Lazika

The LAZIKA (ლაზიკა) is a Georgian Infantry fighting vehicle, developed by the Scientifial Technical Center DELTA, financed by the Georgian military. Its main characteristics are the thick armor compared to the vehicles size and the weapon remote control systems. The combat vehicle is solely ordered by the military, but yet still undergoes development state as diverse versions of it are being developed, including uparmored ones.

Technical characteristics
The vehicle is equipped with night-day and thermal imaging cameras attached to the Remote Weapon Station and driver cabin. Electronics include similar to an MBT's friend or foe recognition set, as well as digital controls and satellite connected navigation. It also includes the latest communication systems.

The armored hull of the vehicle is based on a tracked chassis. The layout houses an engine compartment in the front, crew cab in the center and troop compartment at the rear. The power pack is placed at the front of the hull, with the exhaust outlet on the right. The vehicle can accommodate 10 personnel, including three crew plus seven infantrymen. The troop section is provided with individual mine blast seats for occupants. Troops can enter and exit the vehicle through a power-operated ramp at the rear. An emergency door is also provided on the ramp. The combat weight of the vehicle is 14t, which is considered to be much lighter in comparison with other modern IFVs. Primarily designed to transport a squad of infantry and their weapons, Lazika delivers mobility, protection and fire power for the operators. The driver's cabin and remotely controlled weapon station are equipped with day / night and thermal imaging cameras. The observation systems aboard the vehicle can detect and identify multiple targets located at long ranges. Four roof hatches are provided for observation purposes. The fire control system ensures accurate firing in all weather conditions. Other equipment includes friend or foe (IFF), digital controls and satellite linked navigation. The modern communication systems fitted on the vehicle ensure effective communication between troops.

Armament
The current armament consists of a 23x152mm 2A14 autocannon and a 7.62x54mm PKT machinegun, which are installed on a remote weapon station. Primary armament can also be a 120mm automatic mortar platform. Secondary armament can range from diverse Western or Eastern originated anti-air, anti-tank or command-communication systems.

The vehicle is modular and can be fittet with various weapon platforms.

Armour
The hull of the vehicle is attached with combined armour against 14.5mm AP rounds to the front and flanks and 7.62mm AP rounds to the rear. Lazika offers STANAG Level IV mine blast protection. The vehicle can withstand 10 kg anti-tank mine blasts underneath and 6 kg mine blasts by direct hull contact.

Lazika is considered to be one of the best protected infantry fighting vehicles in the world, yet having lighter weight than a vehicle of similar types would expose. The armour solution bears similarities with the advanced armour solutions employed by Israeli armoured vehicles but yet remains highly classified. Eight smoke-grenade dischargers mounted on the top of the forward hull improve the survivability of the vehicle. The vehicle can be fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

Engine and Mobility
The vehicle is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine which is capable of developing a power of 300 hp. The power pack provides a maximum speed of 70 km/h. The vehicle has an operational range of 200 km, which can be increased to 400 km by additional fuel tanks. It is fitted with torsion bar suspension system. The running gear on either side of the vehicle's hull includes five road wheels with the drive sprocket at the front and idler at the rear. The upper part of the suspension is covered by armour plates.

The tracked vehicle delivers superior mobility over difficult terrains and offers better obstacle climbing power and greater manoeuvrability than other tracked IFVs. Lazika can negotiate a 60% gradient and 30% side slopes. The vehicle is capable of crossing vertical steps of 0.7m and trenches of 2m depth.

Operators

 * Georgian Armed Forces - 7+ first batch includes unknown amount (from 2012 in serial production)