The Philippine Ministry of Defence is currently implementing the Light Armor System Upgrade (LARSU). This programme entails the refurbishment and upgrading of American armoured vehicles that were used during the Vietnam War. One of the most important companies in the Indian defence industry is Larsen & Toubro Ltd., the primary contractor for this programme.
The contractor gave to life the Cadillac Gauge V-150 Commando and V-300 armoured vehicle fleet by effectively completing the assignment. Following the upgrade’s completion, these automobiles’ components were improved. These improvements included the powertrain, the control systems, the drive shafts, the wheels and tyres, the electrical systems, the suspension, the brakes, and the fuel system. In addition, strategies are in place to keep the turret up to date.
The Cadillac Gauge V-150 Commando is an amphibious armoured vehicle initially created for the United States Military Police Corps to use during the Vietnam War. This vehicle is also known as the M706 in the United States military. Combining the capabilities of an armoured personnel carrier (APC) and a standard armoured car, it was instrumental in performing missions related to escorting convoys. 185 Commando vehicles were in service with the Philippine Armed Forces.
A family of American light armoured vehicles known as the Cadillac Gauge LAV-300, formerly referred to as the V-300, is available in several different versions. The Philippine Marine Corps was given updated versions of several pieces of equipment. The LAV-300 offers space for up to 9 passengers and its crew of three. It has a range of 925 kilometres and can reach a top speed of 105 kilometres per hour.
L&T has already provided similar services to the AFP. They have done so at the third phase of the former AFP Modernization Program (AFPMP). L&T also finished the LARSU upgrade for the Philippine Navy (Marines), which involved upgrading some of the service’s V-150 Commando 4×4 armoured vehicles.
