A landmark ceremony unfolded at the ‘Mariscal Sucre’ Air Base in Quito, marking the official delivery of 15 URAL URAL 4×4 light armoured tactical vehicles (LATV) to bolster the operational prowess of the Ecuadorian Armed Forces. Attended by President Guillermo Lasso, General Luis Lara Jaramillo, Minister of National Defence, military dignitaries, and governmental authorities, the event signifies a significant leap in Ecuador’s military capabilities. The versatile URAL 4×4 multipurpose armored vehicles, augmenting the fleet alongside previously deployed COBRA vehicles, are primed to undertake a spectrum of missions, fortifying national-level military operations and enhancing protection mandates. The delivery of the URAL 4×4 vehicles signifies a pivotal stride in modernizing Ecuador’s defense infrastructure, empowering its armed forces to tackle evolving security challenges and bolstering national resilience.
In his address, President Lasso underscored the pivotal role played by reinforcing the technical and operational competencies across all three branches of the Armed Forces as a cornerstone objective of his administration. He lauded the acquisitions made during his tenure, emphasizing their strategic importance in elevating Ecuador’s defense capabilities. Expressing gratitude to the armed forces, President Lasso extolled their unwavering commitment and valor in safeguarding the nation. He hailed their dedication, citing instances of support rendered during the pandemic, their instrumental role in the vaccination campaign, and their pivotal contribution in upholding law, order, and democratic principles.
Otokar URAL is a 4×4 light armoured tactical vehicles designed for police, law enforcement and paramilitary forces. It is manufactured by Otokar Otomotiv ve Savunma Sanayi A.? (simply Otokar), a Turkish military vehicles manufacturer headquartered in Sakarya, Turkey. It was first unveiled at IDEF 2013. Based on a modular platform, its design enables it to be configured with a variety of different weapons/equipment enabling it to perform a variety of missions. URAL features a specially designed chassis, and worldwide proven engine, powertrain and mechanical components. Permanent four-wheel drive, lockable central differential, independent front suspension with torsion bar, and rigid rear axle deliver ultimate off-road capabilities. Off-road tyres with run-flat system, high acceleration, and narrow turning radius make URAL ideal for any mission.
Depending on configuration, it can carry up to 9 troops in the 5-door configuration, and up to 10 people in the 3-door configuration, carries the driver, commander and armed personnel to their mission in the most challenging conditions while providing comfort. With a universal design, superior protection and excellent mobility, the URAL Armoured Personnel Carrier is offered in a variety of options to serve in multiple tasks and missions in line with customer demands. Optimized modular body construction design enables many configurations and assembly of various weapons/equipment required by diverse missions, offering a single platform for multiple operations. In Eurosatory 2014, it was displayed with an Otokar designed, remotely controlled stabilized weapon station compromising of a 7.62mm/5.56mm machine gun designed for infantry fighting vehicles.
