Mexico’s Defense Secretariat says the DN-XIII armored vehicle will be ready by February 2025.
Approved last November, the vehicle has a 15-month development plan. It comes equipped with video cameras, GPS, and 0.50-caliber ballistic shields.
Also, it features a rotating turret and all-terrain tires. For development, the Defense Secretariat has set aside $6 million.
This money will buy automotive parts for the vehicle. Next, a prototype will undergo testing to spot and make improvements.
These changes will then go into a pilot batch of 20 vehicles. After testing, full production begins. The goal is to meet the army’s complete need for such advanced vehicles.
The General Directorate of Military Industry supervises the project. They have experience in making various military vehicles over the last decade.
This adds another layer of confidence in the project’s success.
Background
Adding to the context, this isn’t Mexico’s first foray into armored vehicles. Over the past decade, the country has developed various tactical armored models.
These include the DN-XI, Kitam I and II, Cimarron I and II, and the DN-XII. This history suggests a growing expertise in military vehicle production.
Moreover, the investment in the DN-XIII underscores Mexico’s focus on modernizing its military capabilities.
As global security concerns evolve, Mexico appears committed to keeping pace.
A modern fleet of armored vehicles would better equip the army for diverse mission types and possibly elevate Mexico’s role in regional security.
Lastly, the DN-XIII could have implications beyond Mexico’s borders. If successfully developed, the vehicle might attract interest from other countries.
This could make Mexico a contender in the global arms market and boost its standing as a technological innovator in the military sphere.