Lazar (armoured vehicle)


The Lazar is a family of 8×8 wheeled armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles developed by Serbian defense company Yugoimport SDPR. Designed for versatility in modern warfare, including anti-terrorism, peacekeeping, and conventional conflicts, the series emphasizes modularity and high mobility. The family, named after the Serbian medieval prince Lazar Hrebeljanović, includes three main variants: Lazar 1, Lazar 2, and Lazar 3.

Variants

Lazar 1

The first in the Lazar series was officially unveiled in 2008. It was designed for mine-resistant troop transport and patrol. Features a V-shaped hull for blast protection, powered by a 400 hp Cummins diesel engine. Armed with a 12.7 mm or 20 mm remote weapon station. Carries 3 crew + 9 troops, with a focus on urban and anti-terrorism operations.
Project failed to advance to serial production.

Lazar 2

Lazar 2 was an evolution of Lazar 1, emphasizing modularity and independent suspension. The modifications are carried on with the purpose to further harmonize the basic characteristic of the vehicle with contemporary international trends in the development of families of multi-role armored wheel-type vehicles. The concept of the first Lazar vehicle represented a combination of the characteristics of MRAP and MRAV type vehicles, while the Lazar 2 is closer to the MRAV concept first of all because of the introduction of independent suspension, which allows the platform to be customized to different roles. The concept provides for installation of different types of weapon turrets depending on the purpose of the vehicle.
The vehicle is equipped with a rear ramp for easier entrance and exit, and has two doors embedded within that ramp for emergency situations. It also features a separate door for the driver and commander, located on the driver side.
It features five bullet proof windows and firing ports on each side of the vehicle, as well as two on the rear of the vehicle. This allows the troops inside the vehicle to have a high situational awareness and to engage targets from inside the safety of the vehicle. The driver has five cameras, which provide him with a near 360° field of visibility. Two are located in front of the driver's hatch, two are covering the sides of the vehicle, and one is installed in the rear of the vehicle to aid with reverse driving.
The vehicle is powered by a 500 hp engine and features independent suspension for each of its 8×8 powered wheels, ensuring high mobility even in rough terrain. France's Texelis supplied axles and suspension systems to Yugoimport for the 8×8 Lazar 2 and 3 APCs and the 4×4 Milosh APC with potential for additional orders.
Armored body of Lazar 2 presents modular construction, with possibilities of different level of protection, according to the needs of the user. Basic level of armored protection, without add-on armor corresponds to level III+ at the front side of the vehicle, and level III on all other sides in accordance to NATO STANAG. With adding of additional composite armor over the basic armor of Lazar 2, protection goes up to level V at the front of the vehicle, and level IV on all other sides. M91 30mm turret provides level IV protection at the front glacis, and level III on the sides of the turret, with add-on armour being available for further protection. Additional slat armor can provide protection against RPG missiles. Anti-mine protection is provided with use of double layer, V-shaped steel floor, and additional steel plates under the seats, which are attached to the roof of the vehicle. This provides anti-mine protection of level IIa under any wheel, and level IIb under the center of the vehicle in accordance to NATO STANAG. Vehicle has few smoke grenade launchers which provide smoke screen used to mask movement from enemy's units and weapons.
Project failed to advance to serial production.

Lazar 3

The most advanced version, with upgraded armor and a refined V-hull for 6–8 kg TNT blast resistance. Powered by a 400 hp Cummins ISL engine, it features a hydropneumatic suspension and modular turrets. Carries 3 crew + 9 troops, and comes in two variants: armoured personnel carrier and infantry fighting vehicle.
In service with Serbian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan.

Operators

  • *Serbian Armed Forces – 60 Lazar 3 armoured personnel carriers and 20 Lazar 3M infantry fighting vehicles
  • * Gendarmery – 12 Lazar 3 armoured personnel carriers
  • * Armed Forces of Turkmenistan – 24 Lazar 3M infantry fighting vehicles on order