SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
In a formal ceremony held at the Philippines Marine Corps Headquarters, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, Shambhu Kumaran, participated in the handover of upgraded armored vehicles by Indian company Larsen & Toubro (L&T). This significant event marks a milestone in the cooperation between India and the Philippines in bolstering the latter’s defense capabilities.
The Philippines Armed Forces (AFP) awarded the Light Armor System Upgrade (LARSU) contract to Larsen & Toubro in 2019. This contract underscores the commitment of both countries to enhance the operational readiness of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force. The focus of this upgrade effort is to revitalize the existing Light Armor Vehicles (LAVs) used by the Marines and Air Force components.
The armored vehicles targeted for upgrade have already demonstrated their efficiency in providing armor combat support, particularly in amphibious and mechanized operations on land. These vehicles also play a crucial role in urban security operations, showcasing their versatility and importance in the Philippine military’s capabilities.
The Philippine Navy, acting on behalf of the Philippine Marine Corps, collaborated with the Philippine Air Force to modernize their fleet of armored vehicles. Specifically, the upgrades are aimed at the Cadillac Gage V-150 Commando 4×4 armored vehicles and the V-300 6×6 armored vehicles used by the Philippine Marine Corps. The decision to enhance these wheeled armored vehicles was driven by the challenges posed by aging equipment.
Both the Philippine Marine Corps and the Philippine Air Force have faced operational challenges due to the aging nature of their armored vehicle fleets. Recognizing the need for modernization and upgrades, the Philippine military leadership embarked on this important initiative to ensure that their forces are equipped with reliable and advanced armored assets.
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