Established on June 16, 1993, under Executive Decree No.65, the Salvadoran Military Museum is located at the old El Zapote Fort (10 Avenida Sur and Calle Alberto Sánchez) in San Jacinto, San Salvador. El Zapote fortress’ physical appearance is impressive, by regional standards, and it’s linked to the development of the Salvadoran artillery corps. At one point, the museum’s collection included fourteen exhibition rooms and two interactive areas and duly had a rich collection. In addition, it had an extensive football field that doubled as parade ground. However, a few years ago, the exhibits were moved within the walls of the fort, and the museum went down the hill, with few exhibits remaining open to the public, in poorly lighted and unkept rooms, and relying more on pictures of different leaders with no relevant information about them. El Zapote Museum became a shadow of what it once was, and it did little to preserve the proud Salvadoran military heritage.

Things finally appear to be changing again for the better. Within the last year, the Salvadoran presidency has been using the installations for a number of functions that have highlighted the museum, and now there is an awesome parade ground with manicured gardens and spaces leading to the old presidential offices, which also function as part of the cultural space, with tours offered of the Oval Hall, Hall of Honor, Dr. José Matías Delgado Hall, Official Office Hall, Gerardo Barrios Hall, Juan Manuel Rodríguez Hall and General Manuel José Arce Room or “Blue Room.” In August 2018, the government initiated a three-stage project to convert and revitalize the cultural spaces of the San Jacinto neighborhood in the center of San Salvador, with an investment of $22 million, and the first stage was completed in February 2019. However, it has been only within the last few months that a number of exhibits have been reopened and/or relocated, making them accessible to the public. Unfortunately, and as explained later, some items have been lost forever.

In contrast, the Honduran Military Museum Francisco Morazán is located into a much more confined physical space. It occupies the old San Francisco Fort in front of Valle Park in downtown Tegucigalpa, maximizing its space and having well-lit rooms, and patios with weapons featuring basic explanation cards. The museum was reconditioned and reopened to the public in May 2017, with nine exhibits and several static displays.

One of the most important exhibits is dedicated to the Salvadoran invasion of July 1969. This includes a video presentation of the crisis, and… a distortion of some historical events. The exhibit claims the Salvadoran front collapsed after Honduran forces were able to execute a counteroffensive on July 16, 1969 along the Southern Operational Theater (or “TOS” in Spanish), and after execution of a deadly ambush executed around San Rafael las Mataras farm on July 17, 1969, in the South Western Theater of Operations (or TOSO in Spanish).

The truth is that the Salvadoran front did not collapse, and, in fact, held-on to occupied territory until August 3, 1969. Nevertheless, both actions deserve their rightful merit. The Honduran counteroffensive of July 16, 1969, stalled the Salvadoran Army advance, but failed in dislodging it. The ambush at las Mataras, El Portillo area cost the Salvadoran forces the initiative at a considerable loss of life and equipment. However, the presentation overestimates the results since it also failed to collapse the Salvadoran forces. After the ambush, the Salvadoran National Guard was able to basically cut off and isolate the Honduran forces at El Portillo, prompting the deployment of the Honduran II (MAP) Infantry Battalion to Llano Largo in an attempt to encircle the Salvadoran National Guard. This experience at the San Francisco Museum motivated me to write Battleground – the Honduran and Salvadoran border conflict 1967 – 1980.

BLUE SKY OPERATION

Very little has been said about the ground actions that took place during the Salvadoran incursion into Honduras between July 14 and August 3, 1969. The conflict became known incorrectly as the “Football War”, focusing on the period between June and July of that year. However, the situation along the border had reached the boiling point much earlier.

On May 29, 1967, a Salvadoran National Guard patrol was ambushed at the border area of ​​Monteca, Salvadoran territory, by a Honduran Army unit. As a response, the Salvadoran National Guard reinforced its bases in Chalatenango and Morazán, and other border points, while the Army mobilized its two MAP battalions, the 1st Battalion from Sonsonate and the 3rd Battalion from San Miguel, to the border on June 4, 1967. The following day, a four-truck military convoy from the Salvadoran 1st Regiment/1st Battalion/1st Brigade stumbled into the Honduran city of New Ocotepeque, where a single Honduran police officer detained it. The load included VZ-24 rifles, up to 15 Madsen machine guns and four Madsen 51mm mortars, along with their ammunition. After this event, the tension somewhat subsided and in 1968 there was a prisoner exchange, with Honduras returning the two officers, two national guardsmen, and more than 40 soldiers for the return of one convicted individual related to the Honduran strongmen at the time, General Lopez Arellano.

There were twelve major armed clashes reported along the border between May 1967 and June 1969. This situation culminated in the Salvadoran invasion on July 15, 1969, and a short, but deadly engagement that lasted some 120 hours. The Salvadoran raid was codenamed operation “Clear Sky” and relied in the Gerardo Barrios Campaign Plan developed in 1967. It would take two cease fires, one on July 18, 1969, and the other one on July 23, 1976, before a peace treaty was finally signed on July 20, 1980. The aftermath of this engagement led to the evolution and rearmament of both armies and contributed to the revolutionary conflict that develop in a reduced form in Honduras, and in full-scale infighting in El Salvador.

MILITARY MEMORY LAPSE

By 1969, the Central American armies had ordered their first assault rifles, and Honduras had asked for 2500 M14 rifles from the U.S. On July 17, 1969, the Salvadoran newspaper El Diario de Hoy, published the picture of POW Eugenio Hernández from the Honduran I (MAP) Infantry Battalion stating that he had been captured with a T-57 rifle. As the picture shows the barrel of a Mauser rifle, some speculated that the T-57 refers to Honduras’s designation for the Mauser. Given that the Salvadoran Army used the Mauser, as well, it seems odd that the news made particular mention of the rifle as the T-57. It is noted that T-57 normally refers to Taiwan’s version of the M14. In 1967 the U.S. sold Springfield’s M14 production tooling and assembly lines to Taiwan, and in 1968, the Republic of China State Arsenal began production of the rifle under the designation Type 57 (T-57). It is noted that in the aftermath of the Salvadoran invasion, the M14, and perhaps its twin model, the T-57 made in Taiwan, became the standard issue rifle until replaced with the FAL by the mid-1970s.

Unfortunately, the reference to the T-57 as a Taiwanese model is only speculation since the Salvadorans looted everything, including their own war-trophies. It’s known that the Salvadorans seized rifles, submachine guns (M50 and others), and machine guns, with the Honduran Army crest, during the raid in Honduras. There are even photographs of two jeeps with Honduran Army markings seized during the incursion. Yet, none of them are available at the Salvadoran Military Museum. Heck, even many of the Salvadoran historical weapons have disappeared, most of them given away in controversial weapon barters realized as soon as the civil-war ended in 1992, and up to 2012.

As soon as the shots stopped, the Air Force disposed of all the surviving Alouette helicopters, selling them as junk, and even the last flyable Corsair is said to have gone in exchange for a couple of Cherokee station-wagons. In 2020, two former defense ministers were arrested after it was disclosed that 14,930 firearms, 27,721 magazines, 2.7 million 7.62 caliber cartridges, and 9,800 spare parts for the G-3 rifles were provided to Centrum S.A de C.V (a local small arms dealer) in exchange for two M-71 howitzers and tools that were supposed to be worth some $2 million. Later it was found that the exchange in reality included 23,306 firearms and was valued at $3,277,097.28. However, according to the documents presented by the Attorney General’s Office (or FGR in Spanish) in 2021, the weapons were worth more than $8 million but their original value was manipulated in favor of Centrum, reducing the initial appraisal of $480 per gun, to $200, and, finally, to $42 per weapon. The lot contained 4,593 FMK-3 Argentinean-made SMGs, 2,670 of them brand new, 83 UZI Israeli-made SMGs, 700 MP5 German-made SMGs, 1,873 M50 Madsen Danish-made SMGs, 32 Styer Austrian-made Bullpup rifles, and an inventory of more than 16,000 G-3 rifles, 709 of them in mint condition (150 in original package), and up to 9,000 spare parts for of all types of weapons. To top it off, the FGR reported that the two M-71 howitzers were unworkable.

Prior to that barter, the military had disposed, quietly and in similar fashion, historical armament, to include the old CV3-33 tanks (the first of its kind used in El Salvador and disposed long ago), most of the old/antique small arms, to include Luger pistols, Mausers and Mauser-like rifles and respective bayonets, MP-28 SMGs, MG-30s, antique Gatling cannons, and other exotic weapons. There are not even illustrations of the CV-3-33, the Solothurn, Madsen M/38, and Breda 20mm autocannons once used by the military or the first coastguard cutters (GC-1 and GC-2), much less of the sole gunboat, the Cuscatlán, acquired in 1890.

In contrast, in Honduras, the military has preserved a number of antique and historically important weapons, to include captured Salvadoran examples, such as Madsen machine guns and 51mm mortars seized in June 1967, as well as a bounty of G3 rifles, G8 (HK-21) automatic rifles, and even an M37A1 anti-tank cannon, captured during the deadly San Rafael las Mataras ambush executed on July 17, 1969, on the highway between Nueva Ocotepeque and Santa Rosa de Lima. An M38C jeep, said to have been seized to the Salvadoran Army, parades with veterans every July. It needs to be noted that Honduras has probably experienced the same challenges annotated in El Salvador.

EL ZAPOTE FORT

El Zapote Fort was established in 1898, when a metal galley was built on what was previously a hill where zapote trees were abundant, hence its name. In 1900, the Cavalry was established as an independent body and consolidated at El Zapote Fort, but it marched away on 1906, being replaced by the First Infantry Regiment. At the time, the Second Artillery Regiment was housed at the San Francisco Fort, in downtown San Salvador (the Artillery Brigade/First Artillery Regiment was housed in Santa Ana). The First Infantry Regiment shared the installations with the First Machine Gun Regiment when it was established in 1912.

On September 24, 1914, the Salvadoran Artillery modernized with 53mm Krupp and 75mm Gruson Mle 1897 cannons, and in 1917, it consolidated in a single First Artillery Regiment in El Zapote. The First Infantry Regiment marched to occupy the San Francisco Fort in downtown San Salvador, and the First Machine Gun Regiment went to share installations with the 2nd Infantry Regiment at the Francisco Menéndez Fort, also in downtown San Salvador. That same year (1917), the metal galley gave way to a wooden house. El Zapote housed, at one point or another, the School of Corporals and Sergeants, and played a prominent role in the December 1931 coup that brought to power General Maximiliano Hernandez Martinez.

In 1937, architect Borromeo Flores began the construction of the present structure, implementing a building resembling a medieval castle, with four towers, one in each corner, and two on its façade. In April 1944, El Zapote Fort backed General Hernandez Martinez in crushing a coup d’é·tat, and 28 years later, on March 25, 1972, El Zapote garrison became involved once more in a coup, this time against the military regimen. That day, then-Captain Rafael Bustillo dropped a bomb from his Mustang P-51 that destroyed the southwest tower, where there was an anti-aircraft gun firing at him.

In 1976 the Artillery Regiment vacated El Zapote, and marched to a new base some 37 km from San Salvador, where it became the Artillery Brigade “Lt. Col. Oscar Osorio.” El Zapote was then occupied by the Armed Forces Transmission Instruction Center (CITFA) in 1980. The CITFA became the Communications Command in 1993, and moved to occupy the San Carlos Fort, leaving the installations to the new Military Museum.

SAN FRANCISCO FORT

The San Francisco Fort Museum was established in 1983, and the Fort itself occupies the area that was once the San Diego de Álcala Convent (1592). This installation was abandoned and then demolished in 1730 to make way to the San Francisco Barracks built between 1731 and 1735. In 1828 the facilities were declared a military base for the revolutionary troops, and in 1831 it became the first military academy in Honduras. Then, in September 1847, its installations became the National University of Honduras, reverting once again in 1881 to a military school.

Fast forward to 1950, the fort became the First Military Zone, and on August 1, 1956, the garrison rebelled under the leadership of Santos Sorto Paz against then-president Julio Lozano Díaz. The building was bombarded with 51mm, 60mm, and 81mm mortars and hit by machine gun fire. Once in power, the proclaimed military junta that ruled between 1956-1957 ordered its immediate restoration. In 1959, the garrison rebelled once more, under Colonel Armando Velásquez Cerrato, and then again in 1963 under Colonel Oswaldo López Arellano, both actions against then-president José Ramón Villeda Morales. In 1972 its installations were occupied by the Army Officer Application School, and in 1983 it became the Military History Directorate. The fort was completely restored in 1999, and again more than a decade later. Finally, on May 2, 2014 the renovated installations of the Honduran Francisco Morazan Military Historical Museum reopened to the public.

Taiwan distributed its indigenous rifle, the T-65, generously among the Central American nations in the mid-1980s. The T-65K1 is still found in the hands of the Panamanian Institutional Protection Service (or “SPI” in Spanish – the Presidential Guard), and the Panamanian National Police (PNP). As it happened, the Panamanian Defense Force (PDF) selected the T-65 as its standard rifle in 1986, acquiring some 10,000 rifles before switching to the Kalashnikov. The rifle became the standard-issue rifle in 1990 within the new Panamanian Public Force that replaced the PDF, until replaced once more, by the Kalashnikov, in the form of the Hungarian’s AMD-65, in 1991.

In 2010, the Salvadoran Armed Force (ESAF) loaned 700 rifles to the National Civilian Police (or “PNC” in Spanish). The PNC had actually received the first batch of loaned T-65K1 rifles between 1995 and 1996, and the Army would eventually transfer up to 2,000 Taiwanese rifles to the PNC. The Salvadoran military had acquired some 5,000 T-65 rifles during the civil conflict in the 1980s, and these had been distributed exclusively to the law enforcement security forces, namely the National Police, elements of the National Guard’s combat battalion (“September 15” Antiterrorist Battalion or “BIAT”), and the Treasury Polic’s combat battalion (“Cuervo” COIN battalion (BIC) and then Libertadores BIAT). The T-65 is still prominent in the hands of Salvadoran police officers, and it’s the standard rifle for the 250 policemen and other guards securing the Terrorism Confinement Center (or “CECOT” in Spanish), a jail holding up to 40,000 gang-members.

TAIWAN’S SMALL ARMS

In April 1966, the Taiwanese military leadership charged the Combined Service Forces with the manufacturing of the M-14 rifle and the M-60 machine gun to supply its military. The U.S. government agreed to sell tools, components, material, documentation, technical assistance, and assemblies in January 1967. Consequently, the 60th arsenal in Kaoshiung built over 700,000 M-14s, classified as the Type 1957 (T-57), between 1969 and 1980.

The T-57 would jumpstart the Taiwanese’s small arms industry, and it was followed by the development of a 5.56mm model starting in 1968. This culminated in 1976, when Taiwan adopted the T-65 rifle. The rifle was developed and then manufactured by the Combined Logistics Command using the AR-15 platform, minus the carrying handle, and the mechanism of the Armalite AR-18. The T-65K1 refers to an improved variant made by the Joint Logistics Plant No. 205 (known as the 205th arsenal), with a new handguard with aluminum heat shields, and other minor changes. The K1 is said to have started production in 1985, but within a couple of years it had been superseded by the T-65K2.

The K2 was based on the improvements found in the M-16A2 rifle, hence its resemblance to that U.S. rifle. The T-65K2 was also known as the T-68 and evolved into the K3 and K4 variants before jumping to the T-86 carbine. The T-86 is almost identical in its exterior to the U.S.-made M4 carbine, introducing similar improvements, but still using the piston-type gas mechanism of the T-65. The T-86 itself evolved into the T-91 rifle, which replaces the carrying handle for a Picatinny-type rail and uses a longer barrel.

Interestingly, one of the rows of rifles photographed being transferred from the Salvadoran Army to the police in 2010 showed T-65 rifles with M16-type carrying handles, indicating that these were T-65K2 models. As noted, the T-65K2 entered service in the early 1990s, so their presence in El Salvador in 2010 suggests that some rifles were delivered after the civil war had ended in 1992.

Little is known about the supply of Taiwanese’ small arms to other Central American nations, but it is reported that the T-65 was used by the Guatemalan, Honduran, and Costa Rican police in the 1980s. Photographs pop up now and then, verifying their existence with security forces of those nations. In 1973 the Costa Rican government established the Judicial Police (OIJ – Organismo de Investigación Judicial), with 120 elements, and by the mid-1980s it had reached a strength of some 647. Half of those officers had received training and equipment from Taiwan. Taipei also assisted in the training and equipping of a Costa Rican’s Civil Guard riot squad and supplied some rifles to equip some of the 3,000-member Rural Guard (established in 1969). In 2006, Taiwan donated 71 vehicles and 30 mountain motorcycles to the Costa Rican police, and seven outboards to equip four coastguard boats.

Taiwan may have even supplied a few T-57 rifles to Honduras around 1969, as well, but it’s noted that only 200 Type 57 rifles had been produced by July 1, 1969. So, if any of these ended up in Central America in July 1969, they were probably remanufactured M-14 rifles. Nevertheless, it does appear that the first modern standard-rifle of the Honduran Army was the M-14 rifle –possibly augmented by T-57s– in 1970, switching to the FAL in 1975.

Honduras received considerable military assistance from Taiwan since the 1960s. Around 2004 – 2005, Taiwan provided assistance in maintaining Honduran F-5 fighter aircraft, but most of the assistance remained somewhat secret until 2015, when it publicly donated four AIDC UH-1H helicopters. Similar transactions and offerings were made to Dominican Republic, El Salvador, and Guatemala and these included additional hardware that was not disclosed publicly. Consequently, the Honduran package is believed to have included up to 30 Humvees and other hardware to match a similar number of M-1025 transferred by the U.S. in 2007.

Indeed, besides rifles, Taiwan contributed surplus and excess defense equipment to Latin American allies in unsuccessful efforts to retain their diplomatic support against the Popular Republic of China (PRC). In 1998, Taiwan set up a $240 million aid fund to distribute among Central American nations in exchange for their support and facilitated the supply of vehicles, boats and helicopters, as well as technical assistance to a number of Latin American allies.

OTHER WEAPONS AND LATIN AMERICAN ALLIES

Taiwan’s military decided to replace some 7,000 Humvees with a new vehicle starting in 2003, so it has been transferring dozens of them to Latin American allies. Similarly, Taiwan has been disposing of its Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC)’s UH-1H helicopters, phasing them up since late 1990s. In the maritime area, the Taiwanese Navy phased out its Hai Ou (Seagull)-class missile boats between 1999 and 2012 and offered some of them to Latin American allies. The Hai Ou is none other than the Israeli Dvora class, modified by Taiwan with three propeller shafts, instead of the two used in Dvora, and fitting two Hsiung Feng I anti-ship missiles instead of the Israeli’s Gabriel. In addition, Taiwan supplied dozens of police vehicles, motorcycles, and financed small launches and security initiatives.

Panama received five AIDC UH-1H helicopters in 1997, followed by another pair a few years later. Then, Taiwan financed an EMB-135BJ Legacy 600 and a Bell-412EP helicopter for Panamanian presidential use. In 2017, Taiwan provided funds to strengthen four Panamanian projects of the Bilateral Cooperation Program between both governments. Among others, the money funded a Damen Interceptor (DI) 1102 boat for operations around Guna Yala, and, according to the newspaper Critica, it was the fourth DI-1102 financed by Taipei. The Asian nation also funded the construction of a Naval Air Station in Almirante, district of Changuinola, province of Bocas del Toro, and fifteen vehicles for the PNP in Chiriquí and Veraguas. Panama switched to China in 2017.

In the case of El Salvador, Taiwan provided 500 motorcycles to its police between 2004 and 2009. Then, in the 2005 – 2006 period, it offered two Hai Ou-class patrol boats to the Salvadoran Navy. But, by 2007, the Salvadoran deputy chief of staff acknowledged that the offering had been cancelled and replaced with direct contributions to the government in an effort to defeat the former guerrilla front, the FMLN, in presidential elections. Nevertheless, the FMLN defeated the right-wing Arena party, and came to power in 2009. In 2017, Taiwan offered four AIDC UH-1H helicopters along with a hidden offering of dozens of Humvees but cancelled in 2018 after the Salvadoran ministry of defense failed to obtain $2 million for the freight, and it was disclosed that the FMLN was planning to switch its support to China after Taipei had denied financial support to the former guerrillas. Ironically, in August 2022, the Salvadoran attorney general’s office (or “FGR” in Spanish) was investigating $3.9 million, donated by Taiwan, that had been diverted during the administration of former FMLN President Salvador Sánchez Cerén.

Since 1995 Taiwan supplied raw materials for uniforms and infantry gear to the Nicaraguan military. In 2004, Taiwan pledged to finance the repair of the Nicaraguan Air Force’s Mi-17 helicopters and the donation of vehicles and motorcycles for the police of the autonomous Caribbean regions and supported new uniforms for the Nicaraguan police. In 2018, three Taiwanese warships stopped at Corinto, Nicaragua, for three-days of joint training activities. The ships also stopped at El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. In 2019, Taipei financed the repair of four Nor-Tech 43V naval interceptors, previously donated by the U.S. in 2009, and a 48-foot model. Nevertheless, Nicaragua severed ties with Taiwan at the end of 2021.

CONTROVERSIES

Taiwan’s donations have contributed to several abnormal transactions in Central America, as well. In 2019, Taiwan approved, and then under pressure rejected, a loan for $100 million to the Ortega government of Nicaragua, through its export-import bank (Eximbank). It was not the first time. Taiwan had disbursed $178.1 million to Nicaragua between 1997 and 2003. And then, in 2004, Taiwan suspended its economic aid to the Enrique Bolaños’ government, also of Nicaragua, when the donations faced a number of scandals.

Between 2003 and mid-2004, Taiwan donated some $10 million to El Salvador to care for the victims of the 2001 earthquakes and to help the National Civil Police combat kidnapping gangs. However, the government of former President Francisco Flores diverted the money to his party’s bank accounts to finance Arena’s Antonio Saca presidential campaign.

In a similar scheme, between 2001 and 2003, Taiwan had provided $2.3 million to political leaders of the Costa Rican’s Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC) and the National Liberation Party (PLN) between 2001 and 2003; of this amount, $1.4 million had been diverted to the Costa Rican President Miguel Angel Rodríguez. In Guatemala, it appears that money went to the pockets of former President Alfonso Portillo.

In Honduras, in 2015, the presidency announced Taiwan’s donation of a Bell 412EP helicopter and an Embraer Legacy 600 jet for the use of the president. However, in 2022, it was disclosed that the Honduran Executive at the time (2015) actually used the Security Tax Fund (known as “TASON” in Spanish) to pay for the aircraft, and then moved $14 million pledged by Taiwan for security matters to replace the money taken from the TASON. Neither the TASON nor Taiwan’s donation were earmarked for the pleasure of the presidency, and the aircraft had not been donated. Honduras broke with Taiwan in 2023.

WHAT IS LEFT IN LATIN AMERICA

While Haiti received 100 T-91 rifles and other gear, the Dominican Republic received 960 motorcycles for the use of police by 2014. In addition, the Dominican Republic received two AIDC UH-1H helicopters in 2017, and it was made public that the package included 90 HMMWV vehicles and 100 engines. Dominican Republic changed support in favor of China in 2017 while Haiti remains as a holdout in the Caribbean, along with Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent, and the Grenadines.

In South America, Paraguay particularly benefited by receiving six AT-33A Silver Star light attack jet aircraft in 1991, two Hai Ou-class patrol boats in 1994, and up to sixteen AIDC UH-1H helicopters transferred between 1996, 2001, and 2019-2021. These were followed by 30 HMMWVs in 2019, and more than 600 motorcycles for the police. In 2011, Taiwan financed one Cessna Citation Sovereign aircraft, and one Bell 427 and one Bell 407 GXI helicopters, all for presidential use.

Taiwan donated two UH-1H helicopters to Guatemala in 1996 and another two in 2012, along with spares for another two UH-1Hs, while Belize received a pair of UH-1Hs in 2016. By early 2024, these two Central American countries were the only ones left in the region retaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

We visited Navy Captain Omar Iván Hernández Martínez, Chief of the General Staff of the Salvadoran Naval Force, and Lt. Commander Mario Alberto Orellana Cabrera, Chief of Naval Operations at the San Salvador Naval Command on the eve of the International Surfing Association Youth World Championship, held in Surf City, El Salvador, from May 27 to June 5, 2023. El Salvador’s Naval Force (ELNF) has the task of providing security and support to the National Civil Police at La Bocana, better known as El Tunco Beach, an area that has transformed into El Salvador’s “Surf City”, where the tournament took place. Adding to the activities, the Naval Force was preparing to transform into the new Maritime Force (Fuerza de Marina), a change that will restore its role as national maritime authority.

This is the result of a new navigation law approved by the Salvadoran Congress in March 2023, repealing the 2002-General Maritime-Port law and the 1933-Navigation and Marine Law. The new law grants supervision, control, and surveillance of matters related to the sea, navigation and port regimen to the National Navy. The new law authorizes an expansion of the Salvadoran Navy with the establishment of the Coast Guard Service Unit and provides for the contemplation of changing the name of “Naval Force” to “Maritime Force.” It also creates a naval reserve, establishing that national flagged ships, their captains and crew, when they are called to the service of the National Navy in cases of armed conflict or national emergency, will be subordinated to the Maritime Authority and subject to the rules and regulations of the National Navy. It also tasks the Maritime Force with ensuring maritime interests and enforcing laws and international treaties that regulate maritime activities in jurisdictional waters.

Consequently, the organic law of El Salvador Armed Force (ELAF) will undergo organizational modifications contemplating the Coast Guard service as a unit of the National Navy to assume the role of Maritime Authority. The law also clears the way for the Coast Guard to work in counteracting maritime pollution, illegal fishing, and non-traditional threats. The Coast Guard services unit will comprise a CG flotilla and port captaincies.

Air, Maritime and Port Police

The document Historical Review of the Port of Acajutla, published in San Salvador in 2017, traces the first port police to a group of 30-agents assigned to guard the pier when import operations started on July 29, 1961. However, the roles of aeronautical, maritime, and port security have been assigned traditionally to the armed forces.

It would not be until the National Civil Police (PNC) was established in 1992 that an Air Police Group (GAP, for its initials in Spanish) and a Maritime Police Group (GMP, for its initials in Spanish) were designed as support units for law enforcement assignments in these specialty areas.

The GMP gained particular importance in 2002, after the Naval Force lost its role as a national maritime authority. That year, the Salvadoran Naval Command suggested an addendum to the 1933 navigation and marine law in order to modernize its mandate. Instead, the executive and the legislature removed the traditional role from the Naval Force and established the General Maritime-Port Law. This established a new Maritime Port Authority under the Ministry of Transportation – a new bureaucracy headed by political affiliates – and also charged some of the traditional tasks to the National Civilian Police.

However, the GMP had not been designed for such tasks, and was having a difficult time with material due to its lack of facilities and faulty equipment. In 2008, the PNC announced a budget of $60.4 million to acquire, among others, one more Robinson R-44 helicopter for $400,000 for the Police Air Group (GAP), and $1.5 million for ten Rodman R-800 boats. As it happened, the GMP had already acquired twenty Rodman R-800 Fly boats in 1998, paying ȼ1,500,000 (colones) per boat (equivalent to $171,428, in 1998). The first batch of the order received the pennants PNC L-01-01 to L-01-10 while the following batch of the same order received pennants PNC L1-01-11 to 1-01-20. The PNC established two rustic maritime bases, one in port Acajutla, in Sonsonate, and the other at El Triunfo port, Usulután.

However, the R-800s proved problematic due to the Salvadoran police command’s lack of foresight for logistics and maintenance. By 2000, the then Sub-Inspector Alcides Vega Alvarado, head of the GMP in Acajutla, commented that of the five R-800 at his disposal at El Triunfo, only one was fully functional. It was claimed that this was due to technical problems in its two internal Yanmar 165hp engines that faced failures in the crosshead system and other accessories. Failures were also reported in its electronic detection and navigation systems. At that time, only one boat was operated in the Acajutla area.

In September 2001, the GMP experienced its first loss, when one of the boats sank when the mooring broke while it was being lowered to the water in Acajutla. Agent José Cristian López Erazo was trapped in the sinking boat and drowned. Two other units had been lost in other incidents, as one of them was involved in a collision, rendering it useless, and the other was struck by lightning. By 2008 the GMP had eight of the Rodman units practically abandoned at El Triunfo, and the GMP used only a captured go-fast boats for patrols.

In October 2005 a public auction was opened to sell eight derelict R-800s for $30,000 each, but there were no buyers. Then the same eight boats would be officially donated in the first week of September 2007 to the Autonomous Port Executive Commission (CEPA), which had found ways to repair them in 2008, and returned them to the water to be used by CEPA for port security.

STORM

The PNC also organized a 24-member Aquatic Group (GAT), equipped with speedboats and ten jet skis under the Tourism Police Division. Eventually, the GAT and the GMP became part of the Tourism Police Division, and later a separate Maritime Police Division under the Sub-Directorate of Public Security.

Currently, the Maritime Police Division has 166 agents, with jurisdiction and protection of 193 miles (310 km) along the Pacific coast in three permanent rustic naval stations located in La Unión and Acajutla. Facilities have also been established on the boulevard Costa del Sol, jurisdiction of San Luis La Herradura, La Paz for fluvial patrols along the estuary. In January 2020, the Maritime Reaction Operational Tactical Section (Sección Táctica Operativa de Reacción Marítima – STORM) was added as part of the comprehensive Territorial Control Plan implemented by Bukele’s administration throughout the country. The unit was created with assistance from the United States and Colombia. The Office of Anti-Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) facilitated training and equipment for the first 69 maritime police commandos by December 2020. The agents are trained in narco-boat interdiction, rescue and survival practices, swimming, first aid, tactical movements, navigation and maritime operations, among others.

Although the Maritime Police Division still uses a couple of the surviving R-800s, it has acquired a number of locally built launches while STORM has been equipped with Zodiac inflatables donated by INL. For interdiction, STORM uses Zodiac Milpro Model 2015 SRA-750 variants, with two outboard Evinrude E-TEC G2 300hp engines, and Zodiac Model 2019 SAR900, also with Twin Evinrude E-TEC G2s.

​​Eye in the sky

The U.S. Navy maintains a Cooperative Security Location (CSL), formerly known as Forward Operating Location (FOL), in El Salvador. FOL Comalapa began operations on August 29, 2000, following the closure of Howard Air Force Base in Panama. It changed its name to CSL Comalapa in 2009, and continued to serve as a hub for elements of the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Task Force 47, the U.S. Air Force P9-A (GOCO), U.S. Coast Guard C-130 and HH-65s, Canadian CP140, and contracted UAVs supporting JIATF-S counter narcotics missions.

CSL Comalapa shares installations with the Salvadoran Air Force’s 2nd Air Brigade located some 26 miles southeast of San Salvador. The bilateral agreement to operate the CSL allows the U.S. military and other allies to maintain a strategic, cost-effective location by using existing airfields to support the region’s multinational efforts to combat transnational organized crime. In July 2019, the agreement to operate CSL Comalapa was extended to 2024.

In 2012 the Armed Forces established the Cuscatlán Joint Group, which became the Cuscatlán Inter-agency Group in conjunction with the National Civilian Police (PNC), the Office of the Attorney General (FGR), the Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA), the Directorate of Migration and Immigration and members of the monitoring station from the United States. The Cuscatlán Inter-agency Group is also based at Comalapa, and the U.S. Embassy, ​​through INL, invested approximately $3 million in equipment and installations for this group. In addition, through INL and the U.S. Coast Guard liaison, courses have been delivered at the International Training Division in Yorktown, Virginia, for Salvadoran police and military elements.

A close cooperation between the CSL assets and the local authorities has netted tons of drugs travelling the Pacific. It is noted that the new 2023 navigation law was approved just as the El Salvador Naval Force (ELFN) announced another drug seizure on the high seas, consisting of 1.2 tons of cocaine. The load, valued at $30 million, was intercepted some 520 nautical miles (963 kilometers) from Bocana el Cordoncillo, Estero de Jaltepeque (on the Salvadoran coast). On July 2, 2023, another seizure of a ton of cocaine took place at 525 nautical miles (some 972 kilometers) from the Salvadoran coast. This was done by the Salvadorans using 85-foot (26-meter) coast guard cutters, highlighting the need from ELFN of acquiring one, and preferably two, off-shore patrol boats, and one, or two, additional 85-Defiant class cutters – similar to the 87-foot (27m) USCG Protector class purchased through the Near Coastal Patrol Vessel (NCPV) program sponsored by the U.S. Navy.

If funds could be obtained, and U.S. assistance is not forthcoming, the new Coast Guard Service Unit could look for surplus vessels from South American allies. The Chilean ASMAR 108ft (33m) Danubio/Protector-class LSG has been an option since the early 2000s, but it’s MTU engines could create a logistical problem in El Salvador unless they could be switched to Cat C-32 (like those mounted on the 85 Defiant PM-15). Sixteen of these vessels were built between 1999 and 2002 in Chile to a Protector class design from Fairey Brooke Marine (U.K.). Although normally equipped with a single Oerlikon MK-IV, it can accommodate a 20mm TCM-20 gun-system forward (obtained either from Chile of from Salvadoran inventories). For EZZ patrols, something closer to the ASMAR 139.4-foot (42.5m) Taitao/Micalvi class would be more appropriate, and their Caterpillar engines would be more logistically acceptable. Six of these vessels were built between 1992 and 1996.

Failed funds

In 2022, the Legislative Assembly (National Congress) ratified a loan with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) that had been agreed in 2018, but was delayed by the previous legislature. The funds included $13 million for an ocean-going patrol vessel, in the lines of the FCS-5009. This is a 165-foot (50m) commercial fast-crew-supplier vessel that has been successfully modified for ocean patrol, mounting a single self-defense small-caliber naval cannon forward and several machine guns at port and starboard. The vessel is capable of carrying two naval interceptors, and even having space for a small helipad for a light helicopter. Modified in this way, the 5009 coast guard cutter functions similarly in concept to the 154-foot (46.8m) USCG Sentinel class (minus the helipad, and one naval interceptor).

The CABIE loan was also needed to fund one Bell-429 for the police as well as $5 million to fund the conversion of the sole police UH-1H to Huey-II standards. The Police Air Group provides support to the different units of the National Civil Police, through the use of aircraft in cases of search, evacuation and rescue of people and in operations carried out for the security and defense of the population. It is equipped with a small Cessna, an UH-1H, an MD500D, two MD530N, and two R44s. A four-seater Piper Arrow was added in 2017. The CABIE denied the loan for the Bell-429 due to the lack of police facilities to maintain it, and the $5 million was considered overpriced by at least $3.5 million. The proposed resolution was to merge those funds to acquire a second Bell-412 or up to eight Huey-IIs for the Air Force (if done correctly.)

Nevertheless — and surprisingly — the CABEI failed to release the funds due to international pressure, and the Salvadoran coast guard remains unable to safely perform its mandate out-to-sea. The police, on the other hand, might be able to incorporate a like-new Bell-505, recently confiscated from former president Alfredo Cristiani.

By Julio A. Montes

Expodefensa was held for the first time in 2009 at Corferias International Business and Exhibition Center (Bogota, Colombia) as an event of a specialized nature for the technological development and innovation in defense and security. A decade later, on its sixth exhibit, the fair had industrial representation from 26 countries, to include 218 international and Colombian exhibitors. It hosted in six pavilions representing Brazil, Spain, France, Israel, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Small Arms 

Expodefensa last opened its doors at Corferias on December 2, 2019, with exhibits covering land, sea, air and space marvels. Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), an SK Group member, presented its new multi-caliber suppressed ARAD M-4-type assault rifle/carbine. IWI’s ARAD is a weapon of modular design that enables the user to easily disassemble the rifle to exchange barrels to fire either 5.56x45mm or .300 Blackout. The Picatinny rail is an integral part of the upper receiver of the rifle to enable a variety of optics and other attachments. In addition, the weapon has M-LOK rails at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions along the handguard and a telescopic buttstock which allows users to adjust the length individually for their particular needs. It is of modular structure that enables the user to easily dismantle and replace the barrel, and it is fully ambidextrous with controls on both sides of the rifle. The ARAD uses a short-stroke gas piston operating system with a two-position regulator mechanism which allows constant operation in all environmental conditions. A two-step enhanced trigger ensures both comfort and shooting accuracy. Additional features include a hard-anodized, monolithic aluminum MIL-STD 1913 rail in the upper receiver. The ARAD weighs only 2.85kg, and right now it comes with either a 292mm (11.5-inch) or 368mm (14.5-inch) barrel length . All metal parts of the weapon are corrosion-resistant, and it has a hammer-forged, chrome-lined, free-floating barrel, for enhanced accuracy and life cycle. In addition, the quick detachable barrel allows it to be replaced in a matter of seconds. It takes any NATO MIL-STD 5.56 steel, aluminum or polymer magazine. It has a retractable polymer stock, an ergonomic pistol grip, and it comes with four points for QD or cord/sling attachments.

The ARAD was presented along with another recently developed IWI rifle, the CARMEL, a conventional configuration multi-purpose, modular, 5.56X45mm caliber assault rifle. The CARMEL is made of superior steel, aviation-grade aluminum and high-strength, impact-modified polymer for outstanding performance in all environmental conditions. It has a short-stroke gas piston rotating bolt system with a three-position gas regulator, matched to a hammer-forged, chrome-lined, free-floating barrel, for enhanced accuracy and a prolonged life cycle. It is equipped with hard-anodized monolithic aluminum MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rails at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions to allow 100% compatibility with any available sights, devices or accessories. The rifle is equipped with a significantly efficient jump compensator for better shooter stability and uses any NATO MIL-STD 5.56 steel, aluminum or polymer magazine. The CARMEL is offered with four different barrel lengths. The weight of the rifle without a magazine or sight is 3.3kg. The CARMEL has a foldable and retractable folding polymer stock and can be fired with the stock folded; it also comes with an adjustable cheek-rest. It has an ergonomic pistol grip and three-point sling attachments.

Also present at the show was the UZI PRO pistol. It is a modernized Micro-UZI semi-auto pistol based on the UZI submachine gun. A couple of years ago, IWI offered to recycle all the Colombian National Police Mini-UZIs and their conversions to a newer, modern, standard. The Mini-UZI is a smaller version of the regular UZI. It measures 600mm (23.62 inches) long or 360mm (14.17 inches) long with the stock folded. Although the government did not take the offer, a new variant of the Mini-UZI was present at INDUMIL’s booth.

Industria Militar (INDUMIL), the Military Industry company, was prominent among the exhibitors with its full range of products. INDUMIL produces a number of defense items including explosives and ammunitions, as well as a 40mm grenade launcher, a 40mm multiple grenade launcher and a 60mm mortar. However, INDUMIL is better known for manufacturing the Galil and Galil series of weapons. The Galil became the standard military and police rifle in 1992, replacing the HK G3. The Galil was produced by Israel Military Industries. Upon privatization of its small arms division, manufacturing of the Galil was passed to IWI. As INDUMIL developed a closer partnership with Israel, it assumed the manufacturing of the rifle under license in 2006, and by 2010, Colombian and Israeli technicians had worked together to produce the Galil ACE®. INDUMIL had modified 43 out of 96 parts of the rifle, retaining the mechanism of the Galil but reducing its weight by balancing the design and using modern construction materials.

INDUMIL produces the Córdova pistol, a semi-automatic handgun with polymer frame that uses traditional Browning-type short-recoil-operated action with a tilting barrel. It has a double-action trigger, with exposed hammer and ambidextrous slide-mounted safety/decocker lever. The pistol is equipped with a three-dot iron sight, removable grip backstraps (three sizes available) and a removable cover for a Picatinny rail under the barrel. It is named after Colombian War of Independence Hero, General Jos Mara Crdova Muoz (the “Ayacucho’s Lion”). By 2019, INDUMIL was producing its Córdova 3.0 version with some 1,300 built so far. There is also a Córdova 9mm SMG that uses the same mechanism of the pistol and shares the same magazine. The weapon is obviously designed with the law enforcement and police market in mind. The Córdova family includes rifles and carbines that can be described as modernized Galil variants, with MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rails, new molding and stocks. A 22LR subcaliber kit has been developed for the Galil/Córdova rifle family to make training and practicing more cost-effective.

U.S. Ordnance was well represented at every exhibit of the local armed services. The NATO M60E6 GPMG (general purpose machine gun) has effectively replaced all M60 and M60A3 machine guns in Colombian hands. Although the model uses the same basic chassis of the old M60, all those M60E6 assimilated by the Colombian military services are of new construction. The M60E6 retains the gas-operated, disintegrating link, belt-fed, air-cooled mechanism. It fires from an open bolt and features upgrades to include the special piston design on the quick-change barrel. Barrett came with a full variety of its products as did Dillon Aero with its well-known M134D and a wide range of weapons.

Deadly Aim from Above

Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky highlighted the depot-level maintenance facilities at Tolemaida Air Base. Sikorsky opened a full support office in Bogota in 2012 and followed with the establishment of a helicopter training center in Melgar. The Colombian Army, Air Force and National Police have acquired 103 Black Hawk aircraft since 1988, some 96 of them are still operating, and the Colombian Air Force is due to receive two additional C-130Hs from U.S. stocks.

BlueBird Aero Systems showcased ThunderB®, a 32kg, 4m wing-span tactical Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) with a 24-hour endurance capability and extended control range up to 150km. Eyal Navarro, BlueBird Aero System’s international sales director, explained that this small UAV is a perfect Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) instrument, offering triple CCD, cooled IR and optional laser pointer payload. It is ideal for mapping on demand for open area as well as urban scenarios for military, peace keeping, low-intensity conflict, security, law enforcement, S&R, disaster management and commercial applications. It can carry small cargo capsules under each wing, which can be released automatically or by a GCS command. The capsule can reach the target with high accuracy following a ballistic trajectory or can be dropped with the aid of a small parachute to prevent damage to fragile items. Wander B VTOL is interesting in that provides a vertical take-off and landing option even in strong winds and on cloudy or rainy days, assuring high operational availability for up to 2.5 hours and a communication range of up to 50km. It is an electric, mini UAS optimized to facilitate covert, “over-the-hill” operations or extensive, day-and-night intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in real time.

UVision company, on the other hand, showcased the Hero Family. This is a range of lethal loitering solutions for deployment from air, land and sea. It incorporates advanced airborne guidance, a unique cruciform configuration, navigation systems, abort and recovery capabilities, embedded simulators and C4 stations fully integrated with high-speed data links. Tal Shprung, simulator instructor, demonstrated its easy operational effectiveness. Shprung served in the IDF as Spike missile instructor. At Expodefensa, she demonstrated the Hero-30, a man-portable, short-range, lethal loitering system. The Hero-30 consists of a launcher, a man-packed tube much like any portable anti-tank missile launcher containing a loitering munition, a communication device/antenna and an operator control unit. The Hero-30 is capable of speeds of up to 100 knots and is ideal for anti-personnel missions. It has a weight of 3kg, with a warhead weighting 0.5kg. Its range (LOS) is 5, 10 and 40km, having an endurance of 30 minutes. The smallest of the family is the Hero-20, a man-pack portable and extremely lightweight smart loitering system. It is deployable within minutes, capable of loitering for 20 minutes and ideal for anti-personnel missions. It has a weight of 18kg, with a 0.2kg warhead. Its range is 10km.

INSTALAZA of Spain displayed its ALCOTAN-100 (M2), a man-portable 100mm caliber weapon that can be fired from confined spaces. The weapon consists of a reusable VOSEL (M2) firing control unit with integrated night vision. This sight calculates the target position and trajectory, measures the propellant temperature, calculates the projectile trajectory and shows the gunner the future aiming point to maximize the hit probability. The ALCOTAN-100 (M2) comes with anti-tank, dual-purpose, anti-bunker and multipurpose munitions, integrated in a disposable launching tube. Its range varies between 600m and 1,000m against area targets. It has an extremely high single-shot hit probability (SSHP) and produces no recoil upon firing. It has confined space firing capability and an integrated night vision firing control unit. INSTALAZA also displayed the C90-CR (M3) weapon system, a 90mm caliber launcher with anti-tank, dual-purpose, anti-bunker and smoke munition integrated in a disposable launching tube. The system includes a 2X optical sight and a firing mechanism, both disposable integral parts of the launching tube. An optional sight is the VN38-C that provides for night vision and can be attached and removed within seconds. The sight also provides for 3.3X magnification. It is the lightest 90mm caliber weapon system in the world, weighing 5kg. It is shoulder-fired with an effective range of 350m for point targets and 700m for area targets. The C90-CS refers to the disposable launching tube variant that can be fired from small confined spaces. The weapon includes a 2X optical sight and a firing mechanism as integral parts of the launching tube. It weighs 6.5kg, and it has an effective range of 350m. The C90 Reusable is the reloadable variant with an integrated 2.5X optical sight.

Tank Boat Concept

John Cockerill Defense exhibited its newest CPWS (Cockerill® Protected Weapon Station) armed with the Northrop Grumman M242 Bushmaster cannon firing 25x137mm NATO ammunition. John Cockerill Defense designs, manufactures, integrates and improves cannon-turret systems for the entire range of calibers, from 25mm to 120mm. The weapons systems are modular and designed to evolve, with a moderate cost, adapting to the needs of its users. The company’s target is the upgrade of the Colombian’s Commando APC armored vehicle, increasing the vehicle’s firepower with a medium-caliber turret instead of the current 12.7mm machine gun/40mm automatic grenade launcher. Initially, it was proposed to be fitted on the EE-9/EE-11 armored vehicles, but these platforms are considered too old, and attempting to bring them up to modern standards would increase the cost too much and to the level that it would be better to obtain a new vehicle instead. The CPWS has an effective range that allows engaging targets at greater distances. The CPWS comes with a fully gyrostabilized commander’s periscope capable to cover 360 degs. This allows for recording images, as well as target tracking. The weapon can be reloaded from inside the vehicle, 155 rounds of two different types being available. The gunner has a screen and a joystick at his disposal while the vehicle’s commander is also equipped with a screen to monitor the gunner’s engagements. The Cockerill CPWS turret has a total storage capacity of 155 ready rounds for the main gun, and it also contains a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and can accommodate various supplementary systems such as grenade launchers. The turret and gun are equipped with a bi-modal stabilized high performance (thermal) day/night sight for 24-hour use. The aiming system provides the operator with panoramic 360-deg vision, independently of the position of the turret. Once locked onto the target, the gun automatically aligns with the aiming system. A ballistics computer guarantees the highest probability of hitting the target when firing on the move. The turret can easily be accommodated on the Colombian’s 4×4 Commando and/or M113 APCs. The station has been successfully tested on the VAP and the Sherpa.

John Cockerill Defense also offered information on the Tank Boat®, a concept forwarded by the Indonesian PT Pindad, North Sea Boats (PT Lundin) consisting of an X-18 eighteen meter-long catamaran fitted with either a Cockerill 3030, a 3105 or a CPWS turret. It was indicated that John Cockerill was talking to COTECMAR on the concept. In fact, COTECMAR has developed a number of armored boats to patrol the rivers. The John Cockerill CPWS allows operations at night with its optronic package that includes a thermal imager beside a video camera and a laser rangefinder. The concept includes the APC-60 variant consisting of a boat able to transport up to 60 soldiers and equipped with the CPWS Gen.2 25mm/30mm remotely controlled turret with a bi-modal stabilized high performance (thermal) day/night sight for 24-hour use. The aiming system provides the operator with panoramic 360-deg vision, independently of the position of the turret. Once locked onto the target, the gun automatically aligns with the aiming system.

Although it follows the lines and heritage of the Navistar, company officials Andres Mejia and Luis Torres expressed that the chassis, including the engine, transmission and electrical train, are made in Colombia, easing logistics by tapping the local commercial market. It departs from a WorkStar® 7300 chassis, motorized by an International® Trucks diesel engine with a 6-speed forward synchronized automatic transmission. The vehicle has been designed as an independent monocoque mounted on a Navistar WorkStar chassis, with a V-shaped floor and protected compartment for the engine. It is said that it can withstand impacts up to 7.62x51mm caliber, as well as anti-personnel mines and IEDs. It has thermal and reverse cameras, 12 windows, 5 doors, 11 hatches and a crane system with a winch. The Xl can also be viewed as an evolution of the company’s Hunter and Hunter TR-12 exhibited along the outside corridor.

The next show, Expodefensa 2021, is scheduled to take place November 29 to December 1, 2021.

EXPODEFENSA 2021 SHOW MASTER INFO

Location

Corferias International Business and Exhibition Center, Bogota, Colombia

Website

expodefensa.com.co

Contact

David Roukoz

+33 (0)1 44 14 64 82

d.roukoz@cogesevents.com

Léa Benassem-Durieux

+33 (0)11 44 14 51 14

l.benassem@cogesevents.com

Next Show

November 29-December 1, 2021

Focus

Expodefensa is an annual international trade fair focused on the scientific and technological developments in the field of defense and security. The exhibition showcases artillery systems, non-lethal weapons, military ground weapons ammunitions; as well as, defense and rescue systems to name a few.

Hotel Hints

Visit expodefensa.com.co/practical-information/useful-information for a list of our recommended hotels and preferential rates and packages for Expodefensa 2021.

Power & Plug Types

Electrical outlets and plugs Voltage: 110V covers a range of 100-127V. Outlets use the same connectors as used in the United States. See wanderingtrader.com/using-electronics-overseas-outlets-in-south-america for more information.

Country Warnings

Security in Columbia has improved significantly in recent years, adding safety measures for both tourist and business travel to Bogota. As with any urban area, be mindful and use caution. Be wary of a person claiming to be a plainclothes policeman, even with an ID. Don’t accept drinks, cigarettes, gum, etc., that could be tainted with a colorless, odorless drug. Use the guidance of Expodefensa’s personnel when booking travel arrangements.  Currently, there is a global health advisory due to COVID-19. Should you have questions or concerns, just ask. Enjoy the show in the beautiful tropical highlands of Colombia.

Cultural Hints

Bogota is a world class urban city, comparable to cities such as San Francisco, Washington D.C., Dubai or Berlin. Be prepared to experience a scenic city of contrasting cultures, where the old meets the new.

Tipping

Do tip: In restaurants tipping is not required but most people tip 10%, and the amount goes to the staff. Tipping in hotels follows most international rules. Tip any tour guides. Airport baggage handlers should be tipped when possible. Do not tip taxi drivers. See traveldudes.org/travel-tips/tipping-colombia-guide-where-and-how-much-you-tip/3220.

Currency

Colombian Peso. Approximately at press, 1.00 USD = 3,700 COP. For up-to-date international currency exchange rates, visit xe.com.

Getting Around

The best and fastest way to travel around Bogota is by a taxi or bus. The same applies if you are going from the terminal to the city center; you can take a bus or TransMilenio, but it’s best to go by taxi. See colombia.travel/en/practical-information.

Military Museums

In Bogota’s La Candelaria Historical Center, visit the Military Museum of Colombia to see over 200 years of Colombian military history. For more information, see museomilitarco.com/en.

Tourism

Bogota’s travel guide is a great resource for gathering information regarding an upcoming trip to Colombia: colombia.travel/en.

NOTE: All information subject to change. Go to expodefensa.com.co for up-to-date information.

By Julio A. Montes

As they overflew the Swan Islands, the 15 C-130s descended to tactical altitude, and the 2nd and 3rd Rangers prepared to jump. Minutes later, the planes came close to the target, a small airfield one mile inland on the south side of the Panamanian isthmus; they were coming in at 500 feet from the ground, a dangerous low altitude to drop the paratroopers. Then the sky lit up with fire from a 14.5mm machine gun. Ground fire was directed against “Chalk 7”—call sign for the leading C-130—and “Chalk 3” behind it. On the ground, waiting for the Rangers at Rio Hato were elements of the 6th “expeditionary” mechanized and the 7th “Macho de Monte” rifle companies of the Panamanian Defense Force (PDF). This translated into 520 strong, who were equipped with assault rifles, 42 machine guns, nine old bazookas, four 90mm M67 Recoilless Rifles (RRs), 23 mortars, six ZPU anti-aircraft (AA) machine guns and 19 armored vehicles. At H-hour, two F-117A Stealth fighters had dropped two 2000-pound bombs to stun and confuse the PDF troops in a futile attempt to convince them to surrender. Instead, the explosions had alerted the garrison and missed the single 14.5mm ZPU deployed to defend the airstrip. Panama had acquired 20 ZPU-4s, and these were distributed among strategic sites to use as air defense as well as ground defense weapons. These were the first hours of Operation Just Cause, the U.S. invasion of Panama on December 20, 1989.

The Rangers finally silenced the ZPU at Rio Hato with the help of an escorting AC-130, while elements of C Company, 3rd Ranger Battalion engaged forces at Torrijos Airport, destroying another ZPU-4 and three M2 anti-aircraft machine guns. The operation was a well-executed attack that involved some 26,000 U.S. soldiers who overwhelmed the PDF and captured dictator Manuel Noriega. The troops attacked two dozen targets throughout the country, finding stiff resistance in some areas, particularly from troops manning those heavy machine guns and 120mm mortars.

Soviet Quads

The ZPU-2 (twin mount) and ZPU-4 (quad mount) were widely used by Central American rebels and military forces alike, including the Costa Ricans and Panamanians. Both the Russian and Chinese variants are found in Central America. The Type 56 is a Chinese copy of the Soviet ZPU-4 quadruple anti-aircraft machine gun (AAMG) that was first introduced in 1949 and then type-classified in 1956. The ZPU-4 multiple machine gun mounts (MMGMs) had actually been used for the first time in Central America on June 29, 1979, when a rebel gun fired against a Nicaraguan National Guard T-33A while strafing Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) positions at Peñas Blancas. The FSLN managed to shoot down planes in Chinandega, another in Nueva Segovia, one more in Chontales, one in Rivas and one in Condega, Estelí.

By far, Nicaragua would become the largest user of the ZPU. Between 1982 and 1985 Sandinista Air Force and Air Defense (FAS-DAA) created Anti-Aircraft Artillery Groups (GAAAs), with the First GAAA becoming part of the “Oscar Turcios” Tank Brigade in 1982, and integrating it with, among others, three ZPU-4 batteries. At the time, there were 60 ZPU-4s (14.5mm) and 42 ZU-23-2s (23mm) in Nicaragua. In 1983, the EPS (Sandinista Popular Army) established the Artillery Brigade “Omar Torrijos Herrera,” adding a GAAA. There were seven GAAAs corresponding to the seven military regions; one more GAAA was assigned to the Sandinista Navy (MGS) and another one to the High Command Reserve (RAM). Three AAA Regiments, with two or three GAAAs each, were established in 1985 to defend Managua (RAAA 1014, 1316 and 1820).

Another popular MMGM in the region was the Czechoslovak TK vz. 53. A quadruple mount was developed and denominated “quad 12.7mm Vz. installation.53” ( or M1953 AA quadruple MG) in 1953, and production started at the Vsetin plant in 1955. The mount consists of the gun operator sitting behind the four machine guns. Each gun was fed from a 30-round cylindrical box. It had a detachable wheel system and weighed 558kg in firing position. The system had an effective range against aerial targets of about 1,500m. The Czechoslovak LSD Vz.53 was smaller and much lighter than the ZPU-4, so it has been often mounted on flat beds of Unimogs and other high mobility light trucks. It was supplied in large numbers to Cuba where it proved effective against low-altitude air targets, shooting down or damaging several Douglas A-26Bs that were supporting Assault Brigade 2506 during the invasion of Playa Girón at the Bay of Pigs in April 1961. The M53s also engaged U.S. reconnaissance planes during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis and were deployed to Angola and other parts of Africa. A number of Cuban M53s were also supplied to Granada. This Caribbean nation received some 60 crew-served anti-aircraft weapons to include 24 ZSU-23 guns.

Operation Urgent Fury, the U.S. invasion of Granada, took place on October 25, 1983. The 1st Ranger Battalion assaulted Point Salinas airfield, finding stiff anti-aircraft fire from M53s and ZSU-23s. Special Forces came later using three Blackhawks of TF-160 to attack Richmond Hill Prison. As the UH-60s engaged, they came under fire from air defense artillery (ADA) emplaced at Fort Frederick, a fortress of the People’s Revolutionary Army overlooking the prison 150m above it and 500m to the east. The UH-60 flown by Chief Warrant Officer Paul Price and Captain Keith Lucas was hit by fire from an M53 at Fort Frederick and crashed on Amber Belair Hill. It would be the first UH-60 shot down in combat, falling on the grounds of the Calabash Hotel and killing Lucas.

Old Maxson

The M53 is similar to the older U.S. M45C MMGM, which was also used extensively in Latin America in the anti-aircraft as well as the ground role. It is known that in 1974, Guatemala was looking to acquire “additional” M55 MMGM systems to protect its airfields, while in 1979 the four M16s in use by the Nicaraguan National Guard engaged guerrillas of the FSLN, who had managed to organize a rebel air force consisting of a Cessna 02-337 and a 402, along with B-50, B-55, Piper Navajo, Piper Aztec, DC-47 and DC-6 models. The Nicaraguan National Guard had an inventory of four M-16 half tracks and some four M45D towed quads. It was reported that at least one M16 was damaged during urban fighting, losing a track, and another was reported prominent at “Loma (steep hill) de Tiscapa,” repelling attacks against Las Mercedes airport (today, Augusto C. Sandino International Airport), the Somoza’s Bunker, the EEBI and the armored battalion, while M45D quad MG batteries deployed to defend El Coyotepe airstrip. Once the National Guard was defeated, the revolutionaries established the FAS-DAA on July 31, 1979, initially equipped with their ZPU-4, three surviving M16s and several M45D mounts, along with M55A2/HS630 and M75 Yugoslavian pieces. The first task of the FAS-DAA was to protect the International Airport and the military facilities of La Casona in Montelimar, so four AAA batteries were established, with the B1001 at Tiscapa, B1002 (internal perimeter) and B1003 (external perimeter) assigned to protect the International Airport and the B1104 in the surroundings of the Managua Country Club.

The M45/M55 is a development of the M33 turret, designed by the W. L. Maxson Corporation of New York in 1941. This turret evolved in the enlarged Maxson M45C in 1942. When mounted on the M20 trailer, the gun was known as the M55 Machine Gun Trailer Mount, and it became the “M16” when mounted on a half-track, and “D” when using its own two-wheeled trailer. It is also noted that in 1944, a number of General Motors CCKW350 2.5-ton 6×6 trucks were equipped with M55 turrets. Anti-aircraft guns proved useful as ground-support arms during the Korean War. However, following tests in 1955, the U.S. Army began to phase out its quadruple machine guns after determining that guns could not provide adequate protection against the expected threat. But then, Vietnam happened …

The M45/M55 would be used extensively by the U.S. Army Transportation Corps in Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Phillip N. Smiley, Commander of the 27th Transportation Battalion in Vietnam is credited with directing the assembly of the first two gun trucks, an idea put forward by Lieutenant Colonel Melvin M. Wolfe, executive officer (XO) of the 8th Transportation Group. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel John Burke, the 8th Group borrowed M55 quads to mount on M-35 2.5-ton trucks, in much similar fashion to the mentioned GM CCKW350 trucks of 1944.

At War

In 1981, a dispute exploded between Peru and Ecuador around the possession of three military lookout outposts (PV) called Paquisha (PV-22), Mayaico (PV-3) and Machinaza (PV-4), all three located on the eastern slopes of the Condor mountain range (Cordillera del Cóndor). Hostilities broke out January 22, 1981, when Peruvian recce teams stumbled into the three Ecuadorian detachments camped at old Peruvian observation posts PV-22, PV-3 and PV-4, an area later called “False Paquisha.” Peru dispatched the 13 Jungle Infantry Battalion to recover the area, launching a heliborne operation, the first of its kind in South America, using FAP Mi-8T Hip helicopters from the 3rd Air Group. To the Peruvian commandos’ surprise, an Ecuadoran M55 had been emplaced, but had not been fired, against them and was captured intact. On February 1, 1981, Peru discovered that Ecuador had three other military posts on the northeastern border: PV “El Mirador,” PV-4-A and PV-4-B. By February 19, 1981, Peru had recovered PV-4, where they seized another M55, and the next day they captured PV-4-A and PV-4-B.

Many Latin American countries have made efforts to refurbish the M45/M55 quadruple machine guns and return them back to service. Paraguay retains six operational turrets, and examples are still operational in Ecuador and Colombia. Brazil received considerable equipment during WWII and the post-War period. In 1969, Colonel Oscar de Abreu Paiva, then Commander of the 1st Light Combat Cars Battalion (BCCL – Batalhão de Carros de Combate Leve) borrowed an M3A1 Stuart light tank (vehicle #EB11-487) and replaced the turret with an M55 quad MG from the 5th Anti-Aircraft 90mm Artillery Group (Gcan90 AAe). Around 1982 the Brazilian Lysam Industria e Comercio de Maquinas e Equipamentos developed the M55M, a modernized M45C. The M55M model had a 12-volt electrical system charged by a 5 or 6 hp (3.73 or 4.47kW) Montgomery M-226 or M-252 gasoline engine. Although it retained similar capabilities and performance, traverse speed was improved, and the elevation increased to more than 90° per second to engage fast-crossing targets. This led once more to an effort to match the M55M to the X1A1 light tank, which was a modernized M3A1. The Army completed two anti-aircraft combat vehicle prototypes (XM3D1 and XM3E1), and although successfully tested, the project was canceled, and both prototypes were sent to Restinga da Marambaia Proving Ground.

Colombia found itself fighting a counter-insurgency campaign in the 1980s and 1990s, so it developed the Center for Strategic Road Information and Meteor Companies tasked with keeping the roads open. The Army partnered with the local IMDICOL (Importadora y Distribuidora de Colombia Ltda.) to restore 16 M45C turrets to service, and these were mounted on repowered M8 Greyhound armored vehicles between 1982 and 1984. These vehicles were retired with the signing of the peace agreement with the FARC. However, the M45 can still be refurbished either by the Colombians themselves or passed to a third party, such as El Salvador or Honduras, where they could be updated. A proposed step is to install an M2A1 QCB standard, with a quick-change barrel, fixed headspace and timing and a new flash hider. The original M2 requires setting headspace and timing before firing, after assembly and after required barrel changes. Improper headspace and timing adjustment can cause malfunctions, as U.S. Special Forces vividly experienced in El Salvador during the battle for the Third Brigade in San Miguel in March 1983, and the Fourth Brigade in El Paraiso in September 1988. In San Miguel, a Small Unit Tactical Training (SUTT) from the ODA-7, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group fought back an attack on March 25, 1984. In the middle of the battle, an armored tractor was dispatched to support them. As the battle raged, the tractor lumbered into the field, stopped and fired the machine gun. There was only one shot fired because the headspace and timing had not been adjusted on the heavy gun. The crew then implemented a “tactical retreat,” running back inside the base.

The Salvadoran Army never received the M55 quad turret, and they would have loved to have the benefit of the M8/M55. Lacking anything else, they created their own MMGM by mounting M2HB machine guns on armored Woodmaster tractors, much resembling WWI tanks. Perhaps now that the M8/M55 are in excess in Colombia, the Salvadorans could acquire the M8’s chassis to mount the H-90 turret, and the M55 quads could be recycled as fire-support mounts.

With the M2A1, the fixed headspace and timing moves the adjustment task above the operator-level, thereby minimizing the risk of malfunctions or injuries in the field. Another proposition calls for replacing the M2HB machine gun with the GAU-21 (M3P / FN® M3M), which has a 1,100-rounds-per-minute cyclic rate of fire through the use of open-bolt operation and a dual recoil buffer system and a range of nearly 2,000m. An M45C, modified by removing two of the four machine guns and replacing them for two 75mm M20 recoilless rifles, is said to have been tested in 1944 at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, but no other information is available. Following the same logic, the M45C turret can be configured with two M3P or two M2A1 QCB MGs with belt-linked ammunition, an ammo box in the rear and two 90mm M67 recoilless rifles or similar anti-tank weapons replacing the other pair of machine guns to transform it into an interesting and extremely powerful infantry close-support weapon, with limited air and drone defense capabilities.

Mobility can also be improved by mounting the M55 on high-mobility platforms such as the Humvee, the JACAM Unimog Special Forces or the Unimog LRPV variants. Precisely, Ecuador is known to have refurbished several M45Cs and mounted them on Mercedes Unimog and Chevy Silverado trucks. Another Colombian upgrade could match an M55 with the cargo variant of the VLB Bufalo—the Colombian Humvee variant fitted with a mine-protected clearance vehicle (MPCV) capsule. On that note, Peru has done the same, mounting ZPU-2s on Unimog U416 trucks while Lebanese forces mounted ZPU-4s on Unimog U406s; other rebels have mounted the ZPU-2 and M53 on pickup Humvees.

The concept of matching the Maxson turret to an armored, high-mobility, multipurpose, wheeled vehicle (HMMWV) was demonstrated at SOFEX 2016 by the Jordanian defense company KADBB with its mounting a copy of the Maxson M33 turret on the bed of their Al-Washaq 4×4 armored pickup. The Al-Washaq resembles a smaller Humvee, and it is based on a Toyota Hilux chassis, with a 174-horsepower engine coupled to a six-speed gearbox to provide a maximum speed of 100km/h for a range of 600km. The armored shielding is at level B6. The turret swivels 360°, and it is armed with two 12.7x99mm machine guns. The significant positive deflection of weapons is particularly useful in urban areas as in the fight against aerial drones. The turret is clearly inspired in the Maxson M33.

Battle for Culiacan

In October 2019, the city of Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa, Mexico, found itself under siege. Mexican authorities had arrested two sons of jailed drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. Ivan, the elder of them, was quickly freed by his men, who then launched an all-out siege of the entire city in an effort to free his younger brother Ovidio. The drug cartel’s gun trucks drove in, destroying Humvees and civilian cars alike with their M2HB machine guns. As the battled raged for 8 hours, the military scrambled to counterattack. Military-armored M1152 pickups, armed with M45 turrets, could have dispatched them quickly, but the authorities lacked such tools. Mexico received up to 40 M55 gun systems during WWII, but none has been observed in public. If still in storage, the M55s could be refurbished and mounted on either the new Unimog 5000 or Mexico’s new armored M1152 Humvees to make valuable armored support weapons against such targets as the drug cartels’ armored gun trucks. The M1152s armed with the M55, and/or anti-tank weapons, could engage the drug cartels’ “tanks” on their own turfs.

IA-2, Uirapuru, Marruá, Guarani & more in Brazil

With the upcoming Olympic Games in 2016 in Brazil, the military has been busy preparing security details to assure safety. The armed forces have been experiencing a metamorphosis in preparation to security challenges ahead, incorporating in the process a new advanced border surveillance system, new armored personnel carrier, new high mobility light vehicle, new trucks, new air defenses, new fighters and a new rifle. It has also upgraded or retrofitted several other systems, and continues to renovate specialized training.

So we traveled one more time to Rio de Janeiro seeking a look into some of this new equipment. We were not disappointed, spotting in the hands of the paratroopers is the new IA-2 rifle. The Brazilian Paratrooper Brigade, based at Rio de Janeiro, depends on three Batalhão de Infantaria Pára-quedista (25th, 26th and 27th), one field artillery (8th Group) and one logistical support (20th) battalions, one Cavalry Squadron (1st), the 21ª Bateria de Artilharia Anti-Aérea Pára-quedista, a Signal (20th), and an Engineer (1st) Companies, and the 36º Pelotão de Polícia do Exército Pára-quedista, to do its job while responding to an HQ Company. The Companhia de Precursores Pára-quedista is an elite outfit, and refers to the path-finding unit.

The IA-2 has been finally accepted as the new standard military rifle for all branches, with the Paras as one of the first units to test and field it. The weapon was developed by the Indústria de Material Bélico do Brasil (IMBEL), and will be replacing the M964 FAL and M964A1 MD1 (Para FAL) 7.62x51mm rifles, as well as the MD97 and HK33 5.56x45mm rifles. It is a gas-operated weapon using a number of polymer components to reduce weight to 3.6kg. It is a compact weapon, measuring 850mm in length, and having a 330mm long barrel with a flash suppressor that can be used to launch rifle grenades. It said to use a conventional piston/multi-lug rotary bolt mechanism, and has a 750 rpm rate of fire. The 5.56mm variant accepts STANAG 30-round magazines, and its design sports a foldable/collapsible buttstock, and a handguard with MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails to mount an array of accessories. The 7.62mm variant accepts the FAL 20-round magazine.

The IA2 was initially denominated MD-97 Mk.II, and development started in 2008 as replacement of the MD97, and eventually as replacement of the M694 series. Its design was made public in 2010, and after testing ended in 2012, a first batch of 20,000 were ordered in 2013, followed by orders of up to 140,000 examples. The baseline assault rifle has a 440mm barrel; the Carbine model has a 370mm barrel, and the CQB variant a 260mm barrel. The 7.62mm version has a different skeletal stock and a longer flash hider; and there is a 7.62mm Carbine variant with a shorter barrel. We were able to observe details of the Sniper variant, which has a 510mm barrel, a bipod, and a different buttstock with a cheek rest.

This trooper is equipped with the Para FAL M964 A1 MD1 rifle. It is a lighter (4.5Kg) and a smaller version of the M694 FAL, sporting a shorter barrel, folding stock and replacement of aluminum with high-impact polymer parts. The soldiers mount a new Guarani APC, the new 6x6 Army armored transport (J. Montes)

It will be a while before the IA-2 replaces the M964, so it was not surprising to find that most units are still equipped with the Para FAL, or IMBEL’s own modification of the FAL. The Army tested the FN FAL between 1958 and 1962, and the weapon was adopted in 1964, with licensed production commencing in-country at the Fabrica de Itajubá (FI) as the M964 (Model-1964) for the standard model, and M969A1 for the folding stock version. At least 200,000 FALs of various types were produced between 1964 and 1983, and before production switched to the M964A1 MD1 (Para FAL). Indeed, the MD1 models observed in the hands of Motorized and Cavalry units was shorter than the M964, having a barrel length of 450mm, instead of the M964’s 530mm. The folding stock came in handy when used in mounted and/or airborne operations.

The IA-2 is also planned to replace the MD97 (Model 1997) rifle. We did not see any of such models in the hands of the troops, but have handled a number of variants at various LAAD events in RioCentro. It is a favorite police carbine, having a gas-operated action with rotating bolt. It uses STANAG M16-compatible magazines, and follows the lines of the FAL, if in a scaled down form. The LC carbine is a shortened semi-auto only version of the MD-97L, and it is intended for police forces, while the LC model is an even a shorter model (LC stands for Light/Short), with a 300 meter range. The MD-97LM Carbine can be fitted with a sound suppressor and grenade launcher; it comes with Picatinny rails for additional accessories.

The Brazilian Naval Riflemen on the other hand, are almost universally armed with the M16A2. The Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais took delivery of more than 12,000 Colt rifles, and over 500 Carbines, and 1900 M972 (MT12). These will be replaced with the new IA-2, and the first 269 Carbine variants have been ordered.

Uirapuru is the name of a bird that lives in the Brazilian tropical undergrowth. The name was chosen by the Military Engineering Institute (IME) to name a new Brazilian machine gun in 1969. The resulting weapon was a machine gun chambered in 7.62x51mm caliber. The design continued to evolve into the 1970s, and in 1977 the Ministry of Defense ordered two prototypes from Mekanika industry of e-commerce Ltda, and the Mekanika Uirapuru was adopted in service in 1979, along with 3000 Uru SMGs from the same Mekanika. The weapon entered production at a plant near Rio de Janeiro, and it is said to have a rate of fire of 650-700 rpm, and an effective range between 800 and 1,400 meters. The MG weighs 13 kg, having a total length of 1300mm, and a barrel length of 600mm. Although the Mekanika Uirapuru is supposed to be in service, the only one we were able to observe was at the Conde de Linhares Military Museum, and instead the MAG-58 is found universally among the troops. In 2013 the army adopted the FN Herstal MINIMI 5.56x45mm as its standard light machine gun, replacing the IMBEL M964 FAP (Fuzil Automático Pesado) 7.62x51mm.

Smaller submachine guns are truly popular here. One of the Special Forces operators we were able to photograph carried what appeared to be an SMT9 G2 (for SubMetralhadora Taurus) with shoulder stock folded or removed. In fact, the shot could be of a CT-556/FAZ-556 short Carbine instead, and it is difficult to say without a good view of the gun and the magazine. What is certain is that the two firearms share a single design line. It was in 2011 that Taurus developed a 5.56x45mm caliber rifle platform, sporting a STANAG 4179 compliant magazine well, tucked into a sleek and futuristic design. The FAZ version refers to the select-fire model, firing at a cyclic rate between 650 and 800 rounds-per-minute while the CT variant is a semi-automatic police patrol rifle. The weapon has a machined lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum upper receiver, hard-anodized to military specifics, and a fiberglass-reinforced polymer lower receiver. The firing mechanism is based on an indirect gas-impingement, short-stroke piston-driven system. It has a side-folding/telescope buttstock. It features a full-length MIL-STD-1913 “Picatinny” rail, and a machined aluminum quad-rail handguard. The 9mm SMG is now dubbed the SMT (previously MT9-G2). The most striking difference between the rifle and the SMG is the different caliber. The SMT9 refers to the 9x19mm model and the SMT40 refers to the .40” Smith & Wesson caliber. It uses 15-round and 30-round magazines. The SMGs use a blowback-operated system and fire from the closed bolt at a cyclic rate of fire that may range anywhere from 700 to 800 rounds per minute.

Fully geared for MOP-4 operations, this trooper carries a M964 rifle (J. Montes)

The MT-12, on the other hand, was prominently displayed by Brazilian Navy Shore Patrol (SP) and Brazilian Air Force Police units. The MT-12 refers to the Beretta M12 SMG produced under license by Taurus. The M12 was adopted as the MtrM M1972 in 1972 and was initially produced by Indústria e Comércio Beretta S.A., in São Paulo. Taurus acquired a license to produce the gun, and re-designated the weapon as the MT-12. Production switched in June of 1993 to a new plant at Porto Alegre, producing the MT-12A and MT-12AD variants. Taurus attempted to repeat the success of the MT-12 with the MT-40/SAF in 2000, so it partnered with Chile’s Fábricas y Maestranzas del Ejército (FAMAE) to produce the SIG inspired SAF submachine gun, which used a blowback-operated mechanism firing from a closed-bolt position at a high rate of fire. Although the MT/SAFG was not adopted by the military in large quantities, the CT-40 semi-auto carbine with a 16.1-inch barrel and the CT-30 in .30 Carbine found favor among police units. There are two special aeronautical police battalions (BINFA) serving under the Brazilian Air Force, and there is a Grupo Especial de Polícia da Aeronáutica (GEPA) in charge of hostage rescue and rapid response.

Elements of the Batalhão de Infantaria de Aeronáutica Especial dos Afonsos (BINFAE-AF), and Esquadrão Aeroterrestre de Salvamento (EAS) carried HK-33 rifles instead of the MT-12, and the SIG550 is also a favorite. BINFAE-AF is a security Infantry Battalion of the Brazilian Air Force while EAS, also known as Pára-SAR, are specialized commandos trained in combat rescue operations. It is understood that these rifles will be replaced by the IA-2.

Most impressive and unusual was finding the firefighters armed with IMBEL INA M953 SMGs. Indeed, the Military Firefighter Corps is tasked with civil defense and rescue in addition to the normal firefighting tasks. Since 1915 it has functioned as a military reserve force, and part of the National Public Security and Social Defense System. The IMBEL INA M953 is a modified Madsen M50 SMG. The M953 is chambered to .45 acp caliber.

Considerable infantry equipment is supplied by the Glágio do Brasil Conglomerate, to include PASGT, ACH LC 200, and ACH HC 100 helmets. These are made of Aramid, with the seven water-resistant cushions suspension system that provides for blunt impact protection. The PASGT provides for Level IIIA protection against 9mm FMJ RN / 44 MAG SJHP; while the ACH LC 200 is shaped to accept a number of accessories (lighting, communications, and night vision, among others), providing Level II (9mm FMJ RN / 357 MAG JSP) and Level IIIA (9mm FMJ RN / 44 MAG SJHP) protection. The ACH LC 200 provides protection against 9mm FMJ RN / 44 MAG SJHP.

This conglomerate also provides Tactical Vest II E IIIA, featuring inserts that are ballistic, waterproof, and of resistant fabrics to ensure safety in adverse conditions, and providing for high ballistic resistance, reducing trauma. They come with NIJ Standard Level II (0101.04) and Level IIIA (0101.04) protection plates. The Tactical Vest III E IV is more widely distributed to combat troops, and features the M.O.L.L.E system, with its advanced load distribution design, and additional protection for shoulders, neck and groin. It provides NIJ Standard Level III and Level IV protection. The Vest III model comes with two ballistic plates of Level 3, and the Vest IV comes with two stand-alone plates (front and back). These tactical vests come in the Brazilian Lizard Pattern-woodland camouflage (dark green and purplish-brown vertical stripes on light or pale green background). It is noted that the standard Brazilian Army Combat Uniform (ACU) is made of 100% cotton twill in a lizard camo design, in either green (woodland) and kaki (dry season) based patterns. The main design sports broad brush strokes of dark brown and dark green overlaid on light green. The design is a derivative of the French Leopard TAP47 pattern and more so of the Portuguese red-lizard smock camouflage (in a design combining russet and foliage green on a pale green background) from 1960, and standard issue since 1963. The Brazilian Army had adopted a woodland camouflage way back in 1967, in a pattern consisting of brown and lime green blotches on a pale green background similar to the US M1942 spot design, made of lightweight herringbone twill material. The local military also made use of the Chilean “rana” (frog) pattern in the early 1970s, but an early version of the lizard pattern was used since the early 1960s, with brown and forest green vertical stripes on a tan background. Another variant was issued to Mountain units in the 1980s, in black, red and moss green vertical stripes on a tan background, and another one to the Caatinga units, using a reddish-brown and mint green vertical striping on a pale green background.

This Brazilian Sniper appears to carry the IA-2 in 7.62x51mm caliber, a precision rifle. It is a gas-operated weapon, which has a 510mm barrel, a bipod, and a redesigned buttstock with a cheek rest. It accepts FAL 20-round magazines (J. Montes)

Wider net

We were also able to view the new light utility truck, the Marruá (Wild Bull) produced by Agrale. The Brazilian Army used the Marruá years before. Then, the Army started looking for a replacement, and showed interest in the VLEGA Gaucho. The Gaucho was developed since 2004 with Argentinean cooperation, and under parameters established by the Plan Ejército Argentino (PEA 2025). The Gaucho comes with an MWM diesel V4 engine developing 130hp.

La Agrale continued to develop the Marruá, presenting a more powerful variant in LAAD 2013, and another one in LAAD 2015. This has been selected now as the new light utility vehicle for the Brazilian Army. The Marruá 4×4 is larger than the Gaucho and its development is based on that of the Engesa EE-4/EE-12 utility vehicle. The Marruá Viatura de Transporte Não Especializada (VTNE) was first accepted into service in July 2005. The Marruá AM1 is powered by a EURO II MWM 4.07 TCA diesel engine coupled to EATON FS 2305 A transmission (5 forward / 1 reverse). The newer variants come with a EURO III compliant engine.

We also marveled at the new VBTP-MR APC, a wheeled armored transport denominated Guarani, which will be replacing the successful EE-11 URUTU wheeled armored transport. A Guarani with gun turret will replace the EE-9 CASCAVEL. Those we observed had a simple machine gun pod armed with an M2HB, but a new turret has been developed for the troop carrier variant.

In November 2014, Brazil implemented its Integrated Border Monitoring System (Sisfron) at the 4th Fourth Mechanized Cavalry Brigade in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul. This system will help security forces detect illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and weapons smuggling, in the border, an area of 1.2 million square kilometers. It consists of four operating centers, with the other three located at Mundo Novo, Iguatemi, and Caracol. This represents an investment of about $4.6 billion USD. Sisfron, developed by Savis from Embraer, is tasked with detecting suspicious activities from distances up to 20 km, with the use of sophisticated equipment depending on 68 communication antennas, an information highway (digital computer networks), radar units, electromagnetic sensors, tactical and satellite communication components, and command and control centers, which will be gathering intelligence and conducting surveillance, information technology, and gear to conduct electronic warfare. Sisfron is expected to be completely operational by 2021.

The armed forces’ preparedness is in turn spilling into local authorities. It is noted that state police units, denominated Military Police (which are part of the Armed Forces), have been honing their skills and improving equipment as well. The sharpshooters of the Military Police’s Special Tactical Actions Group (GATE), for instance, are known to have attended the Tactical Sharpshooter Training Course, under the watch of the Brazilian Air Force’s (FAB) BINFAE-CO – Batalhão de Infantaria da Aéronatica Especial (Special Aeronautical Infantry Battalion) from Canoas Air Base. BINFAE-CO offers its sharpshooter training to other agencies as well — including the Federal Highway Police’s Special Operations Unit, and the Federal Police’s Rapid Response Group.

The security apparatus is divided into federal and state law enforcement agencies. There are 26 Military Police Departments (State Police), and the Federal District has Civil Police and State Police units. Most of these organizations count on a special operations police unit, and/or a rescue team. Many of these forces are also being reequipped. The 400-strong Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais (BOPE), for instance, has been reequipped with M16 and M4 carbine rifles with laser sights, Taurus PT92 pistols and fragmentation and stun grenades. Some elements of the BOPE and the Grupo de Retomada e Resgate (GRR) have been equipped with AR-10A4 rifles, many of them with the EOTech 552 holographic sights, to replace their M694s.

Mechanized infantryman armed with an M964A1 MD1 (ParaFAL) 7.62x51mm rifle. The MD1 has a barrel length of 450mm, and folding stock. (J. Montes)

Imposing Law

Rio de Janeiro exploded into a security crisis in November 2010, when criminal factions initiated a series of attacks in response to the government’s deployment of permanent forces inside the favelas, the feared Brazilian slums. The government had decided to secure the slums as a preventive measurement for the upcoming Soccer World Cup and Olympic Games. As drug traffickers occupied Leopoldina, Vila Cruzeiro, neighboring Complexo do Alemao slums, the police and Naval Infantry charged inside the neighborhoods riding on M-113 and LVTP-7 armored vehicles; these were followed by the Police’s own Caveirões (“skulls” armored vehicles).

The attacks had started on November 21st, when several vehicles were burned at Linha Vermelha and other areas inside the City, and an Air Force vehicle had come under fire. The following morning a police cabin was attacked, and the drug traffickers continued their robbery spree and attacks. On the 23rd, Military Police Units (State Police) moved against several slums searching for the attackers; these operations escalated and culminated with the intervention of the feared BOPE against strongholds in the Vila Cruzeiro slum on the 25th. BOPE chased the criminals to the Complexo do Alemao, while hundreds of soldiers and Federal Policemen arrived to place the slums under siege. By the 28th, all resistance has been subdued. The large amount of weapons captured included CZ-24 (Mauser K98) rifles, ZB-ZV medium machine guns, 0.30-caliber Brownings, Madsens, and Browning automatic rifles (BAR). There were also Garands, AK-47/AKM, AR-15/M-16/M-4s, Ruger Mini-14s, HK G-3s, Steyr AUGs, and SIG-550 rifles; the submachine guns captured included M1 carbines, Argentine FMK-3, Thompson M1, and even a MAT-49, along with a number of Glocks, and Desert Eagle pistols.

The action culminated with the use of military pacification forces mounted under Operation Arcanjo. This translate to the use of the Paratrooper Infantry Brigade under the original deployment, followed by the deployment of the 9th Motorized School Infantry Brigade (until start of 5th Military World Games), under Arcanjo II, and the 11th Light Infantry Brigade (Campinas), under Arcanjo III, and finally intervention by the 9th Motorized School Infantry Brigade (upon completion of 5th Military World Games), under the current Arcanjo IV, and at this time, the 1st Motorized Infantry Battalion remains at the Alemão and Penha complexes under Fuerza de tarea Sampaio, and part of Operation Arcanjo IV. The military presence (occupation) of civilian areas is legalized under Article 88 of the Brazilian Federal Constitution, which grants the Armed Forces police powers when requested by any of the constitutional powers. The round-the-clock presence in the slums signifies unprecedented cooperation between Rio de Janeiro’s state government and the Eastern Military Command, which turned over command of all operations to the Brazilian Army.

Prior to the 2013 Confederations Cup, the Brazilian forces launched Operation Ágata 7, mobilizing troops to the borders where they seized 19 tons of narcotics. Ágata 8 followed in May 2014, which involved 30,000 troops mobilized to the borders as part of preparations for the World Cup, and resulting in the seizure of 40 tons of drugs.

At least the Soccer World Cup tournament went without incidents, and so it did the Pope’s visit. Now come the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in August and September 2016, and we’ll see the preparations in action.

The phrase auto-ametralladora in Spanish does not refers to the obvious automatic machine gun, but it is a direct translation of the French “Auto Mitrailleuse Légère”, translated to “Light Machine Gun Car” (LMGC), and referring to a light-armored machine-gun carrier. The French denomination was actually applied to their AML (for short) Type-245, a vehicle designed and developed to replace the Daimler Ferret, for service mainly in Africa. In Spanish, the term is broader, and usually refers to any compact lightly armored “self-propelled” machine gun platform. The Daimler Ferret had been developed itself as a replacement of the WW-II Dingo, and both British-designed vehicles fit the original concept of the LMGC.

However, the term in Central America represents more a concept than a reality since the local armies have lacked a truly compact mobile lightly armored machine gun platform, other than using armored personnel carriers in this form. Actually, none of the countries in Central America really counted with a light machine gun car as such until the British deployed Daimler Ferrets to Belize in 1973.

The British Army had a presence in that Central American nation from the late 1940s until 1994. The old British-Honduras colony had been formally and permanently established in the late 1870s, after the British Honduras Company became the predominant landowner and emerged as the Belize Estate and Produce Company, cementing its dependency with Britain. Although independence finally came in 1981, Belize was at the time facing a potential invasion from its northern neighboring country. Guatemala claimed the entire territory (since 1859), and repeatedly threatened to use force to take over the British enclave. In the 1945 Constitution, Guatemala claimed the territory as the 23rd department, and three years later it deployed troops along the border. The UK responded by deploying two companies from the 2nd Gloucestershire Regiment. Nine years later, a company from the Worcesteshire Regiment was moved to the border, but again, the Guatemalans did not invade. Several months later, a British platoon exchanged gunfire with a group calling themselves the Belize Liberation Army, and managing to capture 20 suspects. In 1972, Guatemala threatened to invade once again, so the British garrison was beefed up, deploying 8000 troops, and several ships, to include an aircraft carrier. When talks broke off again in 1975, tension flared and the UK deployed troops, a battery of 105mm field guns, a few 40mm Bofors, and Rapier missiles systems, six Harriers, and a frigate. Among the reinforcements came several Ferrets to provide for airport perimeter defense, security and patrol.

Salvadorian APV have been issued to the EMCFA (Armed Forces HQ) Security Battalions, and they could be carrying USOR M60DE4 with enhanced features (J. Montes)

The UK had relinquished most political control to the locals from 1964, and retained only defense, foreign affairs, internal security and some other internal affairs. In June 1973 the colony became known as Belize, and in 1975 it moved to grant independence, only to be prevented by Guatemalan gestures and treats. Tension flared once again two years later. Belize finally became independent in 1981, but the British Forces in Belize remained until 1994.

Between 1977 until the departure of the UK forces, the British Army deployed in two infantry battle groups (South and North)(1). The main barracks, and home of the Headquarters British Forces Belize, was located at Airport Camp (APC), adjacent to the International Airport. Here, the UK maintained the Harriers, and a flight of Puma helicopters, while rotating squadrons from 3 RAF Regiment provided for defense, manning the Rapier systems and L40/70 Bofors. Elements of the Royal Armored Corps (RAC) and Royal Artillery Regiment (RAR) were based at Holdfast Camp, near Cayo district, capital of San Ignacio (2). It is understood that the RAC deployed only tracked Scimitar/ Scorpion CVR(T), so the Daimler Ferrets observed guarding Airport Camp appear to have come with 3 RAF Regiment; these were likely to be Mk 2/3 models, sporting the typical hand-operated turret. This sported a Browning L3A2 machine gun (Commonwealth designation for the M1919A4), with 2,500 rounds of ammunition. The weapon could be elevated between -15 degrees and +45 degrees and the turret having a full 360 degree traverse.

The tiny FV701 (Ferret) was a 4×4 compact armored light gun car, measuring a mere 3.835metres in length, 1.905m in width and 1.448m in height, and with a combat weight of just 4,210kg (in its Mk1/1 variant). The first prototype was produced in 1949 by the Coventry-based Daimler Company, and production started in 1952. Its all-welded armored shell protected against small arms fire and splinters, and it mounted a Rolls-Royce B60 Mk6A, six-cylinder in-line water-cooled gas engine. This engine developed 130hp, providing for a speed of up to 93km per hour. The mentioned Mk1/1 was open-topped design, usually armed with a Bren light machine gun, with 450 rounds. The Mk1/2 variant (FV704) was somewhat heavier, and the vehicle evolved up to the Mk5 variant, armed with the Swingfire wire-guided anti-tank missiles. The Ferret was fast and small, appropriate for urban environment, and also strong to operate off road, having a combat weigh of some 3.7 tons, and an armored hull with a thickness between 6 mm to 30 mm.

Learning how to use the J8 APV in Guatemala (US DoD Kaye Richey)

AML with British Legacy

After the 1969 war, the Salvadorian Army had been preparing to fight a conventional war with Honduras. Therefore, around 1979, it received some 12 vehículos ligeros auto-ametralladoras, in the form of the Panhard AML-245. Unfortunately, these were of the H-90 variant, which do not really fit the definition of machine gun carriers since they are equipped with the GIAT Industries’ smoothbore, low-velocity 90 mm D 921 F1 gun. The cannon fires HEAT, HE, smoke and canister rounds. There is also a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun to the left of the main armament. The turret has a full 360 degree traverse, and the gun can be elevated between -8 to +15 degrees, but has space for only twenty 90mm projectiles, compared to 56 mortar rounds that could had been accommodated in the 60H/HE variant. In El Salvador it was relegated to perform security escort to artillery units, with an UR-416 travelling alongside — not with mechanized infantry, but with additional rounds, and providing additional security with its machine gun. Mechanically, the AML-H90 proved difficult to maintain, and at least six were out of service by 1988. It was fitted with coil spring suspension and drum brakes, lacking hydraulic assist on either brakes or steering. Its Panhard Model 4 HD air-cooled 90hp gas engine proved weak, and was a constant concern. When actually working, the vehicle could develop up to 90 Km/h, and had a range of 600km. Its combat weight was 5.5 tons. Its hull was all-welded armor, with a thickness between 8 mm and 12 mm. Two were destroyed by the FMLN guerrillas, one with RPG fire and another one with an IED that pulverized it.

The AML was produced with a turret equipped with a 60 mm breech loading mortar and 7.62 mm and/or 12.7 mm machine guns (AML-60 and 60HE), and two 20 mm cannons (AML 60 S530). The 90 mm gun had been chosen to fight the Honduras’ Saladins, not to fight a counter-insurgency war developing in El Salvador. As it came to be, a machine gun armed AML would had been a lot more useful than the H90 variant to operate in the narrow urban streets or the narrow roads of the Salvadorian environment, where the length of the cannon proved a disadvantage, and where a solid shot of its gun proved of little use against elusive guerrillas. The Salvadorian Army would realize that what it needed was a vehicle capable to fight short and sharp skirmishes, fast and agile –and more in line of the Light Gun Car concept–than the clumsy and unreliable gun carrier.

The tiny Ferret, as those deployed in Belize by the British, with its small turret equipped with a Browning L3A2 machine gun (J.Montes)

Ironically, the AML has its origins in the mentioned Ferret. As it happens, the French Army had also found the FV701 a useful tool in Africa as a liaison, reconnaissance, patrol and support vehicle. They had employed some 200 Ferrets in Algeria, and wanted to place the British design in production under license. However, the French industry lobbied to build its own version of the Ferret, with superior firepower. Panhard built a prototype in 1959 and entered in production in 1960, and with the first models, equipped with a breech loaded 60mm Brandt mortar and two MAS AA-52 NF-1 machine guns, reaching troops in Algiers a year later.

The RPG damaged AML is preserved at the Salvadorian Military Museum. The Army CIDET (Research and Development center) has introduced an upgrade program, adapting Nissan diesel engines, but mentioning that there are only 9 hulls available to the upgrade, to include the hull at the Military Museum. This would indicate that there are two hulls unaccounted for. In any case, ideally, the H90 would be replaced with a turret similar to the one developed by the CIDET VCTA2, with a combination of machine guns and HS-404 20mm cannon(s). The redundant H90 turrets, and any other that can be obtained, could then be place2d on the VCTA2. This would bring back the Panhard H90 more in line with the light machine
gun car concept.

Another alternative would be to seek excess stocks from the Irish AML fleet, which was retired in 2013. The Irish incorporated 20 AML-H90 and 16 AML H60-7HB in 1975, followed by another 16 AML H60-7CS. In 1999 all 20 H90 and 16 H60-7 were overhauled and repowered with turbocharged diesel engines. Those H60-7 had their turret replaced by the two-man Ratel-20 turret. This is equipped with a South African made GI-2 (licensed GIAT) 20 mm cannon with a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. The 20mm cannon has an effective range of 1,500 m. These vehicles are designated AML-20.

Firing a M1919A6 from the J8 APV in Guatemala (U.S. Army photo by Kaye Richey)

The APV arrives

The Salvadorian Maestranza (Military Workshop) did modified a CJ-8 jeep in the mid-1980s. The prototype was used as a test bed before production could be implemented. A turret was placed on the bed. This was a one-man mechanically assisted model, equipped with a M2HB machine gun. Front, rear and side plates were mounted on a lightly modified Jeep. The turret was later used as basis for the Cashuat APC, but the vehicle proved unreliable, and it constantly overheated. Only a prototype was ever built which was later transferred to the DM-1 in Chalatenango to be used for short distance road patrol. Ideally, the Salvadorian military could had acquired surplus Ferrets to upgrade and deploy.

In 2013, the US announced the supply of 42 J8 APVs to equip a new armored battalion assigned to the Tecún Uman Task Force. Another 8 APVs arrived in 2014 to supply the FIAAT (Fuerza de Tarea de Interdicción Aérea, Antinarcótica y Antiterrorista), another Guatemalan Task Force composed of Huey-II helicopters, soldiers, police and a token armored platoon. Even more followed to equip other forces, and the US delivered additional APVs to El Salvador, to the Honduras’ new Public Order Military Police (PMOP), and the Panamanian Border National Service (SENAFRONT).

The APV variant refers to the armored patrol vehicle equipped with a hot formed ballistic steel body into a J8 frame. Actually, according to JGMS, the original J8 body is replaced with an armored cell, which level of protection is certified by Germany’s Beschussamt to BRV 2009/VR7 (ballistic) and ERV 2010 (blast). The armored cell provides ballistic protection to the underbody, roof and side blast.  The overtly armored variant is ideal for military and peacekeeping missions. JGMS indicates that the entire body of the J8 is replaced with hot-formed ballistic steel shaped to the precise contours of the original vehicle. The vehicle has a VM 2.8 L (2,766 cc) V4, direct injection, common rail, turbo-charged, intercooled diesel engine Bore and Stroke 94 x 100 Max Power 145 kw (194 bhp) @ 3,800 rpm. The APV fills exactly the concept of the machine gun armored patrol carrier.

The GIAT turret from the Salvadorian AML-H90 could be replaced with a CIDET VCTA2 variant - with a combination of machine guns and HS-404 20mm cannon(s) – to bring it back to the light machine gun car concept. (J. Montes)

Finally the Central Americans can fill the requirement for a fast, agile, and lightly armored vehicle that can provide liaison, reconnaissance, patrol, and security. The Guatemalan APV mounts a M1919 machine gun. The most common Browning observed in the new APVs has been the elderly, but superb, M1919A6 model, without the stock, and with its typical muzzle booster; those mounted on the APVs have their bipod removed. It is a heavy weapon (32 lbs – 15Kg), but highly reliable. Other models have been observed with the M1919A4 version, distinguished by the lighter barrel (as the M1919A6), but without the muzzle break. The Guatemalan Brownings are said to have been converted to 7.62×51 mm, either by the local War Material Service, with kits provided by Israel, or are actually modified Mk 21 Mod2 0 (ex-U Navy) models. The Mk 21 Mod 0 have the barrel, bolt, and feed cover are replaced and a chamber bushing, a link-stripper, and a second belt-holding pawl are added. However, the Guatemalan variants lack the six-inch flash hider typical of these variants.

The Salvadorian APV sports a M60D, which is the basic M60 GPMG, modified with spade grips. It is mounted on a pintle mount found on the ring base of a basic turret. The gunner can swivel the gun in a front arc of fire, and a 50-round ammo can is normally mounted with it. The gun is fired manually at up to 550 rounds per minute. US Ordnance offers an enhanced model, brought up to M60E4/Mk43 standards. USORD indicates that the M60D Enhanced “features a redesigned machined aluminum feed cover with integrated M1913 Picatinny rail for mounting optics aiming lasers and accessories. Another forward M1913 Picatinny rail allow additional accessories. It comes with ambidextrous safety features, and all major components directly interchange with other M60 configurations.” It is known that the US has supplied new M2HB models to the Salvadorian Army, but it is unknown if M60D Enhanced models have been supplied as well. On this mark, the Salvadorian military suffered a setback in June 2014, when four M60Ds were stolen from the Cavalry Regiment armory.

Honduras has supplied its APV to the new Public Order Military Police. They normally mount a MAG-58 on the APV, although M60 GPMGs are also available. The Panamanian SENAFRONT, the border police, uses an RPD to arm its APVs. This is a 7.62 x 39 mm light machine gun, normally used as squad automatic weapon. It uses a long stroke piston system and locking system proper of the Degtyaryov. It has a fixed barrel, and folding bipod. It feeds from the left-hand, and it normally is equipped with a 100-round drum magazine.

The J8 APV in detail. (J. Montes)

Need for light machine gun car patrols

In May 2011 Guatemala was shaken by the discovery of 26 decapitated bodies on a cattle ranch in the northern Petén region. The reports spoke of dozens of armed commandos storming the ranch, looking for owner Otto Salguero. These were elements of Mexican drugs cartels who searched for Salguero to seek revenge. Before this, the government acknowledged finding the chopped body of Allan Stowlinsky, Assistant District Attorney, assassinated for his participation in seizing 500 kg of cocaine in Alta Verapaz, a stronghold of the Sinaloa Cartel in Guatemala. A year earlier, Los Zetas had invaded in force Peten, when some 80 elements of the Mexican drug cartel, riding on armored pickups and SUVs entered the villages of El Chal, Sabanetas, and Grano de Oro; from there, they moved to Caoba, a crossroad with the Tikal Highway, where they clashed with a police roadblock, injuring a soldier and destroying five police cruisers and a military vehicle. As the narcos retreated, Army patrols found a Toyota pickup and an armored Mitsubishi abandoned about 1 Km from the first encounter, along with assault rifles, ammunition and communication gear. Within days, authorities had seized 6 vehicles. The narcos had come from Belize all the way to El Naranjo, towards México manning some 15 vehicles.

Los Zetas had moved deep into Guatemala since 2007, establishing strongholds in Nentón, San Mateo Ixtatán, and Coatán Barillas. Then into Cobán, Alta Verapaz. A year later they had strongholds in Guatemala City and Chiquimula and Zacapa, where they clashed with los Lorenzana, associated with the Sinaloa Cartel. They have been known to operate from Huehuetenango, with a stronghold at La Democracia, south from Santa Ana Huista. In 2009, a military training camp was discovered in Quiché, followed by the discovery of a drug warehouse in Amatitlán. The breakup between the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas in 2010 shows the path to the cartel conquering Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras (3). After the gruesome findings, the Guatemalan government ordered the State of Siege, and the Army moved into Alta and Baja Verapaz. Pictures of the confiscated arsenal included dozens MG 34 machine guns. In Coban City alone, the seizures netted 45 vehicles, 35 pistols, 39 assault rifles, and 23 MG 34 (4). Yes, the legendary Mashinengewehr 34 from WWII. Guatemala received hundreds of these weapons in the 1950s from then Czechoslovakia.

The J8 APV has been supplied to Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Panama (J. Montes)

In June 2012, the Army deployed a new Jungle Special Ops Brigade in Peten, and US military aid poured in to establish Inter-agency Task Forces along the borders, in addition to some 200 US Marines. The Jungle Brigade started operations from Subín, at La Libertad municipality, Petén, and was tasked with the patrol of the 345 kms border with Mexico. The Brigade nucleus is a 500-strong Jungle battalion operating specifically from San Andrés, San Francisco, La Libertad, Las Cruces and Sayaxché, along with being tasked with the protection of the Tigre Lagoon Park. The remaining two 500-strong battalions are formed with Kaibiles, and additional support comes from the 1400-strong 1st Infantry Brigade, and so the Guatemalan Army increased from some 16,000 soldiers to 23,000. In El Salvador, 6500 soldiers deployed to internal security duties, and in Honduras, the new 5000-strong Public Order Military Police has been organizing and deploying.

In June 2014, Guatemalan authorities confiscated in a single raid USD $1.8 million and 22 Kgs of cocaine, at San Pedro, municipality of El Naranjo, Petén. These overtly open and daring confrontations explain the need for the light armored machine gun carriers. The fight against the drug trade is far from over.

Violent crime in the Central American “northern triangle” is reaching unprecedented levels, with murder rates among the highest on the planet. Its effect has even shaken U.S. borders, with up to 70,000 unaccompanied minors calculated to have arrived by the end of 2014 illegally into Texas. These numbers were calculated after the Border Patrol apprehended 20,000 children in May and June, and another 5,508 in July 2014. The kids are mainly being displaced by the violence, with their parents preferring to risk their trek from home to the north than to allow them to fall victims of the local gangs and crime. Nowhere else is this situation more latent than in what is known as the Central American “northern triangle,” a region comprising Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The violence is fueled by drug trade, gang warfare, organized crime, weak state institutions, rampant corruption and impunity.

These three countries in particular have the unique misfortune to be located geographically between the world’s largest drug producers in South America (Colombia and Ecuador) and the world’s largest consumer of illegal drugs, the United States. The region is flooded with drug money, bandits and all sort of economic and political problems.

A Guatemalan police officer in training, and using a Beretta M9 to make a simulated arrest. These are elements of the Tecún Uman Task Force, trained and equipped by elements of the U.S. Armed Forces to patrol the Mexican border. (Photo U.S. Army Kaye Richey)

In addition to the availability of quantities of weapons left over from years of wars, police and military arsenals have been made available to criminal enterprises. In El Salvador alone, between 2009 and September 2014, the national Civilian Police (P.N.C.) had confiscated 68,198 weapons. The problem appears to be more serious in Honduras, where huge amounts of police firearms have been lost. A few years back, in 2011, for instance, the Honduran government announced that 300 FAL rifles have been lost from a warehouse, under the watch of the C.O.E., the elite police command locally known as COBRA. Previously, in 2008, the then National Security Secretary, Jorge Rodas Gamero, acknowledged the loss of 98 Beretta AR-70/90s, 40 Galils, and 9 M16 rifles, along with five gas grenade launchers, 32 CZ-75s and two M9 Beretta pistols. Investigations had started after a suspect was apprehended with a Galil, along with 9 AR-70/90 rifles, with their serials traced to the police warehouse. By 2011, it was calculated that the police had lost thousands of weapons, to include AK-47s stored at the COBRA’s HQ and the rest at the installations of the National Border Police, or D.N.S.E.I. (for ). Later that same year, another 20 M9 Berettas and 20 CZ-75s had been lost at the Police Technical Institute (I.T.P. – Instituto Técnico Policial) at La Paz, and another 32 pistols at the Public Ministry.

With its police completely in disarray and in disgrace, and flooded with emergency calls and chaotic criminal situation, the Honduras government desperately looked for fast solutions. By 2012, it had created the Public Order Military Police (P.M.O.P. – Policía Militar del Orden Publico), and by 2013 the National Inter-Agency Security Force (FUSINA). This was followed by the establishment of the Investigations Police Task Force (F.T.P.I. or Fuerza de Tarea Policial de Investigación) by merging the mentioned DNSEI with the National Criminal Investigations Directorate (D.N.I.C. for Dirección Nacional de Investigación Criminal). Similarly, in El Salvador, a completely new Anti-Gang Directorate was organized to fight street crime. Guatemala increased its police and military forces, organizing them into task forces to fight back.

LINCES, COBRAS, TIGRES and Other Exotic Animals

A National Police was established in Honduras around January 1882. This was reinforced with diverse organizations until June 1959, when it is replaced with a Civil Guard. In 1963, the government creates the Special Security Corps (C.E.S. – Cuerpo Especial de Seguridad), along with the Rural Detachment and the Road Patrol, and from 1974, a Treasury Police. In January 1975, Honduras started to concentrate all different police and law enforcement elements into what became known as the F.U.S.E.P. (Fuerza de Seguridad Publica). As part of the Armed Forces, these policemen were equipped with Browning-HP pistols, Uzis, and some M16A1 and Mini-14 rifles. FUSEP became formally established under Decree No.369, on August 16, 1976, and was reequipped with FAL-50-00 and FALO-50-42 rifles acquired from the Fábrica Militar de Armas Portátiles Domingo Matheu, Rosario, Argentina. Within the FUSEP, the military established the Internal Security Detachment (D.I.S.), and in March 1979, FUSEP was reorganized in squadrons, subdivided into detachments, sections, platoons, and teams. The following month, a DIS Military Police Platoon transformed into the LINCE Squadron, tasked with rapid police response.

Honduran policemen, armed with Galil rifles, practice during a training session with USSF. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Steven K. Young)

Towards the late 1970s, FUSEP established an Anti-Terrorist and an Anti-Riot squadron, and these, along with LINCE, become the response, combat and crowd control battalion C.O.B.R.A. (for Comando y Batallón de Operaciones y Reacción Antiterrorista). In February 1982, the unit becomes the A.E.E.C.O. (for Agrupamiento de Escuadrones Especiales Cobras), with its squadrons being divided into an Urban Special Ops. (Operaciones Especiales Urbanas), Rural Special Ops. (Operaciones Especiales Rurales), and Anti-Riot. This outfit becomes C.O.E.C.O. on April 3, 1996, with the acronym standing for Comando de Operaciones Especiales Cobra, (Cobra Special Operations Command), commanding the COBRA squadron (tasked with VIP protection, Special Ops, and Intervention), and G.E.A.S. or Special Anti-Hijacking Group (Grupo Especial Anti-Secuestros), established with 53 operators trained by U.S. Special Forces.

Under Decree No.229-96, dated December 17, 1996, FUSEP ceased to exist and all national law enforcement police functions are transferred to the new National Police under civilian command. An Internal Review Board (Junta Interventora), under the leadership of Dr. Hernán Corrales Padilla, decided in 1999 to separate the police arsenal from that of the military, and ordered the return of the FAL and M16s to the Army, and selected the Galil and Beretta AR-70/90 rifles to replace them. The CZ-75 was chosen as the standard police sidearm.

In 2008, under Decree No.67-2008, dated October 31, 2008, COECO becomes C.O.E., or simply Special Operations Command, comprising the COBRA squadron, tasked now only with special ops and intervention duties, and GEAS Squadron. Later it assumes command of the National Anti-Extortion Force (F.N.A. – Fuerza Nacional Antiextorsión), established on March 6, 2013, to operate in Tegucigalpa.

Honduran police and TIGRE elements practice movement with their Dashprod M14/AR-M4 rifles. The National Police offers the Special Ops Course (C.O.P.E. - Curso de Operaciones Policiales Especiales), lasting 8 weeks, and established in 1997 under the leadership of Tte. Col. Rafael Antonio López Rodríguez and as replacement of the COAT. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Steven K. Young)

In 2014, the Honduran Security Secretariat and the National Police (PNH) experience a reorganization, and the police Special Units Directorate (D.N.U.E.) is created to oversee the C.O.E. (comprising COBRA, GEAS and FNA squadrons), and the newly established Intelligence Troops and Special Response Security Groups (T.I.G.R.E. – Tropa de Inteligencia y Grupos de Respuesta Especial de Seguridad) (fielding Alpha, Bravo and Charlie squadrons).

Parallel to the National Police, the government established the Public Order Military Police (PMOP) under the Ministry of Defense, Decree 168-2013. Each PMOP battalion comprises a headquarters element, two MP squadrons (companies), one Special Forces squadron, and a K9 unit. This translates to a force of 36 officers, 46 NCOs, 398 military policemen, and 12 K9 operators. It is expected that the PMOP Corps will eventually total 10 battalions.

From G.R.P. to G.I.A.P.

The Salvadorian Civilian National Police (P.N.C.) was established after the Chapultepec Peace Treaty that ended the internal civil conflict. As result of the Treaty, Article 159 of the Salvadorian Constitution was modified, and the three Security Forces that functioned under the Ministry of Defense ceased to exist. Under Law Decree No.269, passed on June 25th, 1992, the National Congress established a new police, and a Public Security Ministry to oversee it.

The Honduran government established TIGRE, a special police force consisting right now of three special police squadrons (Alpha, Bravo and Charlie), each with 100 operators. Its elements were chosen from military and police ranks, and respond to police HQ. The U.S. provides specialized training, which leads up to a stress test that examines the officer’s knowledge gained during the week. Here, a TIGRE operator demonstrates his skills while armed with a Dashprod M14. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Steven K. Young)

Among the three former paramilitary police forces, the National Police (NP) functioned as an urban law enforcement unit tracing its lineage to the Civil Guard established in July 1867. By the early 1990s, the NP was deployed in four metropolitan battalions (Monserrat, Zacamil, San Benito, and Honor). In addition, there was a “Panther” Anti-Terrorist Infantry Battalion, and a Special Response Team (E.R.E. for Equipo de Respuesta Especial). The NP deployed 38 police Companies, distributed among 6 Police Commands (1st San Salvador, 2nd Santa Tecla, 3rd Santa Ana, 4th San Vicente, 5th San Miguel, and 6th Usulután). Until the early 70s, the NP was equipped with M1 and M2 Carbines, Madsen M50 and Uzi submachine guns. A little later, the police received MP5 SMGs, and G3/G91 rifles. Then, the NP supplemented its arsenal with M16 and T65s and Ruger Mini-14 rifles, as well as hundreds of FMK-3 SMGs.

The new PNC absorbed most of the arsenal available to the former National Police, with exception of the G3/G91 rifles and the M50, FMK-3 and MP5 SMGs. The Army transferred all the M9, Browning-HP, and any other pistols and revolvers at hand. Eventually, the PNC adopted the Chilean SAF SMG, and the Galil semi-auto. The sidearm was also standardized, adopting the CZ-75 pistol. The Special Response Team received MP5s, HK53 and HK-33 rifles, and adopted the SIG P-228. Snipers were equipped with SIG SG2000
precision rifles.

Elite police outfits eventually concentrated into a Special Operations (Police) Directorate, comprising the Anti-Riot Unit (U.M.O. – Unidad de Mantenimiento del Orden), the Tactical Operations Unit (U.T.O. – Unidad Tactica de Operaciones), the Special Response Group (G.R.P. – Grupo de Respuesta Especial), and the Special Police Operations Group (G.O.P.E.S. – Grupo de Operaciones Policiales Especiales). UTO operates in teams of 6 agents, all equipped with Galils, who patrol in their pickups gang-infested urban areas. The GRP was established with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol as their version of the special tactics and weapons unit, operating in groups of 8 subdivided in two teams. The GOPES was modelled to its counterpart in Colombia. UMO was established with assistance from the French gendarmerie and the Chilean Carabineers, and would become operationally independent, responding directly to the National Police General Directorate.

Salvadorian Military Policemen with a FN FNC. This carbine has replaced the MP5. (J. Montes)

In early 2012, the PNC unveiled the Anti-Gang Intervention Group (G.I.A.P. – Grupo de Intervención Anti-Pandillas), and a complete police structure reorganization followed a few months later. The Anti-Gang Sub-Directorate was established under Executive Decree No.18, dated February 1, 2014, and immediately organized with the new GIAP, the Anti-Gang Intelligence Division, the Anti-Gang Special Investigations Division, the GOPES, and the Anti-Gang Special Investigations Division, along with the Transnational Anti-Gang Center (C.A.T.).

Inter-Agency Task Forces

As with El Salvador, the Guatemalan Peace Agreement of 1996 brought an end to the decades-long internal struggle between the Armed Forces and Communist Guerrillas. The Peace Agreement, among others, ordered the cessation of the National Police and the Treasury Police, and the establishment of a new National Civilian Police (PNCG). However, and unlike the Salvadorian case, the government was allowed to “recycle” most members of the old guard into the new organization. The new PNCG started operations in mid-1997, and operated along the 22 departments by August 1999. It initially deployed from 6 Districts, 27 Commissaries, 127 Stations, and 343 Sub-Stations. Another 8 mobile commands were established to support diverse districts within the capital.

The Police Special Forces Division (F.E.P. – Fuerzas Especiales Policiales) was established, comprising the Rapid Reaction Group (G.A.R. – Grupo de Acción Rápida); the Police Intervention Force (F.I.P. – Fuerza de Intervención Policial); and the Police Special Group (G.E.P. – Grupo Especial Policial). However, FEP is basically an anti-riot outfit comprising some 650 elements. It does not have a specific group or team equivalent to a SWAT. In November 2014, the PNCG established the Wolf Unit, a motorcycle special police force, trained and equipped to maneuver in the gridlock and narrow streets to respond to emergencies and to chase criminals.

Salvadorian police officers practicing with SAF SMGs. This is a blowback operated weapon built in Chile based on the SIG 540 rifle. (J. Montes)

The vacuum created by a decreasing military presence, and an ineffective, weak and badly equipped police force, was filled by Mexican drug cartels partnering with local thugs. The cartels stormed into Alta and Baja Verapáz, Petén, and most departments in the country. Finally, the government decided to bring back the Army and increase police. In order to take back the cities and fields, combined tasks forces were established with U.S. assistance, and a complete rearmament took place.

By November 2014, the Chortí Task Force was consolidated with hundreds of policemen and soldiers to operate along the Honduran border. This outfit would eventually receive some 40 J8 troop/cargo transports and APV models, and new weapons; it would be the latest of about 10 task forces organized to fight all sort of crimes and problems.

The Guatemalan National Police was equipped with elderly M1A1 Thompson and M3A1, as well as MP-38 SMGs, Winchester M1 and M2 carbines. As the PNC deployed, it was reequipped instead with thousands of Uzis, and AKM rifles left over from the internal conflict. FEP took instead over 2,000 new IWI Tavor-21s to equip all its forces. By late 2014, the PNCG had reached 30,000 policemen, and was planned to increase to 35,000 by 2015. With this in mind, the Ministry of the Interior had ordered 33,000 pistols, SMGs and rifles to be supplied between 2014 and 2016.

Police Arsenals

Guatemalan police approaching a suspected vehicle during training. In the background, several J8 APVs are ready to support the police action. (U.S. Army Kaye Richey)

It is still common to see Browning-HP pistols in the hands of police officers from all three countries, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. However, most common in the hands of law enforcement in the region is the CZ 75, produced by CZUB in the Czech Republic. Guatemala was actually one of the first countries to make the CZ-75 its standard military sidearm, and consequently passed to the police; thousands more have been incorporated into the police forces of Honduras and El Salvador.

The Uzi and MP5, along with a few MP-12s, are found in the hands of police forces in the region. The Chilean FAMAE (Fábricas y Maestranzas del Ejército) delivered hundreds of SAF submachine guns, mainly to the Salvadorian Police. The weapon started production in 1993, as a blowback-operated submachine gun, firing from a closed bolt.

In 2010, the Salvadorian PNC invested in 700 M4 carbines and 1,760,000 rounds in 5.56mm, and another 1,480,000 in 9mm. In mid-2014, it announced the purchase of 1,426 PT92 AF pistols from Taurus in Brazil, for $900,000, and another $235,000 in 500,000 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition. The deal was done through Centrum S.A. de C.V., the same intermediary that had supplied the Galils and probably the Galil-ACE. In addition to the PT92 AF pistols, the deal included spare parts and single examples of PT917 Compact, P24/7 G2, and PT809C pistols, two SMT-9 SMGs and one LT37/38 grenade launcher (probably for testing purposes).

GRP operators practice movement and coordination in preparation to a raid. (J. Montes)

Forjas Taurus S.A. has produced the SAF as well, and now it is marketing the SMT-9 with law enforcement in mind. The SMT-9 feeds through curved 30-round magazines, and uses a blowback-operated system firing from a closed bolt at a cyclic rate of fire of 700 to 800 rpm. Although the SMT-9 is chambered in 9x19mm, it uses a Taurus 5.56x45mm caliber rifle platform in the form of the IA2 modular assault rifle system (a design from the Brazilian State-owned IMBEL). Interestingly, if the SMT-9 is adopted by the Salvadorian PNC, logically, the semiautomatic CT-556 in 5.56mm caliber should also be considered since it has been conceived as police patrol rifle. It sports the same folding stock that extends in three positions to adapt to the shooter’s build. The gun has a fully machined lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum upper receiver, and a fiberglass-reinforced polymer lower receiver. It is STANAG 4179 compliant, so it uses NATO-standard magazines, and sports a full-length top Mil-Std 1913 Picatinny rail.

In December 2010, the Guatemalan police had ordered 8,000 Jericho pistols and 3,000 Galil-ACE 31 and 32s in 7.62x39mm (to back-up the existing AKMs). The contract was politically resisted, and eventually was partially abandoned in early 2011. In August 2013, the PNCG announced renewed contracts for over $12 million with Pietro Beretta SPA, Israel Weapon Industries Ltd. (IWI) and Glock America SA, for more than 17,346 weapons. The deal specified 14,000 Pietro Berettas, 3,000 Glocks, 100 rifles, and 100 Uzis. Later it was indicated that there was a lag of 6,000 weapons to supply the police, so the orders had increased to 33,000 weapons, to include 25,000 pistols, 4,000 SMGs, and 4,000 rifles.

Most common in the hands of police forces in Honduras and El Salvador had been the Taiwanese T-65. The Asian allied delivered hundreds, if not thousands, of their M16 look-alike. It has resurfaced with the Honduran National Police. In El Salvador it was issued exclusively to the police and some National Guard units, and then passed to the PNC. The most common variant observed has been the Type-65, much similar actually to the ArmaLite AR-18, lacking the distinctive carrying handled of the M16. The T65 is said to use a short stroke gas piston, and it uses the same M16 magazines. In March 2010, the Salvadorian Army supplied 700 T-65 rifles to the PNC to expedite the re-equipment of police units; however, these were almost identical to the Colt M16, sporting the typical carrying handle, which indicates they were Type 65K2 models.

In case the Berettas and Glock pistols do not deter the bandits, use the M1919 machine gun to do the job. Here a Guatemalan policeman learns to fire the elderly M1919A6 on a J8 APV under the watchful eye of a U.S. advisor. (U.S. Army photo by Kaye Richey)

The Honduran Police Internal Review Board ordered in 1999 to replace the FAL and M16 rifles in police use with semiautomatic Galils and AR-70/90 rifles. The acquisition of the Beretta 70/90 to equip the Honduran police between then and 2001 is a little puzzling. The rifle is uncommon in the region, and even uncommon outside Italy. The rifle traces its lineage to 1968, when the Italian company started developing its own assault rifle in 5.56mm. This resulted in the AR-70/223 model presented in 1972. This initial model evolved in the mentioned AR-70/90. This is a conventional gas operated assault rifle, using the STANAG magazines (M16 type). It has a detachable carrying handle, and it is equipped with NATO-standard accessory rails. Honduras would receive the SC-70/90 variant, with folding stock, and the short-barreled SCP-70/90 carbine, also with skeleton metallic buttstock. The deal appears to have involved Mod 93R automatic machine pistols, also from Beretta. This is a variation of the Mod 92/M9, with a selector for three-round bursts.

Between 1999 and 2001, the Honduran and Salvadorian Police ordered over 2,000 Galil rifles each, in semiautomatic mode only. These were probably the last rifles built by IWI since the production of the rifle switched to the Colombian Indumil, and it is not known that Colombian examples have been acquired by those countries. When Honduras needed additional Galils for the police, it resorted to the Dashprod SAR M14 and Arsenal AR-M4 SF models. The Dashprod resembles the Galil since its mechanism is identical to that of the AKM. In fact, it uses a receiver from a “Suchka” – a short AKM-AKSU “Krinkov” (also known as Krinks) made in Bulgaria and modified by Dave Sheer Products from South Africa. It uses the same folding stock found in the South African R rifle series (Galil), and shares the same 35-round magazine. It is chambered for the NATO 5.56mm caliber (.223), with an overall length of 730 mm, which reduces to 504 mm with the stock folded. Barrel length is only 215 mm, having a weight of 3.2 kg and a
rate of fire of 720 rpm.

It appears that the rifle has been supplemented as well with the Arsenal JSCo. AR-M4 SF. This is actually the Bulgarian made AKSU receiver modified as the SAR M14, in 5.56mm, with short barrel, folding butt, and reinforced glass fiber used in the lower and the upper handguards and pistol grip. It can be equipped with Tritium Self-illuminated Night Sight (3-dot sights), and sports a unique muzzle brake/flash hider – as does the SAR M14. They are also equipped with a build-in tactical flashlight. Its rate of fire seems to be lower at 600 rpm.

In Honduras, over 5,000 Galil-ACE examples have been acquired to completely equip the PMOP since this is a military unit, and its weapons must be different, by law, from those used by the police. PMOP operators have also been equipped with 5,000 protective vests, and S&W .45 pistols as well as reincorporating some of the 1,866 M1911A1s from Army arsenals. In El Salvador, some 2,000 Galil-ACE examples have arrived to equip the Anti-Gang units. Among the thousands of rifles ordered by the Guatemalan Police, the Galil-ACE is included as well. No question that this Israeli rifle appears to be the future standard weapon of the northern Central American triangle’s law enforcement agencies.

The Salvadorian police obtained two SMT-9s manufactured by Forjas Taurus S.A. for testing. If adopted, the SMT-9 will provide for a sturdy 9mm submachine gun, fed by curved 30-round magazines. This model was photographed in Chile, during FIDAE 2014. (J. Montes)

Folding stock in a SMT-9. When unfolded, the stock extends to three positions to adapt to the shooter’s build. (J. Montes)

A Salvadorian GRP armed with M4 carbine, and another one with a MP5 SMG. In 2010, the police acquired the first 700 M4 carbines from the U.S. (J. Montes)

Salvadorian GRP fully-equipped with a shot gun and MP5. (J. Montes)

Honduran policemen training with SC-70/90 rifles. In 1988, then A.E.E.C.O. commander and founder, Captain Billy Fernando Joya Amendola, established the Anti-Terrorists Operations Course (C.O.A.T.), later replaced with the C.O.P.E. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Steven K. Young)

An Arsenal JSCo. AR-M4 SF as used by Honduras police. As with the Dashprod SAR M14, the AR-M4 use a Bulgarian made AKSU receiver modified to fire the NATO 5.56mm caliber. The Honduran police make use of the Galil, SAR M14, and AR-M4. The Honduran Army has some 2,000 AKMs that could be modified to fire 5.56mm ammunition in order to supplement these rifles. This example was photographed in London. (J. Montes)

About two years ago, Salvadorian military intelligence was preoccupied with reports that the brutal MS-13 gang had obtained around 100 M72 Light Antitank Weapons (LAW). Fortunately, the rockets have not been used against any targets within the country. The weapons most likely have been passed over to the Mexican cartels as it is reported that the MS-13 has forged a partnership with Mexican organized crimes syndicates. MS-13 is said to have supplied the Mexican Zetas with advanced weapons. Central American gang member have attended military-style training, and have acted as middlemen between regional militaries and drug traffickers.

A few rockets could have come from the ill fated ATF Castaway Operation in Honduras, the little known sideshow of the Fast and Furious debacle, which ended up supplying weapons to MS-13 and other Central American criminal organizations. The weapons could also come from local arsenals as well. What is certain is that around 2007, a number of M72 rocket launchers had gone missing from the elite Honduran 2nd Infantry Battalion (parachute). Some of the rockets were recovered in Mexico and Colombia 12 months later. The LAWs belonged to a lot of 50 examples delivered to the elite TESON (Honduran Ranger) training unit in 1992; of the fifty, 26 could not be accounted for. The Hondurans were also missing a number of M433 40mm cartridge high-explosive dual purpose (HEDP) grenades from a stockpile transferred to Honduras in 1985.

Salvadorian soldier with a M67 RCL. These are obsolete and worn out weapons still used as main Infantry AT weapon. (J. Montes)

The M72 is useful against light armor at very short range, and often used to soften up stronghold positions. The U.S. delivered in excess of 700 examples to the Salvadorian Army, so it was used widely by Salvadorian forces fighting the FMLN guerrillas during the 1980s. Several hundred were also delivered to the Honduran counterpart. Dozens were lost and captured by guerrilla forces, and many others were lost to the Contras in Nicaragua. M72 LAWs and M16s came from Vietnam to the hands of revolutionary groups in the region. It is used today by the Salvadorian and Honduran Army in quantities, and also found in smaller quantities in Panama, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

Well known to anyone who has spent any time in the U.S. Army, the M72 is a 66mm rocket contained within a double fiberglass tube. When the outer tube is extended, the firing mechanism is activated, and the extended tube length becomes the launching platform. The rocket is retained in the inner tube, along with the firing pin itself. When fired, the rocket extends stabilizing fins to slide the warhead to its target. The launcher tube is then discarded. The rocket weighs 2.5 kg and gives a 250 mm armor penetration at 200 meters. The LAW has evolved in several improved versions, and has also inspired a number of other similar rockets. The AT-4 is one example inspired by the M72, but it is not a common weapon found in the region; however, the Soviet RPG-18 equivalent has been. The 64mm rocket, with a 200 m range, could defeat up to 375 mm armor, and found favor with the FMLN guerrillas, Panamanian Defense Forces, and Sandinista Army. The last variation of the original LAW is the M72A7, adopted by the U.S. Marines, and introduces several improvements over the earlier models. However, only the M72A2 and A3 variants are found in Central America. The M72 lacks the punching power to destroy an MBT, but has enough power to destroy any vehicle, door, and small position.

The LAW is a compact and light AT weapon. Salvadorian Special Forces pack three tubes in their rucksacks. (J. Montes)

Although the M72 is highly sought by criminal enterprises given its light weight, powerful warhead, and easy handling, its Russian somewhat equivalent, the RPG-7, is even more common. Unlike the M72 or the RPG-18, the RPG-7 is not a disposable tube, but a reusable and reloadable recoilless rifle firing more powerful ordnance. Numbers of them are being acquired by cartels; many coming from military warehouses in Central America and others have become available in the black market from former guerrilla holdings. For instance, in early 2012, it came to light that two years earlier the Honduran Army had lost 22 RPG-7s from the Army Logistical Support Command. Quantities of anti-tank missiles and launchers have been confiscated in Mexico and Guatemala, to include seven RPG-7Vs and three RPG-7Bs captured in El Zamorano in 2004, and 72 RPG-7 grenades in Olancho, both in Honduras, in 2007. In March 2011, Honduran authorities seized 25 RPG-7 launchers, along with several assault rifles, in a home in San Pedro Sula, some 240 km from Tegucigalpa. In February 2013, another RPG-7 was found in Olancho. In October 2013, Guatemalan authorities seized 11 pistols, 1 Mini Uzi, two M72A1s and one M72A3 LAW, 1 RPG-7, grenades, rifles, ammunition, and more.

The RPG-7 was used extensively by guerrilla movements in El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala, and it is said that Israel supplied the Contras with over a hundred RPG-7s recovered from PLO camps in 1982. The CIA supplied in excess of 200 examples, and Chile seized a load of 114 Bulgarian RPG-7s in mint condition destined to Central American guerrillas. In September 2006, Panamanian forces seized 50 grenades for RPG-7s that were travelling through Costa Rica in route to Colombia. The attributes of the weapon make it ideal for guerrillas and soldiers alike. In El Salvador, the Special Forces Command has exchanged its M67 for the more versatile RPG-7. Aside from Nicaragua, where the RPG-7 inventory could be in excess of 8,000 copies, Guatemala is said to hold some 2,200 RPG-7s in its inventory since 2010.

Abundant M72 and RPG-7 launchers in the hands of Salvadorian forces. (J. Montes)

This weapon, as its name suggests, is a portable antitank grenade launcher- it is a recoilless rifle firing rocket assisted grenades. It is effective, reliable, light, easy to maintain, cheap, and cost-efficient. It has been in service since 1961, but its design is derived from the RPG -2, which in turn traces its lineage to WWII models. The weapon can launch rockets with the help of a standard PGO-7 optical sight, which has a 2.7x magnification, and an UP-7V telescopic type. The RPG- 7 consists of rechargeable cast steel tube launcher, 955 mm in length. The tube diameter is only 40mm since the thickest part of the grenade, the warhead, which can be up to 105mm, is retained outside the tube, and only the propellant cylinder goes inside. The grenades are loaded from the front of the tube instead of the rear. Since the warhead is not limited to the diameter of the launcher, a gunner can choose between a variable-size of grenades to engage diverse targets. Half the tube has a wood cover sheathing, but more recent examples have been observed with polymer or hard plastic replacing the wood, and folding bipods. The use of composite materials ensures durability and lightness. Normally, the weapon weighs 16.9 lbs (7.66 kg) unloaded, and grenades can weigh between 2.5 and 4.5 kg, having a range between 10 and 500 meters. The grenade can fly up to 1,100 meters, but the fuze limits its reach to 920 meters. The rockets are equipped with folding fins that provide stabilization and slow turning to the grenade on its way to the target. It has been used from within confined spaces, such as building interiors (taking the care to have a space of at least 2 meters to clear the blackblast) however, more than 20 meters/60ft long are recommended for safe operations. The weapon has been used against all sort of targets, and even used in the anti-aircraft role against helicopters. The RPG-7 fires PG-7VL HEAT projectiles, PG-7VR (HEAT
tandem) rounds, TBG -7V thermo-baric rockets and OG- 7V antipersonnel type. Given the present budget realities, it would be wise for all three countries that conform the northern Central American triangle (Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador) to adopt the RPG-7 to replace the M67 RCLs, and any other light portable weapon; this could even be accomplished with U.S.-made examples, which would be easier to trace if they fall into the wrong hands.

It was a few years back, during DSEi in London, where I saw for the first time a U.S.-made RPG-7. The Airtronic USA RPG-7 launcher was developed under a request from ARDEC, and Airtronic was named as sole source of the American-made RPG by TACOM. This version weighs 14 pounds (6.35 kg), and features Mil-Std 1913 quad Picatinny rails, M4 style collapsible stock, AR-15 type pistol grip, a Picatinny fore grip, flip up backup iron sights and support for red dot sights. Some examples have been observed with an EOTech sight mounted on the top rail. The more modern MK777 variant consists of a 4140/4150 machined steel tube made to U.S. military standards. Its weight has been reduced to some 7.77 lbs (3.52 kg), and its tube is wrapped with carbon composite material as replacement of the wood heat shield.

Carl Gustav in Chile, during FIDAE 2012. The large variety of ammunitions available is evident. (J. Montes)

Northern Central American FS-AT hardware

The U.S. supplied some 379 M67 RCLs to El Salvador. Its destructive power was used with great effect by Salvadoran forces during combat in San Salvador in November 1989, and particularly where other weapons could not be used against guerrilla strongholds due to the urban nature and heavily populated areas of the fighting. Same as Vietnam, the M67 was primarily used against personnel and fortifications in combat; although a reliable and effective weapon, the M67 came in for heavy criticism, as in Vietnam, due to the weapon’s weight and length, particularly given the small size of most Salvadorian soldiers. No doubt that its backblast also attracted fire during the firefights with the guerrillas. The M67 was declared obsolete long ago. After the civil-war, the Salvadorian’s paratroopers chose the lighter and more versatile RPG-7 that had been seized from the FMLN to replace their M67 RCLs. Although elements of the Special Operations Group (GOE) and the Anti-Terrorist Special Commando (CEAT) had access to Barret anti-material rifles, they followed suit and have adopted the RPG-7 as well. Honduras also acquired a number of RPG-7 recoilless launchers to complement the Carl Gustav.

In addition to the RPG-7, Honduras has more than 100 Carl Gustav in use. According to a local source, these are not exactly the M2 type, but a variant made in Israel. This is interesting since it is reported that the IDF acquired only about 100 of them before the 1973 war; these were used by the Israeli Navy on patrol boats, and by the paratroopers; the manufacturing of the type in Israel has not been verified, but the Hondurans are supposed to have some 120 of them – perhaps the entire inventory of the weapons acquired by the IDF in the 70s. In any case, the Israeli model would be based on the M2. This refers to an 84mm portable multipurpose recoilless rifle produced by Bofors. It is a reusable, shoulder-fired multi-role recoilless rifle that is normally operated by a two-man team. Its design goes back to 1946, and was adopted by the Swedish Army in 1948, under the designation 8.4 cm Granatgevär m/48 or Grg m/48c for short (or 84mm Model 1948 Rifle grenade launcher). The Carl Gustav uses a rifled barrel to stabilize its projectiles, and uses the same principle as the mentioned M67. The M2 version entered production in 1964, and this would be the variant attributed to being manufactured in Israel. By comparison to the M67, the M2 weighs 14.2 kg unloaded, but it has been infinitely more versatile than the U.S. counterpart, to the point that remains a reliable, robust, accurate, and modern weapon. With a length of 1,065 mm, the Carl Gustav is shorter than the M67, which has a length of 1,346 mm. Like the M67, the rear part of the tube has a divergent nozzle which directs the blast from the venturi. The standard sight has a 3x magnification, but the weapon can accommodate a number of targeting systems, and some of them allow for accurate fire up to 1,000 meters away; other sights assure that shot at all times, day and/or night, even in adverse conditions. Saab indicates that the, “M3 system offers the soldier various types of ammunition, ranging from armor penetration and anti-personnel, to ammunition for built-up areas as well as special features like smoke and illumination. The M3 version of the launcher features significant weight reduction and improvements for urban operations. Several different types of ammunition allow soldiers to rapidly respond to a wide range of ground threats in all environments.” The M3 version was introduced in 1991, using a thin steel fluted barrel, reinforced by an outer sheath of carbon fiber, and other advances that allowed reducing the weight to 8.5 kg unloaded. So effective is the weapon that the U.S. Rangers threw out their M67 in favor of the M3 in 1993, designating it M3 RAWS. The manufacturer recommends a barrel life of 500 shots, but in Ranger Service it has been reported that some weapons have reached a 2,360 round life until erosion problems arise. As of November 2011, the U.S. Army began distributing the M3, under the designation MAAWS, to regular units in Afghanistan. It also distributed ammunition that gave the ability to engage enemy positions up to 1,250-1,300 meters away. Saab is said to be working on a more compact and lightweight model, with a range of 1,500 meters. The gun is expected to enter service in 2014. It is unlikely that Honduras would complement or replace the M2s for M3s.

LC90 made by Instalaza, Spain as presented at LAAD in Rio de Janeiro. (J. Montes)

Comparing the three mentioned weapons, the M67 (90mm) launches a 3.06 kg HEAT warhead to destroy up to 350mm of armor at 400 meters using a 3x magnification optical sight; the M2 (84mm) takes a 1.70 kg HEAT warhead to penetrate 400mm of armor at a distance of 450 meters using a 2x magnification sight; and finally, the RPG-7 (85mm) throws a 2.25 kg HEAT round to destroy a 320mm plate to 500 meters using a 2.5x magnification sight.

In El Salvador, a few C-90 training tube portable launchers have been observed. It is not known how many of them have been received or are in stock. The C-90 is a disposable, shoulder fired, light support and anti-tank weapon. As the M72, it consists of a preloaded 90mm rocket in a launch tube with a pyrotechnic firing mechanism. It weighs 4.2 kg (9.26 lbs), and its C90-CR (M3) warhead is able to penetrate 400 mm of armor at 300 m while the C90-CR-RB (M3) can penetrate 480 mm of armor. The weapon can be fitted with a VN38-C night vision sight.

As with Guatemala, Mexico received a few M72s, but preferred the RPG-7 for its Special Forces. A light portable FS-AT weapon has been observed in Mexican hands that appear to be either the Instalaza LC-90, the IWI Matador, or perhaps the Bazalt RPG-32. The weapon has not been identified yet.

A U.S. soldier examines what appears to be a chinese made RPG-7 variant in Iraq. The weapon appears to have a composite material heat shield in place of the wooden one, and the rear grip is the folding type. The weapon also appears to be lighter than the standard RPG-7. No details provided with the picture. (DVIC)

Mexico has been the recipient of a few other exotic fire support and antitank portable weapons that are rather rare outside
Russian-influence.

Mexican FS-AT hardware

The MATADOR stands for Man-portable Anti-Tank, Anti-Door. It is a 90mm disposable rocket made in Israel (Rafael) with assistance from Dynamit Nobel Defense, and best described as an updated Armbrust, with little blackblast. This allows for use in confined spaces. Its ammunition consists of a preloaded warhead that can be used in the High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) or the High Explosive Squash Head (HESH) mode.

The unidentified rocket observed in the hands of the Mexican paratroopers could also be a RPG-32 Hashim. This is a portable light anti-tank weapon developed by the state-owned FGUP Bazalt. Like the RPG-7, the RPG-32 is a reusable launcher tube. It consists of a grip, trigger, and sight unit with a disposable preloaded container. It is basically a new weapon, and it is indeed reported in use with the Mexican Army. It weighs 3 kg unloaded, and 10 kg loaded. The diameter of the rocket varies from 72mm to 105mm, which also determines the length of the launch from 900 mm to 1,200 mm. It can fire PG-32V tandem HEAT and TBG-32V thermobaric / FAE rocket types up to 700 m. The 105mm PG-32V can penetrate up to 750 mm of armor.

Mexican paratroopers riding a 6x6 Supacat. One of the troopers handles a LC-90, MATADOR or RPG-32. (J. Montes)

When this author noted that the Mexican Army used the Israeli B-300 in 1995, it caused a complete uproar and denial from the Mexican Defense Secretariat. However, the weapon is now widely accepted in Mexican military service. The B300 is a reusable man-portable anti-tank weapon with a range of some 400 m. As with the RPG-32, it consists in two parts, a forward unit with a front tube with the grip, firing mechanism, and optics, and a prepackaged 83mm rocket in a fiber-glass cylinder. The U.S. Marines use a variant denominated Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW) it is said to have a range of 500 meters. The blackblast is lethal out to 30 meters.

The Mexican Army also uses the Belgian Mecar RL-83 Blindicide. This is also a man-portable antitank weapon similar to the M20A1 Bazooka. This is an older type of shoulder fired portable weapon that fires a 83mm rocket to an effective range of 400 meters and a maximum of 900. The HEAT round can penetrate up to 300 mm of armor, and there are different types of ammunition that range between anti-personnel, smoke, incendiary and illumination. The RL-83 weighs 8.4 kg and it has a length of 1700 mm.

Mexican Marine AT team armed with the B300. (J. Montes)

The RPG-29 Vampir is also used by the Mexican Army in large quantities. As the others here presented, it is a portable shoulder fire anti-tank weapon. It consists of a reusable tube equipped with a 2.7x 1P38 optical sight, but a 1PN51-2 night sight can be fitted. The tube can be breech-loaded with either a PG-29V tandem HEAT or a TBG-29V Thermobaric AP rounds. It is rated with a range of 500 meters.

The RPG-75 is also mentioned as part of the Mexican arsenal. It is a single-shot rocket similar to the M72 LAW, and firing a 68mm rocket to an effective range of 300 m, and a maximum of 1,000 m.

Punching holes

In March 2011, the Mexican Defense Secretariat warned that the Zetas were acquiring heavy weapons to fight the Mexican Army. Sources from IV Military Region, responsible for Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas and San Luis Potosí, warned that criminal organized syndicates were acquiring antitank weapons in Central America to fight back those military forces after them. When in October 2012 Mexican Marines hunted down Heriberto Lazcano, leader of the Zetas at the time, he fell with an
RPG-7 nearby.

Mexican Army RPG-29 and its ammunition. (J. Montes)

In November 2009, Tegucigalpa was shaken by four attacks with anti-tank rockets, and it is mentioned that an RPG-7M
grenade was found undetonated. The grenades appear to have missed the intended targets. It is not clear if that referred to the actual launcher and not the grenade; in any case, accurate firing with the RPG-7 is difficult at ranges over 300 meters since the grenade in flight is influenced by cross winds.

What is certain is that organized crime south of the border has the funds and the connections to tap inventories of military grade hardware. The Mexican paramilitary cartels, in particular, are incorporating hundreds of portable antitank weapons to confront military and police forces. To back up their arsenals, they either hired former soldiers or attend their own military training. In many ways, they have transformed from bandits to combatants.

In October 2013, Salvadorian authorities discovered some 213 anti-tank projectiles hidden in an underground reservoir in the community of El Congo, in the department of Santa Ana, some 51 miles west of San Salvador. The arsenal was in good condition and it is believed it was destined to Mexican cartels. Los Zetas have been mentioned as the likely recipients. The grenades were M371A1 HEAT types, so the nature of the finding would suggest that a few M67 RCLs are also missing from a military warehouse. Indeed, in Central America, El Salvador is the only army that makes use of large numbers of M67 as the primary means of anti-tank and fire support for infantry platoons.

Israel supplied 8 RBY-Mk1 AT, and 8 RBY Recce variants to Honduras. In the AT variant, the turret can traverse 360 degrees, and up to 16 rounds of ammunition can be carried. The AAA variant carries a TCM-20 twin 20mm light anti-aircraft gun system and 360 rounds of 20mm ammunition. Mechanically, the Honduran RBYs have been updated to RAM standard. The V6 diesel engine is located in the rear. It has a semi-elliptical leaf spring-type suspension, with hydraulic shock absorbers. Power steering and power brakes have been added and the brakes are hydraulic.

This 90mm recoilless rifle weights 17 kg unloaded, and consists of a steel tube, open at both ends, much like the old Bazooka. The rear end of the cylinder is equipped with a lock and a Venturi nozzle. The gun is loaded by unlocking the bolt, and opening it to the right side. The M67 is a 90mm portable cannon working on the recoilless principle. It uses M371A1 HEAT ammunition, weighing 4.2 kg, and with a theoretical effective range against fortified targets of up to 2,000 meters, the M371 practice projectile, and the M590 TP APERS ammunition, which weighs 3.1 kg and it is loaded with about 2,400 steel darts, being able to reach a range of 200 meters. The weapon has a trigger grip. It comes with a basic M103 optical telescopic sight with 3x magnification, and with integrated range settings between 0 and 800m. The U.S. supplied some 379 M67 RCLs to El Salvador between 1981 and 1992 to arm the soldiers, and became most important in the urban fighting for San Salvador and three other cities in November 1989.

Honduran cavalrymen working on their M38C equipped with M40A1. These elements are members of the 1st Armored Regiment (RECABLIN). Today, a superiorly protected and mobile M1152P1 as base would be ideal. Infantry units could be equipped with M40A1 modified with a trailer similar to the Austrian 10.6 cm rückstoßfreie Pak, or similar. (DVIC)

Pounding Guerrillas with RCLs

That November 1989, FMLN guerrillas launched the “To The Top Offensive,” also known as “Out with the Fascists, Febe Elizabeth.” The attacks came on November 11, when some 2 to 3 thousand fighters descended from Ayutuxtepeque to San Salvador, and occupied the neighborhoods of Mejicanos, Ciudad Delgado, Soyapango, and San Jacinto, and later took positions at the high class neighborhoods of San Benito, Maquilishuat, Lomas Verdes and Escalon. They also attacked the oriental cities of Zacatecoluca, San Miguel and Usulután. The troops, fighting in the densely populated areas, brought their heavy and cumbersome M67 RCLs to open holes in the walls, to allow movement from house to house, backyard to backyard. They were also used to defeat heavy guerrilla positions.

Mexican Humvees equipped with M40A1. The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), commonly known as the Humvee, is a four-wheel drive military automobile produced by AM General. The up-armored M1152 with B2 armor kits would be a better option. (J. Montes)

The 90mm M67 was introduced in the early 1960s along with the heavier 106mm M40. It was a reliable and effective weapon, but somewhat large and heavy. It eventually was replaced with guided missile systems in U.S. service, but remained in service in areas of extreme temperatures. U.S. Rangers used M67 RCLs to destroy two BTR-60s approaching the tarmac at Point Salines Airport on the island of Grenada in 1983. Another two M67s were used by C Company, 5/87th Light Infantry, 193rd Infantry Brigade in Panama during Just Cause, just a month after it’s used in the streets of San Salvador by Salvadorian troops, in 1989. In Panama, U.S. troops used the M590 AP projectiles to soften up Panamanian positions. The M67 was resurrected in 2011, when units of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division deployed to Afghanistan.

In Central America, the Guatemalan Army is said to have received some 64 examples. The weapon was more common in South America. However, most countries have exchanged the M67 for lighter Carl Gustav and/or RPG types. Argentinean units did carry it to combat around the Malvinas, and used it against the British during that confrontation.

Heavy Hauling Tools

The Argentineans also used a 105mm RCL of local design and construction to fight back the British in the South Atlantic. It is known that positions around Mount Longdon, in the Falkland Islands – defended by B Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, and two Marine Platoons – deployed the Model 1968 RCL during the war in 1982. Argentineans bombarded the approaching British’s 3 PARA with their 105 mm RCL during the engagement, managing to hit a Milan missile position with it. It is said that the weapon was widely used in the battles for the outer hills around Stanley as well. The Model 1968 entered service in 1968 with the Argentinean Army. The RCL is aimed through a stadia-metric rangefinder optical sight and it is equipped with a spotting FAL Automatic Rifle for aiming up to 1,200m range. The weapon can fire in the indirect mode to a range up to 9.2 km and in direct mode up to 1,800 meters. Its ammunition selection includes an 11 kg HE and a 15 kg HEAT projectile, with the last mentioned being able to penetrate up to 200mm of armor.

The Laser Homing Anti-Tank (LAHAT) missile seen in LAAD, Brazil. This semi-active laser homing guidance missile was developed by the Israeli industry with the idea to use the 105mm tube as a launching platform. Its hi-tech system is used to upgrade the M40A1. Israel has also developed the RAVEN- (RArefaction waVE guN), and improved friction- and spring-based recoil reduction/negation technologies, with the development of the High Impact Weapons System that can be used in the M40A2 when mounted on a turret. (J. Montes)

Rio Tercero Military Factory also developed and built the Model 1974 FMK-1, weighting 397 kg. Both types of RCLs rest on a two-wheeled undercarriage trailer for transport, which can be raised or lowered to fire in either a raised, medium, or low position. The weapon mount has an elevation between -7 to +40 degrees. Once deployed, the weapon uses a crew of 4. This weapon is also used by the Guatemalan Army, with 64 in inventory; along with 56 U.S. designed M40A1 RCL. It fires 105mm rounds, to include among others, a 16.6 kg HE round or a 14.7 kg HEAT, with a capacity to penetrate up to 400mm of armor. There are four types of ammunition developed specifically for the Model 1968 and Model 1974 FMK-1, and both are said to be able to fire U.S. M40 RCL ammunition as well. The weapons would also fire Chinese (HE & HEAT), German (HE-FRAG), Spanish (M-DN-11 FRAG) and Israeli (I-HEAT) ammunition. This is in addition to the standard M-581 APERS, M-344A1 HEAT, and M-346 HESH. Austria and Sweden developed the RAT-700 HEAT-T and the 3A HEAT-T, and both able to defeat 700mm armored plates at 2,000 meters, a cheap substitute to any AT missile.

U.S. Heavy Recoilless Type

Returning to those dark days of November 1989, in El Salvador, we found Ilopango Air Base in the outskirts of San Salvador under siege from all fronts. The Air Base was defended by the 2nd in the Southern part of the airfield, covering from Santiago Texacuangos, Changallo, and Santa Lucia neighborhoods; and 3rd Paratroop Squadrons defending the Northern, part from Cañas river, San Jose and Conacaste neighborhoods. An Air Base Security Unit had been established in January 1982, with two riflemen companies, and one AAA battery (6 M55A2 guns). A 3rd Riflemen Company was established in 1984, and a 4th was established in January 1986, and all forming the Air Base Security Battalion. In addition to securing the airport, these were assigned patrol duties along Chalatenango, in the region of San José Guayabal, and to provide convoy security to fuel convoys to San Miguel.

After heavy fighting from November 10 to the 13, the troops were exhausted. On the 13th, the Air Force used two C-123K and four C-47, to relieve and exchange the 2nd and 3rd PARA squadrons for the 1st and 4th from Comalapa, which allowed them to take the initiative on the 14th. The M40A1 RCLs, which were normally kept in fixed defensive positions around Ilopango, were hauled by the paratroopers’ Support Weapons Squadron, air base security battalion, and other troops advancing on Soyapango and Santa Lucia. These were used to bombard with direct fire fortified guerrilla positions in areas where air support could not be used. The RCLs had to be emplaced by hand, a tasks very difficult in normal circumstances, and almost impossible under combat conditions. The losses after three weeks of fighting were tagged on December 12 by the Planning Ministry disclosed that the fighting produced 64 civilians killed, 428 KIA from the Armed Forces, 17 paratroopers among them, and 1,526 KIA from the guerrillas.

U.S. troops firing tube-launched optically tracked wire-guided missiles to defeat the fortified position where Uday and Qusay Hussein were barricaded in Mosul. Perhaps a more economical option to the TOW would be a M40A2 gun upgraded with a comprehensive package to make it effective at maximum range, day and night, and all weather, along with reduced IR/blast signature. (U.S. DoD)

The M40 RCL followed the steps of the ill-fated M27 recoilless rifle. This weapon was a 105mm recoilless rifle developed in the 1950s, and rushed into service in time for the Korean War. An example was examined at the Colombian Army Museum, Candelaria, Bogota. It resembled the M40A1, but had trunnions that were mounted far to the rear, and are said to be part of the problem with the design. From the failed M27 design, the U.S. designed the M40 RCL, firing the same 105mm round as the M27, but categorized as 106mm to avoid confusion. In this manner, the M40 entered in service in 1955 as Battalion Anti-Tank (BAT) gun. It is a heavy weapon, and at 462 lbs. (209.5 kg) is usually mounted on a vehicle. This is convenient since the high signature of the back-blast gives the position of the gun away, and it would be useful to reposition before the enemy recovers and counterattacks. The M40A1 is one of the most important support weapons in Latin America, and one able to destroy almost any contemporary tank. Its effective range is 1,200 m, being able to perforate up to 450 mm of concrete with standard HEAT rounds. It continues to be used by relatively modern Latin American armies, such as Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Venezuela. The improved M40A1 is said to have a rate of fire of 5 rpm, and the standard round weights 17 lbs. (7.7 kg), having a maximum reach of 6,900 meters. Mounted on its standard M79 tripod, the gun has a traverse of 360 degrees, and an arc of elevation between -17 and +65 degrees. The M40A2 is a little heavier, at 485 lbs. (220 kg), and has a better range, being able to fire a HEAT round to a maximum range of 2,745 m, but a lower rate of fire of one round per minute.

In addition to the U.S. variants, the Santa Barbara 106mm RCL is common in Latin America. This is basically the U.S. A1 made under license in Spain, and it is similar in all respects to the U.S. counterpart. It can fire anti-personnel rounds to a maximum range of 7,600m. Israel has also supplied numbers of M40A1/A2 to Latin America.

M274 mechanical mule with M40A1. An alternative for use of light infantry and airborne units of small countries, such as those in Central America, would be to use trailers similar to the Austrian variant (10.6cm rückstoßfreie Pak), or the a Norwegian version (Kanon-Rekylfri 106mm) or even the Finnish type (95 Sinko 58-61), along with either the Israeli package, or the Bofors/Saab (Simrad LP101 laser sight and a KN250 light intensifier). (USMC Cpl. Jessica L. Martinez)

Mechanizing and Modernizing the M40A1

The weapon is too heavy for regular infantry to use, unless modified to facilitate is emplacement with a light towed two wheeled trailer. In fact, at least one of such devices it is known to have been developed in the U.S., but this was discarded in favor of the M274 mule. This 4×4 M274 tiny tractor became a weapon platform for airborne and light infantry battalions, and was more useful than the wheeled carriage. However, for small armies and where the M40A1/M40A2 is still used as weapon support for the infantry, and where mechanization is not the norm, the trailer can still be useful as already demonstrated by the Argentinean and Guatemala M1974 FMK-1 models.

The Austrian variant, the 10.6cm rückstoßfreie Pak (rPAK), and the Norwegian version, the Kanon-Rekylfri 106mm, were both mounted on a two-wheel undercarriage with adjustable height. In 1961 the Finnish mounted their own 95mm Sinko M1958 on a light two-wheel trailer that allowed it to be hauled by two men for positioning or repositioning. Modified as such, the weapon became the 95 S 58-61. In addition to the two-wheel trailer, some countries added a front protective shield, also a nice feature when being used by Infantry troops in a more exposed position – if much to WWII style. Off course, that kind of likely combat scenario should be considered. A light undercarriage on their M40A1 RCLs would have been a feature much appreciated by the Salvadorian troops since the M40A1 is not as easily deployed and redeployed by regular Infantry when mounted on its standard M79 mono-wheel tripod.

Salvadorian M240 with M40A1. The RCL can be reconfigured with a laser range finder compatible with Image Enhancing NVDs for evening and limited night time use; a Thermal Sight (TS) Command Launch Unit (CLU) could be useful, and an Israeli designed Spike Fire Control System (FCS), with a built-in Laser Range Finder/Laser Target Designator (LRF/LTD). (J. Montes)

Most common in Latin America has been the M40A1 mounted on light utility vehicles, such as M38C/CJ8 Jeeps. The M825 refers to the M151 MUTT variant with a M40 RCL in the rear. This vehicle was common in Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and almost universally in South America. The M38C and M825 were replaced in many Latin American countries with the Israeli version of the Jeep, the M240 Storm. Given that the M40A1/A2 when fired does shake and lift light platforms, other countries in Latin America, like Colombia, have switched to heavier vehicles such as the M642 Abir light truck. Mexico, and Honduras, and now likely to be implemented by Chile, the M40A1/A2 is being accommodated in the Humvee. This provides for a more stable platform on a highly mobile and maneuverable vehicle.

Another desirable modification would be to mount the M40A1 on an armored vehicle to provide protection to the crew and means to redeploy quickly. During the internal conflict, the Salvadorian Cavalry Regiment modified several CJ-8 jeeps with front plates and partial side plates to protect the crew, and the gun tripod rested on a raised pedestal to clear the windshield and allowing forward firing. The most simple modification today, in similar fashion to the Salvadorian CJ-8/M40A1, would be to place the M40A1/A2 on a raised platform to clear the cabin in the bed of a M1152 troop transport protected (TTP) variant or similar. In fact, Venezuela has developed the Tiuna 106mm weapons platform, a heavier variant of their Humvee look alike, reconditioned to fit the 106mm RCL. The Tiuna is a 4×4 vehicle equipped with a GM Vortec V8 5.3L made in Mexico, and matched to a 5-speed transmission. Although most M40A1 guns were obtained from Venezuela before Hugo Chavez time, the country is likely to receive replacements parts now from the Defense Industries Organization (DIO) from Iran, where the M40 is manufactured as the Anti-Tank Gun 106. The Venezuelan forces are also recovering and repowering their IAI/RAMTA RBY-Mk1 vehicles, at the Logistical Support 108 Battalion General de División José Escolástico Andrade from Ciudad Ojeda, Zulia. Although the RBY-Mk1 are being remodeled as AAA vehicles, with the TCM-20 Mk.5 (a match also realized with the Tiuna), the vehicle is also able to carry the M40 RCL.

Peruvian Army M1165 – an ideal platform to accommodate a modernized M40A1 RCL. As with the M1152, GM indicates that the M1165 provides superior protection for crew, weapons components, and ammunition. The armor is available in two kits: The “A” kit, which can be factory installed, and optional “B” kit, which when combined, provide gapless mine and ballistic protection. (J. Montes)

Effectively, Israel supplied 8 RBY-Mk1 AT to Honduras. The version applied all the above mentioned principles, encasing a 106mm recoilless gun on an open topped turret with a 360 degree traverse. The gunner and loader seat together, safely within the compact turret, and there are up to 16 rounds of ammunition ready for use in a compact, agile, highly maneuverable, and protected base. The platform was a mine resistant vehicle, with its wheels and axles placed as far forward and backward as possible, and the thickest, 10mm, steel armor was incorporated into the floor while 8mm steel armor protected the rest of the vehicle. The floor itself was V shaped. The vehicle weighted 3,600 kg, and remained open-topped, allowing for all sorts of weapons to be placed immediately behind the driver. These vehicles saw combat in early 1980s.

In February 1983, the Honduran Army had moved the 2nd Recce Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, comprising two RBY ATs, three RBY scout vehicles, and three M-38C gunjeeps (eight vehicles), to San Lorenzo. On 29 April 1983, FMLN guerrillas wiped out defenses on the Salvadorian side of the Amatillo Bridge that separates Honduras and El Salvador. When the call for reinforcements came, the Honduran Army dispatched two platoons from A Company, 11th Infantry Battalion, along with the 2nd Recce Squadron to the bridge. These units occupied positions about 1 km away at Nancito Hill, with the 1st recce platoon taking the right (north) zone and the 2nd the left (south) zone. Once the counter-attack was ordered, they used their 106-mm rounds to destroy positions at 800 meters. The Hondurans also received a battery of three SOLTAM 160mm mortars, which continued to suppress the guerrillas. After the confrontation, an Armored Detachment (platoon)/Tank Squadron moved to Salamer valley near the 11th Infantry Battalion.

Original RBYs carried a Chrysler 225-2 V6 gas engine, but those in Honduran service have been upgraded to RAM V1 standards by repowering them with the Deutz BT6L 912S inline-V6 diesel engine, developing 132 hp, coupled to an Allison AT-540 automatic transmission, with 4 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed. The transfer case is a 2-speed Harwaythorn type, and the drivetrain has 4×4 capability. The fuel capacity is 150 liters to provide for an 800 km range. In El Salvador, several years ago, General Gustavo Perdomo came up with a similar idea and developed a gun truck using a Jupiter 7-ton truck equipped with a large open-topped turret encasing a M40A1. The turret had a 360 traverse but was too large, cumbersome, and provided little protection to be practical.

Guatemala M1974 FMK-1 105mm RCL. This weapon was developed and built by Rio Tercero Military Factory in Argentina. It weighs 397 kg, and rests on a two-wheeled undercarriage trailer for transport, which can be raised or lowered to fire in either a raised, medium, or low position. The weapon mount has an elevation between -7 to +40 degrees. Once deployed, the weapon uses a crew of 4. (José Turcios)

These examples proved that the idea to encase the M40A1 under protection persists. The Jordanian KADDB has probably produced the best solution, by accommodating the 106mm recoilless gun inside a compact turret mounted on top of an Al Jawad Vehicle. The RCL is aimed using a camera sight slaved to the gun and controlled from inside the protection of the armored turret; the image is displayed on an 10-inch screen to the gunner and a switch is used to fire the gun from inside. Presumably, the M1167 gunner protection kit (GPK) turret can be modified in similar manner. The ring mounted GPK provides a 360 degree arc of fire, and has been modified to dissipate the back-blast from a TOW missile. The GPK could function in the same manner of the KADDB-turret, or in a simplified manner with hi-tech sights.

In the 1980s, Bofors developed a modernization package that did away with the spotting rifle, and provided for first shot and first hit at maximum range (some 2,000 meters) capabilities. The package matched the Simrad LP101 laser sight and a KN250 light intensifier. The LP101 could be replaced for a modern Simrad LP10TL target locator, which according to the manufacturer is a fully integrated fire control solution. The lightweight KN250 is part of the Simrad KN200 intensifier series and night vision binoculars KDN250. These are; “clip-on units providing a night time capability to optical day sights. The night vision image is viewed through the eyepiece of the day sight. This allows the user to retain the same eye position, aiming reticule and magnification for both day and night use.”

The weapon is considered so viable that it remains in service even when a number of AT missiles are being incorporated. Chile uses an upgraded M40A1, and Venezuela uses the weapon in large quantities as well and has the means to upgrade it using Eastern European technology. Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador are three other countries that could end up upgrading their RCLs; while the Mexican and Central American armies could follow suit, along with Uruguay and Paraguay.

Two Salvadorian soldiers demonstrate how the M67 is loaded. This 90mm recoilless rifle weighs 17 kg unloaded, and consists of a steel tube, open at both ends, much like the old Bazooka. (FAES)

Cheap But Awesome Power

It fits that in environments where adobe and concrete structures are the norm, and where the enemy is unlikely to consist of massive armored formations with side troops hunting down anti-tank teams, the awesome firepower of high explosive ordnance is preferable and makes more sense than the more expensive high-tech missiles. The deadly beehive swarm of flechettes for close-in defense provides unique combat solutions as well.

The M40A1/A2 is still produced by several nations, including Pakistan. The Israeli variant is said to be fitted with a thermal sight and laser range finder/target designation system compatible with Image Enhancing NVDs. This is the result of combining the gun with gadgets of the Laser Homing Anti-Tank (LAHAT) missile. This semi-active laser homing guidance missile was developed by the Israeli industry with the idea to use the 105mm tube as a launching platform. The missile uses a tandem warhead with the capability to penetrate 800 mm up to 8 km away and can be used to engage extreme range targets, and where pinpoint accuracy is required. There is a LRF/laser designator module, and inclusion of LAHAT programming in the fire control computer. The LAHAT is stowed and handled much like any other 105mm round.

The Venezuelan Army perhaps could modify its M40A1 using technology developed for Russian AT missiles such as this Kornet-E from the Peruvian Army. This would be in a similar manner as done by the Israelis with their LAHAT missiles. However, this suggestion could apply only to the sights since the LAHAT has been designed specifically to be used in conjunction with the M40 as a launcher, while the Kornet-E has a 152mm diameter. (J. Montes)

Cost is a factor when engaging the enemy. On 23rd July 2003, U.S. troops hunted down Saddam Hussein’s sons in northeast Mosul. Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez would later acknowledge that units of the 101st Airborne Division had fired ten tube-launched optically tracked wire-guided missiles to defeat the fortified position where Uday and Qusay where barricaded. The price of a TOW missile in 2000 was $180,000, so it had taken about $1,800,000, just for the cost of the missiles, to defeat the unworthy target. By comparison, in about the same time period, an 18.73 kg M-581 APERS (anti-personnel) round was said to have a cost of some $1,405; a 15.7 kg RAT-700 HEAT-T was some $530; and a 16.89 kg M344A1 HEAT was $380; and a 14.5 kg 3A-HEAT-T round was $450. Therefore, the fortified position would have been demolished for less than $10,000.

Definitely an argument to keep the M40A1/A2 around for some time.