As part of the commemorative celebrations of the Battle of August 7th, six armored vehicles from the Colombian Army were showcased at the parade grounds of the Bridge of Boyacá, where personnel and vehicles were moved, adding solemnity to the event. The display included two HMMWV Armored, two M1117, and two LAV III Wheeled Armored Combat Vehicles (IFV) from the Colombian Army.
The HMMWV has been in service with the Colombian Army since the 1990s, with a fleet numbering between 150 and 200 units. On this occasion, we saw two M1152 armored models from the Light Cavalry Brigade. This 4×4 tactical vehicle has been a staple on Colombian roads for years and has recently faced irregular groups across the country.
The M1117, or Armored Security Vehicle (ASV), is another key component of the Colombian Army’s fleet. Colombia has 66 ASD APCs and 86 M1117s, with an additional 59 units donated by the U.S. yet to arrive, and another 55 expected in the coming years, bringing the total to 200. With the premature retirement of the Urutu and Cascavel, the M1117 has become the sole vehicle of its kind in the Cavalry Battalions. Given that Colombia lacks tanks or other means and the resources to acquire them, the M1117 will remain the only vehicle of its kind in these units for the next decade.
The LAV III vehicles observed at the parade are part of a contract for 32 units signed in 2012, with an additional 55 units to be procured at a cost of $305 million. This contract is currently under investigation for cost overruns. These vehicles are assigned to Mechanized Infantry units operating in Colombia’s Caribbean region, specifically in the departments of Guajira, Cesar, and Magdalena.
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