Lazar 2 is an 8×8 multi-role military vehicle family produced by the Serbian defence industry company Yugoimport SDPR. The vehicle is designed to fight against armoured fighting vehicles, main battle tanks and bunkers. It offers enhanced crew survivability from enemy ambushes, anti-tank mines and improvised explosives devices. Lazar 2 can be configured for a variety of modern infantry and special operation missions, including asymmetric warfare, anti-terrorism, peacekeeping and medium-level armed conflicts.
Based on Lazar BTR-SR-8808 mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle, the enhanced Lazar 2 offers high-mobility and is operable in all terrain conditions.
The vehicle is 7.82m-long, 2.85m-wide and 2.32m-high and has a wheel base of 2.43m and a maximum operating weight of 28t.
The combat vehicle accommodates two crew members, including a driver and a commander. Designed in compliance with MIL-STD 1472, the armoured infantry squad compartment seats up to ten infantrymen in foldable, roof-hanged, shock-mitigation seats, which ensure seating comfort and security for personnel, even on off-road terrains.
Two side-opening rear doors combined with a ramp allow infantrymen to quickly enter and exit the vehicle. A total of 12 firing posts, including five on both sides of the vehicle and two on the rear doors, are provided. The vehicle also features ballistic glass windows on both sides.
The roof-mounted, remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) is fitted with a 30mm M86 automatic cannon with double-feed mechanism, an anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW) launcher, and a 7.62mm M86 coaxial machine gun. Up to six smoke grenade launcher tubes provide self-protection.
The 2.99m-long, 198kg, gas-operated, 30mm automatic gun is used against ground targets such as manpower, and lightly-armoured and aerial targets, including helicopters and low-flying aircraft. It can be fired at elevation angles between -7º and 65º and has a rate of fire between 550 and 650 rounds a minute.
The Lazar 2 armoured vehicle offers its occupants with high, all-round, add-on STANAG 4569 Level 4 ballistic protection, STANAG 4569 Level 2A and 2B anti-mine protection, STANAG 4569 Level 3A and 3B additional anti-mine protection, and STANAG 4317 fireproof.
The hull is protected up to STANAG 4569 Level 2. An advanced life support system (LSS) installed in the vehicle offers protection against nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) threats.
The Lazar 2 military vehicle is fitted with a computerised fire control system, which allows acquisition and engagement of targets while on the move. A telescopic sight and an eye-safe laser rangefinder provide the commander with maximum field of view and target distance during the day.
Other optoelectronics fitted to the vehicle include a night channel thermal-imaging camera and a high-resolution CCD TV camera.
An onboard, semi-automatic command to line of sight (SACLOS) guidance system provides guidance for the Malyutka (-2T and -2F) anti-tank missile. It is composed of an elevation tracking servo system, guidance electronics, optoelectronic unit, launcher interface and power supply.
Driven by a four-stroke, turbocharged Cummins ISM500 diesel engine, the Lazar 2 armoured vehicle can travel at a speed of approximately 100km/h and has a range of 800km. Each engine has six V-laid cylinders and four valves a cylinder.
The combat vehicle is fitted with hydraulic servo-wheel and adjustable steering wheel. Its independent suspension system offers high off-road mobility.
The first prototype of Lazar 2 was publicly presented on 2013’s Partner – International Fair of Defense Systems and Equipment. It is produced by Yugoimport SDPR in the new “Complex Battle System” factory in Velika Plana, Serbia.
At the unveiling, it was announced that the first 3 Lazar 2 have already been sold to Pakistan.
Serbian Armed Forces have interest in buying 200+ armored wheel-type vehicles as IFV. This is based on tactical study made by J-5 Department for Planning and Development of Serbian General Staff and it is predicted as a future procurement in budget of Republic of Serbia as a capital investment. Chief of the General Staff of Serbian Armed Forces has given interview that if Lazar 2 successfully passes Technical Testing Center final decision will be made and Lazar 2 will be ordered. Numerous different documents and statements also points that equipping with armored wheel-type vehicles is priority.
Last year latest version of Lazar 2 known as Lazar 3 is ordered for Serbian Armed Forces for testing purposes. There are many other improvements and modifications done on Lazar 3 over Lazar 2 such as: improved lids and one more lid for engine compartment and a new lid for maintenance on right side of vehicle. Front and back light groups are different, video system for driving is now in protective housing, side windows now have wipers, side mirrors are different, suspension is from other supplier thus improving maximal speed, seats in back compartment are better, it is possible to open rear ramp with a pres of a button from drivers compartment, smoke grenade launcher is now on roof, etc. If testing is passed mechanized battalions of Serbian Armed Forces will be equipped with 200 vehicles. Purchase was not made to date because of waiting for the domestic industry to make an adequate vehicle that will have more competitive price than existing foreign counterparts.
