Serbia Hopes for Lazar APC Sales to Iraq

NEWTOWN, Conn. - Serbia hopes to find an export market for its Lazar armored personnel carrier and believes Iraq may provide just such an opportunity, according to statements from the Serbian Defense Ministry. During a visit last week to Iraq, Serbia's Defense Minister Dragan Sutanovac and his delegation took note of the enthusiastic response to a presentation concerning the Lazar APC.

Serbia is keen on stressing close ties with the new Iraqi government and, in particular, reigniting its former relationship as a defense supplier to the country. Recent initiatives in the latter regard have come under scrutiny, as in the case of a controversial defense contract reached in December 2007, which Serbian authorities estimated to be $236 million (media reports placed the figure higher, at $833 million). The deal included one item in particular that raised eyebrows - the sale of between 20 and 35 piston-engine Lasta 95 light training aircraft. At the time of the deal, the Lasta 95 prototype remained under development and mass-production still has not begun.

As for the Lazar APC, it is produced by domestic firm and principal state arms exporter Yugoimport SDPR. Named after a 14th-century Serbian prince, the Lazar is an 8x8 armored vehicle. It is armed with a 20mm cannon main gun and capable of carrying up to 10 troops. The vehicle can be fitted with add-on armor, such as explosive-reactive armor and is protected against mines by its V-shaped hull and high ground clearance. The Serbian Army is expected to purchase the Lazar for its own use in the near future.

Some more details about the Lazar, from Military today.com
( http://www.military-today.com/apc/lazar.htm )

“Vehicle has a welded steel hull. Front arc provides protection against 12.7-mm armor-piercing rounds and all-round protection is against 7.62-mm armor-piercing rounds and artillery shell splinters. The Lazar can be fitted with add-on composite armor, attached to the basic armor. Damaged add-on armor sections can be replaced in field conditions. Furthermore protection of this APC can be further enhanced with explosive reactive armor, which protects against RPG-7 rounds. NBC protection system is optional.”

“The Lazar is well protected against mines. Vehicle has a V-shaped hull and significant ground clearance. Seats are attached to the roof rather than floor. This armored personnel carrier can withstand 6 kg anti-tank mine blast under any wheel or floor.”

Entered service ?
Crew 3 men
Personnel 10 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight (empty) 16.3 t
Weight 28 t
Length 7.25 m
Width 2.4 m
Height 2.45 m
Armament
Main gun 20-mm cannon
Machine guns 1 x 7.62-mm
Mobility
Engine diesel
Engine power ~ 400 hp
Maximum road speed over 90 km/h
Range 600 km
Maneuverability
Gradient ?
Side slope ?
Vertical step ?
Trench ?
Fording ?

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