Iraq is buying 392 LAV (Light Armor Vehicle) 25s. These are the same eight wheeled vehicles used by the U.S. Marine Corps. The LAV series are a licensed version of the Swiss MOWAG Piranha. This model is in use by many other countries. The Canadian version, the LAV III, was the basis of the U.S. Stryker armored vehicle, which has been used heavily in Iraq, and apparently has impressed the Iraqis.


The LAV 25 is a 13 ton vehicle equipped with a turret mounted 25mm automatic cannon and a coaxial 7.62mm machine-gun. On top of the turret is another machine-gun. The 25mm cannon has a range of 3,000 meters, and has proved very useful in combat. Some of the Iraqi LAV-25s will be the turretless command or ambulance models, but 90 percent will be the infantry carrier version (crew of three, plus seats for six passengers). Top speed is 100 kilometers an hour. These vehicles cost about a million dollars each.

http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htp.../20080808.aspx



I've got to admit, a much more 'useful' buy than the M1A1. These can be used both for deterrence and to keep internal peace.

I think that money could be better spent rebuilding Iraq.

Originally Posted by the_13th_redneck

I think that money could be better spent rebuilding Iraq.

Probably would... electricity first, military later.

Lets see...
electricity, water, sewage, school, hospital...

Pants first, then your shoes...

I understand what you're saying 13th but until the Iraqi's can stand on their own feet militarily and fight the fight then we are going to be there.

That said I hope they got the rail armor package for those farkin RPG magnets.

I know... that place is a financial black hole....

Roger That.

Originally Posted by the_13th_redneck

I know... that place is a financial black hole....

A financial black whole???

They have $125 Billion (oil sale money to be used for reconstruction) sitting in a US Bank doing absolutely nothing.

Then why the heck is America paying for everything?