«Shishiga» Reborn: Cuba Modernized the Soviet GAZ-66 — Now It's the Serial Armored Vehicle David

Modern armored vehicle based on GAZ-66 began to be exported to Angola

After the cessation of supplies from the USSR, the Cuban army faced the need to create its own armored vehicles. The solution was simple: to use the existing GAZ-66 as a base for a new vehicle.

modernized GAZ-66 into David armored car
modernized GAZ-66 into David armored car

The new armored hull is installed on the old GAZ-66 platform, which made it possible to obtain a light and inexpensive armored car. The car, which now combines simplicity of design with effective protection, was named David.

Thanks to a uniform base and identical specifications, David became easy to maintain and repair, providing unified maintenance and parts compatibility.

David in service in Angola
David in service in Angola

Cuban specialists not only equipped themselves with new equipment, but also began exporting to Angola, where there were also stocks of GAZ-66 and special ties with Cuba.

The use of widely available Soviet trucks allowed Cuba to develop a serial armored car without handicrafts. This turned out to be a profitable and practical option.

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