Textron APCs for Colombia - UPI.com NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has tapped Textron Marine & Land Systems to provide Commando Advanced Armored Personnel Carriers to Colombia. A total of 28 of the personnel carriers -- with 40mm/50-caliber remote turrets -- will be provided under the $31.6 million contract award from the U.S. Army's Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command. Initial deliveries of Commando APCs to the U.S. Army for shipping to Colombia will begin next month, with final delivery in April. "Our Colombian army customer values the performance, operator protection and reliability they have experienced with our Commando APCs during more than three years of demanding operations," Textron Marine & Land Systems Senior Vice President and General Manager Tom Walmsley said. We're pleased to be growing this relationship and providing the Colombian army with this important asset for its cavalry units. The Colombian army currently operates 39 of the Commando personnel carriers, which have been employed in combating rebel forces in the country. The contract includes a provision for Textron Marine & Land Systems to repair two of those vehicles.