MOWAG Piranha / LAV

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Armoured Vehicle / MRAP

MOWAG Piranha / LAV

One of the world’s most exported wheeled armoured families

The MOWAG Piranha is a family of 4×4 to 10×10 wheeled armoured vehicles designed in Switzerland and now produced by General Dynamics European Land Systems-MOWAG. More than 10,000 have been built in over 40 variants, including the US Marines’ LAV-25.

Switzerland|General Dynamics European Land Systems – MOWAG
8–25 tWeight100 km/hRoad Speed780 kmRange9–13Troop Capacity3CrewIn ProductionStatus

Overview

MOWAG of Kreuzlingen, Switzerland, introduced the Piranha I in 1972. Canada adopted the 6×6 in 1977, and the US Marine Corps LAV-25 followed from 1983. Generations have run through Piranha II, IIIC, IV and V, the latter appearing in 2013 as an 8×8 of up to 33 t with Level 4 protection. Weapons range from the 25 mm M242 Bushmaster on the LAV-25 to 30 mm cannons, the 105 mm LAV-105 and mortar and missile versions. Weight ranges from 8 to 25 t.

Over 10,000 vehicles in more than 40 variants have been built, with licence production by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada (LAV III, LAV 6.0) and orders from Romania (298 Piranha V in 2022) and Denmark (309). Operators include Switzerland, Canada, the United States, Romania, Denmark, Belgium, Spain, Ireland, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia, where the National Guard operates 1,000 or more LAV-based vehicles. The vehicles saw action in Iraq 2003, Afghanistan, Mali and Yemen. Piranha V export contracts run roughly USD 2–4 million per vehicle (estimates by contract value).

MOWAG Piranha / LAV
Photo: JustSomePics / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Key Specifications

ManufacturerGeneral Dynamics European Land Systems – MOWAG
CountrySwitzerland
Entered Service1976
First Flight1972
StatusIn Production
Crew3
Troop Capacity9–13
Weight8–25 t
Length6.4–8.0 m
Width2.5–2.8 m
EngineDuramax / Detroit Diesel / Cummins
Power300–600 hp
Road Speed100 km/h
Range780 km
ArmorSTANAG 4569 Lv 3–4
Armament25 mm / 30 mm / 105 mm
Units Built10,000+

Variants

Piranha IIIC

The Piranha IIIC is the 8×8 third-generation model widely exported across Europe, Africa and the Americas.

Piranha V

The Piranha V is the 2013 8×8 generation with up to 33 t and Level 4 protection.

LAV-25

The LAV-25 is the 8×8 Piranha-derived US Marine Corps vehicle armed with a 25 mm cannon.

Operators

SwitzerlandCanadaUnited StatesRomaniaDenmarkIrelandBelgiumSpainNew ZealandSaudi ArabiaBotswanaNigeriaMexicoLithuaniaChileGhanaRwanda

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Piranha V cost?

Piranha V export contracts run roughly USD 2–4 million per vehicle, estimated from contract values. Prices vary with the variant and configuration. These are estimates based on contract values, and prices rise with armour and weapons.

Which countries use the MOWAG Piranha?

Piranha vehicles serve with Switzerland, Canada, the United States, Romania, Denmark, Belgium, Spain, Ireland, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Botswana, Nigeria, Mexico, Lithuania, Chile, Ghana and Rwanda.

How many Piranha vehicles have been built?

More than 10,000 Piranha vehicles have been built in over 40 variants, including licence production in Canada and elsewhere. It is one of the most widely exported wheeled armoured vehicle families.

Piranha V vs Patria AMV: which is better?

The Piranha V and the Patria AMV are comparable 8×8 vehicles; the Piranha V offers up to 33 t and Level 4 protection, while the Patria AMV has its own large customer base. Both compete with the Boxer and VBCI.

Does Saudi Arabia use the Piranha?

Yes. Saudi Arabia’s National Guard operates 1,000 or more LAV-based vehicles, the largest LAV II and LAV-25 deal, and they have been used in border operations in Yemen.

Is the Piranha stealthy or fitted with active protection?

No. The MOWAG Piranha is not stealthy and has no active protection system as standard. The Piranha V reaches Level 4 protection with add-on armour.