925034106/http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/lookupstoryref/200692212337|url-status=dead|title=MCA Continues LAV Upgrades|archive-date=September 25, 2006}}</ref>  Phase II upgrades include replacing the turret hydraulics with an electric drive system and replacing the thermal sight with an improved model incorporating a laser range finder for aircraft.

To reflect the improved significant survivability and capability enhancements occurring today, the LAV is being renamed as the LAV-A2. The LAV-A2 project involved developing and installing an internal and external ballistic protection upgrade package, developed by Armatec Survivability,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://govtribe.com/project/23-lav-armor-and-ballistic-protection-upgrade-packages/activity|title=Contract Activity: LAV Armor and Ballistic Protection Upgrade Packages|last=GovTribe|website=govtribe.com}}</ref> for the Light Armored Vehicles, an [[automatic fire suppression]] system for the interior of the vehicle and a Generation II suspension upgrade to support the added weight of the new armor. The suspension upgrade includes new struts/steering knuckles, torsion bars, shocks and mounts and driveshaft. The three-kit armor system provides the LAV with additional survivability against [[improvised explosive device]]s (IED) and direct-fire [[Kinetic energy penetrator|kinetic energy weapons]].
[[File:LAV-25A2 Firing 25mm HEI-T.webm|thumb|LAV-25A2 firing 25 mm [[High-explosive incendiary|HEI-T]]]]
The LAV-25A2 includes the Improved Thermal Sight System (ITSS) developed by [[Raytheon]]. The ITSS provides the gunner and commander with thermal images, an eye-safe [[laser range finder]], a fire-control solution and far-target location target grid information.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_lav.php3 |title=Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) |publisher=Olive-drab.com |access-date=2012-11-09}}</ref>

The new armor will provide protection from [[14.5×114mm#Ammunition types|14.5 mm]] armor-piercing rounds, and include an [[Spallation|anti-spall]] lining on the inside to further protect crew members. It will be similar to the protection found on the U.S. Army's LAV III "[[Stryker]]" variant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Spending+outlook:+Marine+Corps+procurement+forecast+clouded+by+bleak...-a0146956688 |title=Spending outlook: Marine Corps procurement forecast clouded by bleak budget projections. – Free Online Library |publisher=Thefreelibrary.com |access-date=2012-11-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://defensenews-updates.blogspot.com/2010/08/dtn-news-general-dynamics-to-supply-24.html |title=DEFENSE NEWS: DTN News: General Dynamics To Supply 24 Light Armored Vehicles To the U.S. Marine Corps |publisher=Defensenews-updates.blogspot.com |date=2010-08-14 |access-date=2012-11-09}}</ref>

Tests by the U.S. Army's [[United States Army Test and Evaluation Command|Operational Test Command]] (OTC), Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate at [[Fort Bragg]] demonstrated that the LAV-25A2 could be [[airdrop]]ped from transport aircraft, a capability of interest to Army airborne units.<ref>[https://www.army.mil/article/199633/82nd_airborne_divisions_3rd_brigade_combat_team_airdrop_tests_light_armor_vehicle 82nd Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team airdrop tests Light Armor Vehicle] – Army.mil, 25 January 2018</ref> In October 2018, Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, [[68th Armor Regiment]], 1st Brigade Combat Team of the [[82nd Airborne Division]] was activated and equipped with ex-USMC LAV-25A2s for test and evaluation; the unit was deactivated in September 2020 differing to wait for the creation of the U.S. Army's [[Mobile Protected Firepower]] units planned for 2025/2026.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/24543/armys-newest-airborne-unit-gets-second-hand-but-air-droppable-usmc-lav-25-armored-vehicles|title=Army's Newest Airborne Unit Gets Second-Hand But Air Droppable USMC LAV-25 Armored Vehicles|publisher=The Drive|date=29 October 2018|access-date=30 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a24486718/why-the-army-is-borrowing-light-armored-vehicles-from-the-marines/ |title=Army Light Armored Vehicles &#124; U.S. Marines LAV-25A2 |publisher=Popularmechanics.com |date=2018-11-01 |access-date=2019-01-16}}</ref><ref>[https://www.facebook.com/events/918081028716335?active_tab=about A/4-68 AR Deactivation; FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2020 AT 11 AM EDT – 11:30 AM EDT; Ft. Bragg, N.C.], A Company, 4th Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division official [[Facebook]] page, dated 8 September 2020, last accessed 27 November 2020</ref><gallery mode="packed" widths="300" heights="160">
File:US Army Airdrop Test of LAV-25A2-Deploy.jpg|A [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|C-17]] [[Airdrop|airdropping]] an LAV-25A2
File:US Army Airdrop Test of LAV-25A2-Drop.jpg|An LAV-25A2 being [[Airdrop|airdropped]]
File:US Army Airdrop Test of LAV-25A2-Recovery.jpg|Recovery of an [[Airdrop|airdropped]] LAV-25A2
File:US Army Airdrop Test of LAV-25A2-Fire.jpg|Rapid setup and test fire of the LAV-25A2 after an [[airdrop]]
</gallery>

===LAV-25A3===
In January 2019, General Dynamics was awarded a $37.2 million contract to upgrade the Marine Corps' LAV fleet. Designated the LAV A3, upgrades include improvements to the powerpack to improve reliability, cooling capacity, diagnostics, and fuel economy, a new drivetrain for improved towing capability, a steering dampener to improve road feel and usability, and a digitized drivers' instrument panel. The initial contract was for 60 hardware kits which are planned for installation by 2021.<ref>[https://www.military.com/defensetech/2019/01/17/marine-corps-awards-contract-lav-fleet-upgrade.html Marine Corps Awards Contract for LAV Fleet Upgrade]. ''Military.com/Defense Tech''. 17 January 2019.</ref>

===Derivatives===
Five variants of the LAV-25 were originally envisioned. Only six were initially production ready. Other than the LAV-25, these were:<ref name="Hunnicutt" />
*'''LAV-AT (Anti-Tank)'''
:LAV fitted with an Emerson 901A1 [[BGM-71 TOW|TOW-2]] [[anti-tank guided missile]] launcher, the same turret that was fitted on the [[M901 ITV]]. It is also armed with a pintle-mounted M240E1 or M240B general-purpose machine gun. It carries a total of 16 TOW missiles and 1,000 rounds of 7.62&nbsp;mm ammunition.

[[File:LAV-ATM at Camp Fuji, Japan.jpg|thumb|LAV-ATM]]

:* '''LAV-ATM (Modernization)''' replaces the Emerson turret with the modified target acquisition system turret. Improvements include always being in the up position to scan and track while moving and a more reliable digital design.<ref>{{Cite web |last=United States Marine Corps |date=23 June 2017 |title=Warfighter vehicles get weapons upgrade |url=https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/1226569/warfighter-vehicles-get-weapons-upgrade/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171128084924/http://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/1226569/warfighter-vehicles-get-weapons-upgrade/ |archive-date=28 November 2017 |access-date=17 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=U.S. Navy |date=2015 |title=Light Armored Vehicle – Anti-Tank Modernization (LAV- ATM) |url=https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals/97/pub/reports/FY2015/navy/2015lav.pdf?ver=2019-08-22-105642-740 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250309233839/https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals/97/pub/reports/FY2015/navy/2015lav.pdf?ver=2019-08-22-105642-740 |archive-date=9 March 2025 |access-date=17 March 2025}}</ref> The turret is also unmanned, can fire both wire-guided and radio frequency TOW missiles, has an improved thermal sight, far target location system, new commander/gunner video sight displays, and an electric elevation and azimuth drive system to rotate the system onto target.<ref>[http://www.marcorsyscom.marines.mil/News/News-Article-Display/Article/1374441/program-office-begins-fielding-upgraded-lav-anti-tank-weapon-system-to-marines/ Program office begins fielding upgraded LAV Anti-Tank Weapon System to Marines] – Marines.mil, 16 November 2017</ref> The LAV-ATM delivers accurate and destructive fire from [[defilade]] positions against tanks and armored vehicles. It carries a crew of four (driver, commander, gunner, and loader). Each LAV-ATM can carry two missiles ready to fire and has 14 missiles stowed, for a total of 16. Each [[Light Armored Reconnaissance|LAR]] company has four LAV-ATMs.<ref name=":0" />
* '''LAV-M (Mortar)'''
:LAV fitted with opening doors on the top, inside it is fitted with an 81&nbsp;mm [[M252 mortar]], with 360° traverse, and a pintle-mounted [[M240 machine gun|M240E1]] machine gun. It carries 90 81 mm mortar shells, and 1,000 rounds of 7.62&nbsp;mm ammunition. It carries a crew of five (driver, commander, gunner, loader, and ammo handler). Each [[Light Armored Reconnaissance|LAR]] company has two LAV-Ms.'''<ref name=":0" />'''
:In June 2021, the Marine Corps selected the [[UVision Air|UVision Hero-120]] [[loitering munition]] to be integrated onto the LAV-M, as well as other platforms, under the Organic Precision Fire Mounted (OPF-M) effort to enable them to employ a mid-range, anti-armor weapon system.<ref>[https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_june_2021_global_security_army_industry/uvision_to_provide_hero-120_organic_precision_fires-mounted_aerial_loitering_munition_systems_to_us_marine_corps.html UVision to provide Hero-120 Organic Precision Fires-Mounted Aerial Loitering Munition Systems to US Marine Corps]. ''Army Recognition''. 21 June 2021.</ref> The multi-canister launcher (MCL) mounted on the LAV-M can hold eight munitions.<ref>[https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/42707/this-is-our-first-look-at-the-marines-loitering-munition-armed-light-armored-vehicle This Is Our First Look At The Marines' Loitering Munition-Armed Light Armored Vehicle]. ''The Drive.com/The War Zone''. 11 October 2021.</ref>
* '''LAV-R (Recovery)'''
:LAV fitted with a boom crane, and recovery winch, for use in recovery of vehicles, specifically other LAVs. the LAV-R also has an air compressor for pneumatic tools, a filter/transfer pump, floodlights, and additional stowage capabilities. It serves as the primary maintenance vehicle and is used to recover/tow dead lined LAVs, as well as to perform organizational and limited intermediate field level maintenance. The LAV-R has a 6,600 lb-rated extendable rotating boom and a 30,000 lb-rated rearward winch. The LAV-R provides repair and recovery services at the organizational and intermediate field maintenance levels. It is armed with a pintle-mounted M240E1/G machine gun, and carries 1,000 rounds of 7.62&nbsp;mm ammunition. It has a crew of three (driver, commander, and rigger). Each [[Light Armored Reconnaissance|LAR]] company has one LAV-R, except for H&S company, which has 3 to support the battalion.'''<ref name=":0" />'''
* '''LAV-C2 (Command & Control)'''
:LAV with a raised roof to accommodate several VHF, UHF and HF radios. It is armed with a pintle-mounted M240E1/G machine gun, and carries 1,000 rounds of 7.62&nbsp;mm ammunition. The vehicle carries a suite of radios, a portable shelter, and an auxiliary power unit (also referred to as APU) to substitute for vehicle power when needed. The LAV-C2A2 has the capability to effectively command and control the battalion, company, or combat team. Each [[Light Armored Reconnaissance|LAR]] company has two LAV-C2s, except for H&S company, which has 6 to support the battalion.'''<ref name=":0" />''' Generally referred to as the C<sup>2</sup> ("C-square" or "C-two").
* '''LAV-L (Logistics)<ref name=":0" />'''
:LAV variant that provides transportation for personnel, communications equipment, limited [[CASEVAC]] (2 [[Litter (rescue basket)|litters]]), ammunition, fuel, and other supplies.  It is armed with a pintle-mounted machine gun, 7.62 mm, [[M240B]] and has a cargo capacity of {{Convert|5600|lb|kg|abbr=on}}. It carries a crew of three (driver, commander, and logistics crewmember). Each [[Light Armored Reconnaissance|LAR]] company has four LAV-Ls, except for H&S company, which has 6 to support the battalion<ref name=":0" />
<gallery mode="packed" widths="500" heights="210">
File:LAV-AT.jpg|LAV-AT with the 901A1 TOW-2 in 1997
File:LAV-ATM firing TOW missile.jpg|LAV-ATM firing [[TOW missile]]
File:LAV-M (Mortar).jpg|LAV-M
</gallery>Development continued with two other variants:
[[File:LAV-AD 1999 firing DM-SD-00-02951.JPEG|right|thumb|A LAV-AD during live-fire exercise in 1999.]] 
* '''LAV-AD (Air Defense)'''
:LAV fitted with an electric turret mounting a General Dynamics [[GAU-12 Equalizer]] [[25 mm caliber|25 mm (0.984 in)]] [[Gatling gun#M61 Vulcan, Minigun, and other designs|5-barreled Gatling cannon]], and two missile pods each with 4 [[FIM-92 Stinger]] missiles for [[short range air defense]] duties. Manned by a crew of 3 and with a capacity for 990 rounds of 25&nbsp;mm ammunition, and 16 (including 8 reload rounds) FIM-92 Stinger missiles. A variant using the [[Mistral (missile)|Mistral missile]] in place of Stingers was developed for the export market.<ref>{{cite web|title=LAV-AD, United States of America|url=http://www.army-technology.com/projects/blazer/|work=Army-Technology.com|access-date=27 April 2013}}</ref> The LAV-AD can also mount a pod of 70mm [[Hydra 70|Hydra-70]] rockets, replacing the one Stinger pod mounted above the [[GAU-12 Equalizer|GAU-12]], to counter [[Attack helicopter|attack helicopters]] operating beyond the [[FIM-92 Stinger|Stinger]]’s range, but their effectiveness against moving targets was debated. Originally intended as a near-term solution, the Hydra-70’s ability to reliably hit standoff threats was controversial.<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Captain Fritz |last1=Doran, USMC |first2=Captain Pat |last2=Spurr, USMC |first3=Captain Kim |last3=Graham, USMC |first4=Captain Phillip |last4=Viersen, US Army |date=8 April 1993 |title=Shoot 'em All Down -- Let God Sort 'em Out: Effective Command and Control for the LAV/AD |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA272077.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=LAV-AD: Mobile Air Defense For The Ground Maneuver Force |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1991/DCR.htm |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=www.globalsecurity.org}}</ref>
*'''LAV-AG (Assault Gun)''' In 1987, General Motors tested an EX35 105&nbsp;mm gun on a LAV chassis. In June 1990, the Marine Corps awarded [[Cadillac Gage Textron]] a contract to provide three LAVs, designated the LAV-105, with the EX35 gun. This project was canceled in 1991 due to a lack of funds.<ref name="Hunnicutt" /> However, funding was restored by Congress under the stipulation that the Army and Marine Corps integrate the [[Gun turret|turret]] and gun of the LAV-105 with the [[Armored Gun System]] chassis.<ref name="Joint Marine Army program">{{cite news |title=Army, Marine Corps Told to Join Forces and Develop New Armored Vehicle |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/43987311 |access-date=24 January 2022 |work=Inside the Pentagon |issue=30 |publisher=Inside Washington Publishers |date=25 July 1991 |volume = 7|page=5|jstor = 43987311}}</ref> Amid concerns about the potential mismatch between the two components, Congress later nixed this requirement.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senate Appropriators Say: Army Does Not Have Funding to Follow Through With Force Modernization Plans |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/43989173 |access-date=24 January 2022 |work=Inside the Pentagon |issue=39 |publisher=Inside Washington Publishers |date=26 September 1991 |volume = 7|page=12|jstor = 43989173}}</ref> The Marine Corps revived the LAV-105 in 1993. None were ultimately ordered, though the vehicle did perform well during testing.<ref name="Hunnicutt" />

Other variants:
* '''LAV-MEWSS (Mobile Electronic Warfare Support System)'''
:LAV modified to intercept, collect, and disrupt enemy communications via a vast array of electronic warfare equipment. Each [[Light Armored Reconnaissance|LAR]] battalion has four LAV-MEWSS vehicles.<ref name=":0" />
* '''LAV-EFSS (Expeditionary Fire Support System)'''
:Proposed replacement for LAV-M, LAV fitted with provisions to use [[Dragon Fire (mortar)|Dragon Fire]], a 120 mm recoil mortar system.
<gallery mode="packed" widths="500" heights="250">
File:LAV-MEWSS (Mobile Electronic Warfare Support System).jpg|LAV-MEWSS
File:Dragon Fire II LAV-M front view.jpg|LAV-EFSS
</gallery>An unknown variant is used by at least one civilian law enforcement agency.<ref>{{cite news |last=Duchnowski |first=Jillian |title=Sheriff's vehicle has many uses |url=http://www.nwherald.com/2009/06/12/sheriffs-vehicle-has-many-uses/a5x24mr/ |access-date=27 April 2013 |newspaper=Northwest Herald |date=15 June 2009}}</ref>

== Operators ==
[[File:USMC-110314-M-2740R-106.jpg|thumb|A [[U.S. Marine Corps]] LAV-25A2 engaging insurgents in [[Helmand Province]], [[Afghanistan]], in 2011.]]
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}
* [[Saudi Arabian National Guard]]<ref>{{cite report |author=Office of the Inspector General |author-link=Department of Defense Office of Inspector General |date=June 26, 1995 |title=Selected Aspects of the Saudi Arabian National Guard Security Assistance Program |url=https://media.defense.gov/1995/Jun/26/2001715115/-1/-1/1/95-253.pdf |publisher=[[United States Department of Defense]] |page=27 |docket=Report No. 95-253 |access-date=August 17, 2024 |quote=In January 1994, when the fielding of the LAV-25 variant of the armored vehicle started, the Program Office discovered errors in the spare parts package.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/saudi-arabia-light-armored-vehicles-and-related-support | title=Saudi Arabia – Light Armored Vehicles and Related Support &#124; Defense Security Cooperation Agency }}</ref>
{{flag|United States}} 
* United States Army used by [[82nd Airborne Division]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a24486718/why-the-army-is-borrowing-light-armored-vehicles-from-the-marines/ | title=Why is the Army is Borrowing Armored Vehicles from the Marines? | date=November 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2018/10/30/reactivated-unit-gives-82nd-airborne-an-armored-component-that-packs-a-marine-corps-style-punch/ | title=Reactivated unit gives 82nd Airborne an armored component that packs a Marine Corps-style punch | date=31 October 2018 }}</ref> 
**Estimated 14 LAV-25 as of January 2025<ref name="Military Balance 2025">{{cite book |title=The Military Balance |date=2025 |publisher=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]] |isbn=978-1-041-04967-8}}</ref>{{rp|36}}
* United States Marine Corps<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/24543/armys-newest-airborne-unit-gets-second-hand-but-air-droppable-usmc-lav-25-armored-vehicles | title=Army's Newest Airborne Unit Gets Second-Hand but Air Droppable USMC LAV-25 Armored Vehicles | date=29 October 2018 }}</ref>
{{flag|Kuwait}}
* [[Kuwait National Guard]]

==See also==
* {{annotated link|United States Marine Corps Light Armored Reconnaissance}}

* {{lwc|TATA Kestrel}}
* {{lwc|Mowag Piranha}}
* {{lwc|Patria AMV}}
* {{lwc|ASLAV}}
* {{lwc|BTR-90}}
* {{lwc|CM-32 armoured vehicle}}
* {{lwc|FNSS Pars}}
* {{lwc|LAV III}}
* {{lwc|LAV III#New Zealand|NZLAV}}
* {{lwc|KTO Rosomak}}
* {{lwc|Stryker}}
* {{lwc|VBCI}}
* {{lwc|Bison and Coyote armoured vehicles|Coyote reconnaissance vehicle}}
* {{lwc|BTR-3}}
* {{lwc|Pandur I}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons|LAV-25}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070925182315/https://wrc.navair-rdte.navy.mil/warfighter_enc/landcrft/lav.htm Light Armored Vehicles on Navy.mil]
* [http://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=57 LAV-25 page on Militaryfactory.com]
* [http://www.olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_lav.php3 USMC Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) page on Olive-drab.com]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100628224310/http://discovermilitary.com/military-vehicles/light-armour-vehicles/lav-25/ USMC LAV-25 on Discovermilitary.com]

{{Modern IFV and APC}}
{{Modern Recce}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lav-25}}
[[Category:Reconnaissance vehicles of the United States]]
[[Category:Wheeled reconnaissance vehicles]]
[[Category:Wheeled armoured fighting vehicles]]
[[Category:General Dynamics land vehicles]]
[[Category:Eight-wheeled vehicles]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1980s]]
[[Category:Mowag Piranha]]