View source for LAV III

{{Short description|Canadian wheeled armored personnel carrier}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2017}}
{{linkrot|date=June 2025}}

{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Light Armoured Vehicle III
| image              = [[File:20110912 WN S1015650 0030.jpg - Flickr - NZ Defence Force.jpg|frameless|upright=1.4|A New Zealand Army LAV III in Afghanistan]]
| caption            = A New Zealand Army LAV III in Afghanistan
| type               = [[Infantry fighting vehicle]]
| is_vehicle         = yes
<!-- Service history -->| service            = 
| wars               = See ''[[#Service history|Service history]]''
| developed_from     = [[LAV II]]
| developed_into     = *[[Stryker]]
*NZLAV
*[[LAV 6|LAV 6.0]]
**[[LAV 6|LAV 700 Desert Viper]]
| length             = {{convert|6.98|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| width              = {{convert|2.7|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| height             = {{convert|2.8|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| origin             = [[Canada]]
| used_by            = See [[LAV III#Operators|Operators]]
| weight             = 16.95 t
| suspension         = [[Hydropneumatic suspension|Hydropneumatic]]
| speed              = {{convert|100|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}
| vehicle_range      = {{convert|450|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| primary_armament   = 1 × [[M242]] 25 mm [[chain gun]] with [[Thermal Imaging System|TIS]]
| secondary_armament = 1 × [[FN MAG|C6]] 7.62 mm [[machine gun]]<br />(coaxial) <br />1 × [[C9A2]] 5.56 mm or C6 7.62 mm machine gun<br />(pintle mount)
| armour             = 
| engine             = [[Caterpillar 3126]] diesel
| engine_power       = 260 kW (350 hp)
| crew               = 3 (+ 6 or 7 passengers)
| pw_ratio           = 
}}

The '''LAV III''' is the third generation of the [[LAV (Canada)|Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV)]] family of [[armored personnel carrier]]s built by [[General Dynamics Land Systems]] – Canada (GDLS-C), a [[London, Ontario]], based subsidiary of [[General Dynamics Land Systems|General Dynamics]]. It first entered service in 1999, succeeding the [[LAV II]].<ref name="deagel">{{cite web |url=http://www.deagel.com/Wheeled-Armored-Fighting-Vehicles/LAV-III_a000316001.aspx|title=LAV III/NZLAV |publisher=Deagel.com|access-date=September 22, 2009|url-status=live|archive-date=May 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504054525/http://www.deagel.com/Wheeled-Armored-Fighting-Vehicles/LAV-III_a000316001.aspx}}</ref><ref name="kodiak">{{cite web |url=http://www.military-today.com/apc/kodiak.htm |title=LAV III Kodiak Armoured Personnel Carrier|publisher=Military-Today.com|access-date=July 27, 2009|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090319074844/http://www.military-today.com/apc/kodiak.htm|archive-date=March 19, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Maas|first=Frank |date=Spring 2011|title=The Success of the Light Armoured Vehicle|magazine=Canadian Military History |volume=20|number=2 |url=https://www.canadianmilitaryhistory.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/4-Maas-LAV.pdf |access-date=8 August 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808210553/https://www.canadianmilitaryhistory.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/4-Maas-LAV.pdf|archive-date=8 August 2020}}</ref> It is the primary [[mechanized infantry]] vehicle of both the [[Canadian Army]] and the [[New Zealand Army]].<ref name="deagel"/> It also forms the basis of the [[Stryker]] vehicle used by the [[U.S. Army]] and other operators. The Canadian Army is upgrading its LAV IIIs to the [[LAV 6]] standard. Early in its development history it was referred to as the 'Kodiak', but the name was never officially adopted.<ref>{{Cite web |title=LAV III Kodiak Armored Personnel Carrier {{!}} MilitaryToday.com |url=https://www.militarytoday.com/apc/kodiak.htm |access-date=2024-06-05 |website=www.militarytoday.com}}</ref>

==Development==
By July 1991, the [[Canadian Army|Canadian Armed Forces]] had identified the need to replace their aging fleet of 1960s and 1970s era armoured personnel carriers. As a result, $2.8 billion was earmarked for the [[TH-495|Multi-Role Combat Vehicle]] (MRCV) project by the sitting [[Progressive Conservative Party of Canada|Conservative]] government. The mandate of the MRCV project was to provide a series of vehicles based on a common chassis which would replace the [[M113 armored personnel carrier]], [[Lynx reconnaissance vehicle]], [[AVGP#Grizzly|Grizzly armoured personnel carrier]], and [[Bison armoured personnel carrier]]. The project was, however, deemed unaffordable and cancelled by March 1992.<ref name="cmj2001">{{Cite news|url=http://www.journal.forces.gc.ca/vo2/no2/doc/59-66-eng.pdf|last=Stone|first=Major J. Craig|title=An Examination of the Armoured Personnel Carrier Replacement Project|newspaper=[[Canadian Military Journal]]|pages=59–65|date=Summer 2001|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717072807/http://www.journal.forces.gc.ca/vo2/no2/doc/59-66-eng.pdf|archive-date=July 17, 2011}}</ref>

By 1994, after the [[Liberal Party of Canada|Liberal Party]] won the [[1993 Canadian federal election]], the army was still in need of new vehicles. As a result, the army embarked on the [[Light Armoured Vehicle]] Project, which would adapt parts of the MRCV Project, and be implemented incrementally to spread out the costs. Also, the requirement to replace the Bisons was dropped. The first phase of the project saw the selection of the LAV II [[Coyote Reconnaissance Vehicle]] to replace the Lynx.

[[General Motors Diesel]] proposed an upgraded variant of their 8×8 platform incorporating the turret and weapon system of the Coyote. In August 1995, it was announced that GM Diesel (later renamed [[GM Defense]], and subsequently purchased by [[General Dynamics Land Systems]] of London, Ontario) had been awarded the contract to produce the LAV III which would replace the Grizzly and a large portion of the M113 armoured personnel carriers.<ref name="cmj2001" />

==Design==
===Armament===
[[File:20110912 WN S1015650 0070.jpg - Flickr - NZ Defence Force.jpg|thumb|A [[M242 Bushmaster]] chain gun is fitted on a LAV III's gun turret, with a machine gun placed atop the turret.]]
The LAV&nbsp;III is fitted with a two-man turret, armed with the [[M242 Bushmaster]] 25&nbsp;mm caliber chain gun and a coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun. One more 5.56&nbsp;mm or 7.62&nbsp;mm machine guns is positioned on top of the turret. The LAV&nbsp;III also has eight 76-mm grenade launchers in two clusters of four launchers positioned on each side of the turret. The grenade launchers are intended for smoke grenades.<ref name="dnd"/> In 2009, a number of LAV&nbsp;III's were modified with a [[Nanuk Remotely Controlled Weapon Station|Nanuk remotely controlled weapon station]] (RCWS) to provide better protection and to increase the chances of survival of the crew against [[improvised explosive devices]] and [[anti-tank mine]] threats on the battlefield.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/land-terre/news-nouvelles/story-reportage-eng.asp?id=3642 |title=New LAV variant to provide better protection |publisher=[[Department of National Defence (Canada)|DND]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722000652/http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/land-terre/news-nouvelles/story-reportage-eng.asp?id=3642 |archive-date=July 22, 2012 |access-date=April 23, 2017 }}</ref>

===Mobility===
The LAV&nbsp;III is powered by a [[Caterpillar Inc.|Caterpillar 3126 diesel engine]] developing {{convert|350|hp|kW}} and can reach speeds above 100 kilometres per hour.<ref name="dnd">{{cite web |url=http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/land-terre/equipment-equipement/item-eng.asp?product=64 |title=Canadian Army > LAV III – LIGHT ARMOURED VEHICLE |publisher=[[Department of National Defence (Canada)]] |access-date=July 22, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101012173921/http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/land-terre/equipment-equipement/item-eng.asp?product=64}}</ref> The vehicle is fitted with [[Eight-wheel drive|8x8 drive]] and also equipped with a central tire inflation system, which allows it to adjust to different terrain, including [[off-roading|off-road]].<ref name="Tony Rogers">{{cite web|title=Stryker Light Armored Vehicle III (LAV III) > LAV III – LIGHT ARMOURED VEHICLE|publisher=Tony Rogers |url=http://www.tonyrogers.com/weapons/stryker.htm|access-date=April 23, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112194625/http://www.tonyrogers.com/weapons/stryker.htm|archive-date=January 12, 2017}}</ref><ref name="LAV COMPANY TACTICS">{{cite web|title=Canadian Army > LAV COMPANY TACTICS |url=http://armyapp.forces.gc.ca/ael/pubs/B-GL-321-007-FP-001.pdf|publisher=[[Department of National Defence (Canada)]]|access-date=October 14, 2003|url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110706181657/http://armyapp.forces.gc.ca/ael/pubs/B-GL-321-007-FP-001.pdf |archive-date=July 6, 2011}}</ref> The LAV&nbsp;III is fitted with a modern [[Anti-lock braking system|anti-locking brake system]] (ABS). Unlike earlier versions of the LAV, the LAV&nbsp;III does not have [[Amphibious vehicle|amphibious]] capabilities.
[[File:20110912 WN S1015650 0039.jpg - Flickr - NZ Defence Force.jpg|thumb|A LAV III performing mounted patrols makes its way through an unpaved road in [[Bamyan Province]].]]
The LAV&nbsp;III faces the same concerns that most other wheeled military vehicles face. Like all wheeled armoured vehicles, the LAV&nbsp;III's [[ground pressure]] is inherently higher than a tracked vehicle with a comparable weight. This is because tires will have less surface area in contact with the ground when compared to a tracked vehicle. Higher ground pressure results in an increased likelihood of sinking into soft terrain such as mud, snow and sand, leading to the vehicle becoming stuck. The lower ground pressure and improved traction offered by tracked vehicles also gives them an advantage over vehicles like the LAV&nbsp;III when it comes to managing slopes, trenches, and other obstacles.

The LAV&nbsp;III can somewhat compensate for these effects by deflating its tires slightly, meaning that the surface area in contact with the ground increases, and the ground pressure is slightly lowered.

However, wheels offer several advantages over tracked vehicles, including lower maintenance for both the vehicle and road infrastructure, quieter movement for improved stealth, greater speed over good terrain, and higher ground clearance. Wheeled vehicle crews are also more likely to survive mine or IED attacks than the crew of a similarly armoured tracked vehicle.

The LAV&nbsp;III's turret gives the vehicle a higher centre of gravity than the vehicle was initially designed for. This has led to concerns that the vehicle is more likely to roll over on uneven terrain.

While there have been several recorded rollovers (about 16),<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/light-armoured-vehicle-rollovers-led-to-more-than-50-casualties-1.2662379|title = Light armoured vehicle rollovers led to more than 50 casualties|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140603024928/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/light-armoured-vehicle-rollovers-led-to-more-than-50-casualties-1.2662379|archive-date = June 3, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref> the most common cause was found to be unstable terrain, specifically road shoulders unexpectedly giving away beneath the vehicle.<ref name ="CASR">{{cite web|url = https://www.sfu.ca/casr/ft-lav3rollover.htm| title= Reviewing the LAV III – Rollovers and Suicide Bombers, Are Criticisms of the CAF's Armoured Vehicles Warranted?|publisher= Canadian American Strategic Review| access-date=July 23, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080416041900/http://www.sfu.ca/casr/ft-lav3rollover.htm |archive-date = April 16, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> The weight balance of the LAV&nbsp;III is taken into consideration during driver training, largely mitigating the chances of a rollover.

===Protection===
The basic armour of the LAV&nbsp;III, covering the Standardization Agreement [[STANAG 4569]] level III, which provides all-round protection against [[7.62×51mm NATO]] small calibre rounds. A ceramic appliqué armour ([[MEXAS]]) can be added, which protects against [[14.5×114mm]] heavy calibre rounds from 500 meters. In December 2008 the Government of Canada awarded EODC Engineering, Developing and Licensing Inc. C$81.5 million worth of contracts to provide for add-on-armour kits, modules and spares for its LAV&nbsp;III wheeled armoured personnel carriers.<ref name="definddaily">{{cite web|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Canada-Up-Armoring-its-LAV-IIIs-05181/|title=Canada Up-Armoring its LAV-IIIs|publisher=Defense Industry Daily|date=December 13, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108102636/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Canada-Up-Armoring-its-LAV-IIIs-05181/ |archive-date=January 8, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Public-Works-And-Government-Services-Canada-924569.html|title=Government of Canada Contract Will Help Support Canadian Forces Armoured Vehicle Fleet|date=November 26, 2008 |publisher=Public Works and Government Services Canada}}</ref> This armour kit is intended to provide increased protection against [[Improvised explosive device|improvised explosive devices (IED)]], [[explosively formed penetrator]]s and [[30 mm caliber]] armour piercing rounds.<ref name="kodiak"/><ref name="definddaily"/><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.ibd-deisenroth-engineering.de/amap-ied.html|title=Next Generation IED-Protection |publisher=IBD Dieisenroth Engineering|access-date=July 27, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501164807/http://www.ibd-deisenroth-engineering.de/amap-ied.html |archive-date=May 1, 2009}}</ref><ref name="dnd3">{{cite press release |url=http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?crtr.sj1D=&mthd=tp&crtr.mnthndVl=&nid=425169|title=Government of Canada Contract will help support Canadian Forces Armoured Vehicle Fleet|publisher=Government of Canada|date=November 26, 2008|access-date=July 27, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716162037/http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?crtr.sj1D=&mthd=tp&crtr.mnthndVl=&nid=425169 |archive-date=July 16, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="defpro">{{cite web|url=http://www.defpro.com/news/details/4040/|title=Canada develops supplemental armour kits for its LAV III vehicles|publisher=defpro.com|access-date=July 27, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717061936/http://www.defpro.com/news/details/4040/|archive-date=July 17, 2011}}</ref> The LAV&nbsp;III can be also fitted with [[cage armor|cage armour]], which provides protection against [[shaped charge]]s. The LAV&nbsp;III is fitted with a nuclear, biological, chemical (NBC) filtration system accompanied with a GID-3 chemical detector and AN/VDR-2 radiation detector systems.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/caj/documents/vol_05/iss_2/CAJ_vol5.2_09_e.pdf |title=To Fix and Strike The LAV III in Mobile Defence|date=July 8, 2011|publisher=[[Department of National Defence (Canada)]]|access-date=July 9, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905043839/http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/caj/documents/vol_05/iss_2/CAJ_vol5.2_09_e.pdf}}</ref> The LAV&nbsp;III was designed to produce a very low and very compact structure to minimize radar and IR-signatures. The LAV&nbsp;III also uses heat-absorbing filters to provide temporary protection against [[Thermography|thermal imaging (TIS)]], [[image intensifier]]s and [[Infrared|infrared cameras (IR)]]. General Dynamics is in the process of integrating the LAV III with an [[active protection system]]<ref>[http://www.deagel.com/news/General-Dynamics-Developing-LAV-III-with-Fully-Integrated-Active-Protection-System_n000011512.aspx General Dynamics Developing LAV III with Fully Integrated Active Protection System] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224145/http://www.deagel.com/news/General-Dynamics-Developing-LAV-III-with-Fully-Integrated-Active-Protection-System_n000011512.aspx |date=March 3, 2016}} – Deagel.com, May 29, 2013</ref> based on the Israeli [[Trophy (countermeasure)|Trophy]] system.<ref>[https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20131020024825/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20131015/DEFREG02/310150018/US-Israeli-Team-Demo-APS-Canada US-Israeli Team To Demo APS for Canada] – Defensenews.com, October 15, 2013.</ref>
[[File:LAV III Exhibition 05.jpg|thumb|LAV III sights and sensors atop its turret.]]
The majority of [[Canadian Forces casualties in Afghanistan|Canadian casualties]] in Afghanistan have occurred during a patrol aboard a LAV&nbsp;III.<ref>{{cite journal |title=The LAV III in Counter-Insurgency Warfare—Tactical Lessons Learned |journal=Canadian Army Journal |volume=10 |issue=1 |date=Spring 2007 |pages=45–54 |url=http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/caj/documents/vol_10/iss_1/CAJ_vol10.1_08_e.pdf |access-date=July 22, 2009 |author=Benjamin J. Richard |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523122143/http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/caj/documents/vol_10/iss_1/CAJ_vol10.1_08_e.pdf |archive-date=May 23, 2013 }}</ref> This can be explained by the fact that the LAV&nbsp;III is the most commonly used Canadian armoured personnel carrier in theatre, and simply represents a normal association between use and likelihood to encounter a mine or improvised explosive device.<ref name="casr2">{{cite web |url=http://www.casr.ca/ft-vehicle-casualties.htm |title=Hard Numbers – CAF Afghanistan Casualties vs Vehicle Type |publisher=Canadian American Strategic Review |date=February 2008 |access-date=July 27, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090706063156/http://www.casr.ca/ft-vehicle-casualties.htm |archive-date=July 6, 2009}}</ref> The LAV&nbsp;III offers comparable or better protection than most other infantry carriers used in Afghanistan. In an effort to improve protection as a result of experiences in [[Afghanistan]], future LAV&nbsp;III upgrades will likely include improved mine and IED protection.<ref name="dnd2">{{cite press release |url=http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/view-news-afficher-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=3037|title=Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) III Upgrade Project|date=July 8, 2009|publisher=[[Department of National Defence (Canada)]]|access-date=July 27, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090916074640/http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/view-news-afficher-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=3037|archive-date=September 16, 2009}}</ref>

===Sights===
The LAV&nbsp;III is equipped with a daytime optical [[Thermal Imaging System|Thermal Imaging System (TIS)]] and [[Night vision device|Generation III Image Intensification (II)]]. The LAV&nbsp;III is equipped with a Tactical Navigation System (TacNav) to assist in navigation and target location tasks. The LAV&nbsp;III is equipped with an [[liquid crystal display|LCD]] monitor directly connected to the vehicle's external cameras, providing real-time images of the battlefield for the passengers.<ref name="dnd"/>

==Service history==
The LAV III and related versions have been used in the following:
{{col div}}
*[[United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea]] (UNMEE)
*[[United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo|United Nations Mission in Kosovo]] (UNMIK)
*[[SFOR|United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina]] (UNMIBH)
*[[Operation HALO|United Nations Mission in Haiti]] (UNMIH)
*[[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|War in Afghanistan]] (ISAF)
*[[Napier shootings]], New Zealand
*[[2011 Lake Champlain and Richelieu River floods#Operation Lotus|Operation Lotus]], Canada
*[[2011 Christchurch earthquake#Response|Response to the 2011 Christchurch earthquake]], New Zealand
*[[Colombian conflict (1964–present)|Colombian armed conflict]]
{{col div end}}

===New Zealand===
[[File:Cordon around the Orange Zone.jpg|thumb|A New Zealand LAV III deployed after the [[2011 Christchurch earthquake]].]]
In May 2009, two NZLAVs were deployed to support police during the [[Napier shootings]]. They protected specialist police while retrieving the body of a deceased police officer from outside the offender's residence. In November 2009, it was announced that three NZLAVs would be deployed to assist [[NZSAS]] operations in Afghanistan and they were up-armoured.<ref name="NZ_Herald_10609245">{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10609245 |title=Army vehicles on Afghanistan mission |author=Gower, Patrick |date=November 14, 2009 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |access-date=November 1, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021173604/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10609245 |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2011, these three LAVs were moved to Bamyan to support the provincial reconstruction team there as they were no longer needed in Kabul due to reduced SAS numbers. Five additional LAVs were also flown to Bamyan. One was later damaged by a roadside bomb. All these LAVs were returned to New Zealand by November 2013.

In 2011, after the [[2011 Christchurch earthquake|Christchurch earthquake]], LAVs from Burnham Camp were deployed to assist police with securing the inner city at night.

In March 2016, two LAVs were deployed to assist with lifting a siege near Kawerau in the Bay of Plenty after four policemen were shot at and severely injured.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/77728170/bay-of-plenty-police-shooting-how-events-unfolded|title=Bay of Plenty police shooting: How events unfolded|website=Stuff|date=March 9, 2016 |access-date=2017-07-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611045400/http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/77728170/Bay-of-Plenty-police-shooting-How-events-unfolded|archive-date=June 11, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

Originally 105 NZLAVs, including 95 Infantry Mobility Vehicle (IMV), 7 Light Obstacle Blade Vehicle (LOB) and 3 Recovery Vehicle (LAV-R).

In 2003 the New Zealand armed forces purchased 105 [[LAV (armoured vehicle)|LAV]] (Light Armored Vehicle) from Canada, of which 102 were standard vehicles (LOB is a standard NZLAV with a bulldozer blade attached) and 3 were redesigned for recovery.

In 2010 the government said it would look at the possibility of selling 35 LAVs, around a third of the fleet, as being surplus to requirements.<ref>{{cite news|date=24 May 2010|title=Govt to sell 35 army LAVs|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/national-news/3732671/Govt-to-sell-35-army-LAVs}}</ref> In 2012, 20 NZLAVs were made available to be sold, and in 2019 this amount was raised to 30.<ref name="NZLAV2022"/>

On 20 April 2022, New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) announced that they had sold 22 NZLAVs to Chilean Navy. After the sale to Chile, NZDF still had 8 NZLAVs in their inventory for sale. One NZLAV has been written off after being damaged in Afghanistan and one NZLAV is being used in Canada (source country for NZLAV) as a test vehicle. 73 NZLAVs remain in service with NZDF as of April 2022.<ref name="NZLAV2022">{{cite press release |title=Twenty two Light Armoured Vehicles sold to Chilean Navy |url=https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/twenty-two-light-armoured-vehicles-sold-to-chilean-navy/ |website=New Zealand Defence Force |access-date=13 December 2022 |date=20 April 2022}}</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:LAV III Mortar Carrier.jpg|thumb|A LAV III variant with a 120mm mortar turret during a demonstration for the U.S. Army's [[Interim Armored Vehicle]] program.]]
* '''TOW Under Armour''' (TUA) – Standard LAV III turret replaced with [[BGM-71 TOW|TOW]] Under Armour launcher for anti-tank purposes
* '''[[Armored personnel carrier|Infantry Section Carrier]]''' (ISC) – Surplus LAV TUA hulls fitted with a [[Nanuk Remotely Controlled Weapon Station]].
* '''Observation Post Vehicle''' (OPV) – Standard LAV III equipped for use by [[forward observation officer]] (FOO).
* '''Command Post Vehicle''' (CPV) – Standard LAV III equipped for command post duties.
* '''Engineer LAV''' (ELAV) – LAV III equipped with a dozer blade and other engineering equipment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/land-terre/equipment-equipement/item-eng.asp?product=64 |title=LAV III – LIGHT ARMOURED VEHICLE |date=July 20, 2009 |access-date=June 1, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101012173921/http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/land-terre/equipment-equipement/item-eng.asp?product=64 |archive-date=October 12, 2010 }}</ref>
* '''Infantry Mobility Vehicle''' (IMV) – Standard NZLAV vehicle used in cavalry, reconnaissance, and forward observer roles.
* '''Light Obstacle Blade''' (LOB) – An NZLAV IMV fitted with a small blade for minor earth works and clearing of obstacles.
* '''Recovery''' (LAV-R) – NZLAV vehicle fitted with a TR200 winch and [[earth anchor]] for recovery operations.
* '''[[Multi-Mission Effects Vehicle]]''' (MMEV) – The project was canceled in 2005

===LAV 6===
{{Main|LAV 6}}
[[File:Saint-André-Avelin 27 avril 2019 VBL.jpg|thumb|right|A Canadian Army LAV 6]]
In October 2011, GDLS-Canada was awarded a contract to upgrade 409 of the service's 651 LAV III APCs to the LAV 6 standard. Four variants were ordered: an infantry section carrier, a command post, an observation post and an engineer vehicle.<ref name="Lessons from the LAV">{{cite news |last1=Thatcher |first1=Chris |title=Mobile, lethal and better protected: Lessons from the LAV |url=https://canadianarmytoday.com/mobile-lethal-and-better-protected-lessons-from-the-lav/ |access-date=14 February 2022 |work=Canadian Army Today |date=27 May 2019}}</ref> The upgrade was expected to extend the service life of the vehicle to 2035.<ref name="roll off"/> In February 2017, the service awarded GDLS-Canada a $404 million contract to upgrade 141 more LAV IIIs.<ref name="LAV UP amendment">{{cite news |title=General Dynamics to upgrade LAV III vehicles |url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/general-dynamics-upgrade-lav-iii-vehicles/ |access-date=14 February 2022 |work=Shepard News |date=13 February 2017}}</ref> In August 2019, GDLS-Canada received a four-year, $3 billion deal to build 360 armoured combat support vehicle variants. The first of these rolled off the assembly line in May 2021.<ref name="roll off">{{cite news |last1=De Bono |first1=Norman |title=London workers praised as military vehicles in $3B order start rolling off line |url=https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/london-made-military-vehicles-part-of-3b-order-start-rolling-off-line |access-date=14 February 2022 |work=The London Free Press |date=3 May 2021}}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:LAV III Operators.svg|thumb|upright=1.2|A map with LAV III operators marked in blue.]]
* {{CAN}}
:* [[Canadian Army]] – 651<ref name="deagel" /><ref name="dnd" />
:** LAV III – '''651'''
:*** 494 Infantry Fighting Vehicle - Standard model with turret and 25mm gun
:*** 71 TOW Under Armour - Anti-tank variant equipped with two TOW missile launchers on a specialized turret
:*** 39 armoured engineering vehicles
:*** 47 artillery fire control
:**Modernisation of 616 LAV III to standard [[LAV 6|LAV 6.0]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=LAV 6.0 Armored Personnel Carrier {{!}} MilitaryToday.com |url=https://www.militarytoday.com/apc/lav_6_0.htm |access-date=2023-09-09 |website=www.militarytoday.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cfc.forces.gc.ca/259/290/23/192/Rock.pdf |title=Tactical Competency and the Medium-Weight Force |last=Rock |first=Maj. James D. H. |date=2021 |website=[[Canadian Forces College]] |type=Student paper |publisher=[[Department of National Defence (Canada)]] |at=Table 1 – Type ‘A’ Vehicle Holding Summary |access-date=18 August 2024}}</ref>
:*** 278 ISC (Infantry Section Carrier)
:*** 181 CPV (Command Post)
:*** 47 OPV (Observation Post Vehicle for artillery)<ref name="dgpaapp 2018-05-30">{{Cite web |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2018-05-30 |title=LAV Specialist Variant Enhancements (LAV SVE) |url=http://dgpaapp.forces.gc.ca/en/defence-capabilities-blueprint/project-details.asp?id=1682 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Defence Capabilities Blueprint |publisher=Government of Canada |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716014808/http://dgpaapp.forces.gc.ca/en/defence-capabilities-blueprint/project-details.asp?id=1682 |archive-date=2018-07-16}}</ref>
:*** 44 ELAV (Engineer)
:*** 66 RECCE (long range reconnaissance)<ref name="dgpaapp 2018-05-30"/><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Scott |first1=Maj. Sterling |date=November 2020 |title=The Light Armoured Vehicle Reconnaissance Surveillance System Project – An Overview |url=https://rcemecorpsgemrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/LEMSJournal_Issue5_EN-Accessible.pdf |magazine=Land Equipment Management System Journal |publisher=Director General Land Equipment Program Management |volume=1 |issue=5 |page=4 |issn= 2561-5874 |via=[[Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers]] |access-date=18 August 2024 |quote=The Light Armoured Vehicle Reconnaissance Surveillance System (LRSS) project will replace the 141 currently in-service LAV Coyote RECCE with 66 state-of-the-art surveillance systems, integrated into 66 Light Armoured Vehicle 6.0 chassis.}}</ref>
* {{CHL}}
:* [[Chilean Marine Corps]] – 22 NZLAVs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/the-americas/2022/04/22/chile-buys-light-armored-vehicles-from-new-zealand-in-20m-deal/|title=Chile buys light armored vehicles from New Zealand in $20M deal|first=José|last=Higuera|date=April 22, 2022|website=Defense News}}</ref> Deliveries completed by July 2023 under contract by the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), variant purchased IMV (Infantry Mobility Vehicles).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://armyrecognition.com/defense_news_september_2023_global_security_army_industry/canada_completes_delivery_of_22_nzlav_8x8_vehicles_to_chile_from_new_zealand.html | title=Canada Completes Delivery of 22 NZLAV 8x8 Vehicles to Chile from New Zealand &#124; Defense News September 2023 Global Security army industry &#124; Defense Security global news industry army year 2023 &#124; Archive News year | date=September 26, 2023 }}</ref>
* {{COL}}
:* [[Colombian Army]] – 32 (+ 55 on order)
:** 24 [[Armoured personnel carrier|APC]] ordered in 2012 <ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-09-05 |title=Press Release Detail |url=http://www.generaldynamics.com/news/press-releases/detail.cfm?customel_dataPageID_1811=18240 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905235656/http://www.generaldynamics.com/news/press-releases/detail.cfm?customel_dataPageID_1811=18240 |archive-date=2015-09-05 |access-date=2023-11-12}}</ref> On December 27, 2012, the Colombian Army selected the LAV III to equip its mechanized infantry units. The vehicles are on order from [[General Dynamics Land Systems]] to partially replace their [[M113]]s and gradually replace the [[EE-11 Urutu]]. They will be armed with the [[Samson Remote Controlled Weapon Station|Samson RWS]] with [[M2 Browning]] machine guns or 25 or 30&nbsp;mm cannons.<ref>[http://www.armyrecognition.com/december_2012_new_army_military_defence_industry/army_colombia_has_selected_lav_iii_8x8_armoured_vehicle_for_its_mechanized_infantry_units_2912123.html Army of Colombia has selected the LAV III 8x8 armoured vehicle for its mechanized infantry units] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019084159/http://www.armyrecognition.com/december_2012_new_army_military_defence_industry/army_colombia_has_selected_lav_iii_8x8_armoured_vehicle_for_its_mechanized_infantry_units_2912123.html|date=October 19, 2016}} – Armyrecognition.com, December 29, 2012</ref> The contract was officially signed on January 10, 2013 for the order of 24 vehicles worth $65.3 million. They will have the [[V-hull|double v-hull]] design and add-on armor to provide protection against mine blasts, [[Improvised explosive device|IEDs]], and other threats. Deliveries are to be completed by May 2014.<ref>[http://www.generaldynamics.com/news/press-releases/detail.cfm?customel_dataPageID_1811=18240 General Dynamics Awarded $65 Million by the Colombian Ministry of National Defence for Light Armoured Vehicles] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905235656/http://www.generaldynamics.com/news/press-releases/detail.cfm?customel_dataPageID_1811=18240|date=September 5, 2015}} – General Dynamics press release, January 10, 2013</ref> Colombia was considering ordering 9–12 more vehicles.<ref>[http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6576:colombia-mod-mulls-order-of-additional-lav-iii-armored-vehicles&catid=35:latin-america&Itemid=58 Colombia; Mod mulls order of additional LAV-III armored vehicles] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509063439/http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6576%3Acolombia-mod-mulls-order-of-additional-lav-iii-armored-vehicles&catid=35%3Alatin-america&Itemid=58|date=May 9, 2015}} – Dmilt.com, May 10, 2013</ref>
:** 8 [[Armoured personnel carrier|APC]] ordered in 2014 <ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-05-09 |title=Colombia; Armored vehicles procurement programs summary |url=http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8901:colombia-armored-vehicles-procurement-programs-summary&catid=35:latin-america&Itemid=58 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509070752/http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8901:colombia-armored-vehicles-procurement-programs-summary&catid=35:latin-america&Itemid=58 |archive-date=2015-05-09 |access-date=2023-11-12}}</ref>
:** In 2023, 55 IFV were ordered by Colombia, equipped with a [[Samson Remote Controlled Weapon Station|Samson Dual RWS]] with a [[Mk44 Bushmaster II|30mm Orbital ATK Stretch]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patterson |first=Brent |date=2023-07-25 |title=Canada secures $418 million sale of 55 light armoured vehicles to the Colombian army - Peace Brigades International-Canada |url=https://pbicanada.org/2023/07/25/canada-secures-418-million-sale-of-55-light-armoured-vehicles-to-the-colombian-army/ |access-date=2023-11-12 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* {{NZ}}[[File:NZLAV 2009.jpg|thumb|A New Zealand Army LAV III on display.]]
:* [[New Zealand Army]] – 73 NZLAVs operational.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Twenty two Light Armoured Vehicles sold to Chilean Navy |url=https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/twenty-two-light-armoured-vehicles-sold-to-chilean-navy/ |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=www.nzdf.mil.nz |language=en-NZ}}</ref> 105 LAV III purchased (95 Infantry Mobility Vehicles, 7 LOB standard IMV with Light Obstacle Blade, 3 Recovery LAV-R). Among the 32 not in service, 22 were sold to the Chilean Navy, 1 lost after damage in Afghanistan, 1 used in Canada as test vehicle, and 8 available for sale.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Twenty two Light Armoured Vehicles sold to Chilean Navy |url=https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/twenty-two-light-armoured-vehicles-sold-to-chilean-navy/ |access-date=2023-11-12 |website=www.nzdf.mil.nz |language=en-NZ}}</ref>
* {{SAU}}
:* [[Saudi Arabian National Guard]] – 19<ref name="deagel" /> (as well as 928 upgraded [[LAV 6]] vehicles)<ref>{{Cite web |website=CBC News |date=2018-03-19 |title=Canada's arms deal with Saudi Arabia includes 'heavy assault' vehicles |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-saudi-arms-deal-1.4579772 |access-date=2024-04-19}}</ref>
* {{US}} 
:*[[United States Army|U.S. Army]] – The US army operates LAV III derived [[Stryker]], ordered from General Dynamics Land Systems Canada in 2000, with delivery of 4,466 completing in 2014.

===Future operators===
* [[Ukrainian Ground Forces]] - 25 <ref>{{Cite web |title=Canada to Provide Ukraine With LAV III Infantry Fighting Vehicles, F-16 Simulators And Ammunition |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/canada-to-provide-ukraine-with-lav-iii-infantry-fighting-vehicles-f-16-simulators-and-ammunition/ |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Militarnyi |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Preserved examples==
[[File:Canada Company LAV III Monument Waterloo Ontario left side.jpg|thumb|A retired LAV III at a [[Canadian war memorials|Canadian war memorial]] in [[Waterloo, Ontario]].]]

The [[Canadian Armed Forces]] launched the LAV III monument program on November 5, 2014. A total of 33 communities across Canada were awarded a decommissioned and demilitarized LAV III. The monuments are in recognition to the Canadian mission in Afghanistan and also serve as a memorial to the 162 Canadians who lost their lives.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/our-initiatives/lav-iii-monument-program/lav-iii-monuments/</ref>

*Nose Creek Valley Museum, [[Airdrie, Alberta]]. This LAV was unveiled on November 6, 2016.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/airdrie-ab/</ref>
*Peacekeepers Park, [[Angus, Ontario]]. Unveiled August 9, 2017.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/angus-on/</ref>
*Aurora War Memorial Peace Park, [[Aurora, Ontario]]. Dedicated on November 11, 2017.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/aurora-on/</ref>
*Clarington Fields, [[Bowmanville, Ontario]]. Unveiled on August 19, 2017.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/bowmanville-on/</ref>
*[[The Military Museums]], [[Calgary, Alberta]]. Dedicated on September 10, 2018.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/calgary-ab/</ref>
*McIntosh Armoury, [[Cambridge, Ontario]]. Opened for display on September 18, 2016.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/cambridge-on/</ref>
*Bain Park, City of [[Quinte West, Ontario]]. Unveiled on September 24, 2016.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/city-of-quinte-west-on/</ref>
*[[Coburg, Ontario]]. Dedicated on November 8, 2019.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/cobourg-on/</ref>
*Town Hall, [[Conception Bay South, Newfoundland]]. Dedicated on September 10, 2021.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/conception-bay-south-nl/</ref>
*[[Royal Canadian Legion]] Branch 165, [[Fort McMurray, Alberta]]. Displayed on October 28, 2017.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/fort-mcmurray-ab/</ref>
*[[Royal Canadian Legion]] Branch 109, [[Goderich, Ontario]]. Unveiled on October 1, 2016.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/goderich-on/</ref>
*[[Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum]], [[Hamilton, Ontario]]. Dedicated on June 3, 2017.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/hamilton-on/</ref>
*[[Royal Military College of Canada]], [[Kingston, Ontario]]. Opened on November 11, 2019.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/kingston-on/</ref>
*Kitchener Armoury, [[Kitchener, Ontario]]. Unveiled on November 11, 2017.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/kitchener-on/</ref>
*Fairview Cemetery, [[Lacombe, Alberta]]. Dedicated on July 29, 2017.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/lacombe-ab/</ref>
*[[Royal Canadian Legion]] Branch 544, [[Lancaster, Ontario]]. Unveiled to the public on September 16, 2018.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/lancaster-on/</ref>
*[[Royal Canadian Regiment Museum]], [[London, Ontario]]. Dedicated on November 9, 2018.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/london-on/</ref>
*Veterans Square, [[Marathon, Ontario]]. Opened on November 11, 2017.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/marathon-on/</ref>
*Shiloh Hill, [[Mission, British Columbia]]. Unveiled to the public on July 12, 2019.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/mission-city-bc/</ref>
*Regional Recreation Centre, outside of [[Morinville, Alberta]]. Dedicated on October 2, 2022.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/morinville-ab/</ref>
*Oromocto Cenotaph, [[Oromocto, New Brunswick]]. Opened on June 22, 2016. This was the first LAV of the program to be unveiled.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/oromocto-nb/</ref>
*Regina Armoury, [[Regina, Saskatchewan]]. Opened on June 6, 2021.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/regina-sk/</ref>
*Parc de la Paix (Peace Park) in [[Rivière-à-Claude, Quebec|Rivière-à-Claude]], [[Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine|Gaspésie, Québec]]. Unveiled on August 17, 2019.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/riviere-a-claude-qc/</ref>
*Veterans Park, [[Sarnia, Ontario]]. Dedicated on October 30, 2016.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/sarnia-on/</ref>
*[[Seaforth Armoury]], [[Vancouver, British Columbia]]. Opened on May 6, 2017.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/seaforth-armoury-vancouver-bc/</ref>
*[[CFB Shilo]], [[Manitoba]]. Unveiled on June 26, 2018.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/shilo-mb/</ref>
*Veterans Memorial Park, [[Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, Ontario]]. Opened on June 29, 2019.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/sioux-narrows-nestor-falls-on/</ref>
*[[Royal Canadian Legion]] Branch 95, [[Smiths Falls, Ontario]]. Dedicated on September 16, 2018.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/smith-falls-on/</ref>
*[[Fort York Armoury]], [[Toronto, Ontario]]. Opened on June 10, 2018.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/toronto-on/</ref>
*J.K. Irving Centre, [[Grand-Bouctouche, New Brunswick]]. Unveiled on November 11, 2016.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/ville-de-bouctouche-nb/</ref>
*Waterloo Cenotaph, [[Waterloo, Ontario]]. Opened on November 11, 2016.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/waterloo-on/</ref>
*[[Royal Canadian Legion]] Branch 17, [[Wellington, Prince Edward Island]]. Dedicated on December 2, 2016.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/wellington-pei/</ref>
*Lt. Col. Harcus Strachen Armoury, [[Winnipeg, Manitoba]]. Dedicated on October 27, 2024. This was the final monument of the program.<ref>https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/lav-monument/winnipeg-mb/</ref>

==Related vehicles==
* {{lwc|General Motors LAV}}
* {{lwc|AVGP}}
* {{lwc|LAV II}}
** {{lwc|ASLAV}}
** {{lwc|LAV-25}}
*{{lwc|VRDE Light Armoured Vehicle|VRDE Light Armoured Vehicle (LAWV)}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|LAV III}}
* [https://www.gdlscanada.com/products/LAV/LAV-III.html GDLS Canada LAV III website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223230624/https://www.gdlscanada.com/products/LAV/LAV-III.html |date=February 23, 2022 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101012173921/http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/land-terre/equipment-equipement/item-eng.asp?product=64 Canadian Army LAV III specifications]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120204171210/http://www.army.mil.nz/our-army/equipment/nzlav/ New Zealand Army NZLAV page]
* [http://www.primeportal.net/apc/daryl_nightingale/lav_iii/ Prime Portal – LAV III walk-around (1)]
* [http://www.primeportal.net/apc/dan_hay/lav/ Prime Portal – LAV III walk-around (2)]
* [http://www.primeportal.net/apc/dan_hay/lav3cnc/ Prime Portal – LAV III C2 walk-around]
* [http://www.primeportal.net/apc/dan_hay/lav_iii_tua/ Prime Portal – LAV III TUA walk-around]
* [http://www.primeportal.net/ce/dan_hay/elav/ Prime Portal – ELAV walk-around]
* [http://www.primeportal.net/apc/scott_tremblay/lav-3_engineer/ -LAV-III Engineer Walk Around]

{{Modern IFV and APC}}
{{Canadian Forces Land Force Command}}

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