The Philippine Department of National Defence (DND) has awarded Indian company Larsen & Toubro (L&T) the acquisition project for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s Light Armour System Upgrade (LARSU), for a budget of $US 14 million.

This upgrade is intended to be used by the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force to enhance the operational readiness of line units. It has been decided to improve the Light Armour Vehicles (LAVs) of both the Marines’ and Air Force’s Components.

These already existing vehicles have proven their efficiency as armour combat support in amphibious and mechanised operations ashore. They also may be operational to take care of the urban security.

Therefore, the Philippine DND must replace deteriorating engine and spare parts of these LAVs to maintain their utility in the future, which will be the mission of the Indian company L&T.