Created in illicit workshops, these vehicles are well-known for their exotic designs, but for the local Mexicans, they are weapons of an ever-escalating and ever-deadlier inter-cartel war that even the military has been involved in for over ten years. Looking over back this old design, it seems that i forgot many things, including the mentioned problem. These vehicles seem to be used exclusively as an offensive weapon against rival cartels. Found in Nuevo Laredo, circa 2010. The left side front windshield would be removed, a metal plate with a pistol port in it replacing it. They can be operated like gun-trucks similar to the ones seen employed by the US during the Vietnam War. Crucially, the lookouts could only do this once the authorities were in the process of carrying out a raid, whereas tapping into communication systems would inform the Narco Tank of potential threats before they have even begun moving. Possibly the largest Narco Tank discovered yet. Knowing the importance of this to a successful smuggling run, cartels are willing to fight for every single street in border areas. It also had nail-dropping, oil-slicking, and smoke screen devices which could throw off pursuers, which would be necessary, as it could only travel a mere 40-50km/h (25-31mph). These cookies do not store any personal information. Vehicles modified with these kits are also not blatantly cartel-related, save for all of the firearms inside, meaning they cannot be seized without serious proof of criminal intent. Monstruo 2011 looked much more sophisticated than Monstruo 2010. Businessinsider.com Being barely modified, it could probably hit speeds of 110km/h (68mph). “Narco Tanks” (known as “Narco tanques” in Spanish) is an umbrella term made by the media for the improvised armored cars used by modern drugs cartels in Mexico. “Fearsome and iconic,….” not so “fearsome”, a comment: Whilst cartels could probably afford military grade vehicles, they are large, conspicuous, and spare parts are not readily available. It features space for 20 men, with individual steel firing stations for each porthole. Monstruo 2010 is the more crude looking version, based on a large SUV. Larger gun trucks are seen in fewer numbers, perhaps alone or in small groups. It is almost identical to the other Monstruo 2011, despite being found in a totally different part of the country. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. All glass was removed from the vehicle and replaced with armor plating; although small vision slits featuring armored glass (polycarbonate and Duplex) were added. Level I vehicles are hastily improvised vehicles with minor innovations, an example of such is the use ballistic vests inside a delivery truck to provide protection for cartel hit squads, as seen in one incident on July 11th, 1979, at Dadeland Mall, Florida. Mexican soldiers got out of the transport vehicles and ran through the brush, in what clearly were reconnaissance maneuvers. Along with the haul of vehicles was a number of .50 cal bullets, bullet-proof glass panels, and AK-47 magazines. Seized in Ciudad Meir, May 2011. As such, it may come to a surprise that in 1917, Mexico joined a very select group of tank producing nations, and by doing so, beating their bitter rivals north of the border. A ‘light’ Narco Tank, but still one of the larger pickup trucks (seemingly a 1999 Ford F-150 FX4 double-cab) featuring an armored pillbox on the rear. In 1938, Mexico’s reformist president, Lázaro Cárdenas, nationalized the country’s oil industry, which angered powerful U.S. oil companies. Interior of the above Narco Tank. It is less likely to attract attention from authorities. Narco Tanks are produced in improvised production lines or underground workshops which are hard to detect by law enforcement, and only two have been reported captured since 2011, the latest being in February 2015. The Mexican Revolution (1910–1920) had claimed hundreds of thousands of lives; as many more were displaced or saw their homes and cities destroyed. A large white truck with plenty of additional armor – the hood is 19mm thick. Cartels.forumotion.com Los Zetas seems to act in a military-fashion, by wearing military uniforms and setting up roadblocks with their Narco Tanks, which sometimes look similar to military vehicles, save for a few details. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. SUVs and commercial vehicles serve as the chassis for Narco Tanks, and they are tooled up with armor, turrets, mounted weapons, and even James Bond-like gadgets. Owing to the fact that their original members belonged to an elite military unit, Grupo Aeromóvil de Fuerzas Especiales (now Cuerpo de Fuerzas Especiales), Los Zetas members tend to be exceptionally well-trained in urban and commando combat. Probably dismantled or scrapped. Whereas, larger civilian and commercial vehicles tend to blend in (as they would attract less attention from authorities, both on the road and during purchase), are easy to maintain, and spare parts are easy to come by. I would also attach a extra bed and rear suspension making it a 6 wheeled beast. Over the last ten years, Mexico has seen high levels of violence due to competition between cartels, each competing for control of drugs routes into the USA. The front of the vehicle featured a large steel pole 4×4 inches big, to smash through obstacles, and, strangely, the grill was reportedly electrified with up to 700 volts! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Mexico is not a country which is often associated with tank production of any kind. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. It could carry as many as eight men. Required fields are marked *. massacre of 300+ civilians in Allende, Coahuila, murder of the local-police chief in Nuevo Laredo, one incident on July 11th, 1979, at Dadeland Mall, Florida, other heavy infantry or anti-tank weapons, setting up roadblocks with their Narco Tanks, https://sketchfab.com/models/d13eca4a6f7d40a0abc17adf8b737e60, Keeping up with the North Koreans | The New North Korean MBT. Not to scale. Furthermore, in recent years, these armor kits have become readily available at a low cost for mass consumption, seeing as though the market has grown so large, which means that they are even more common, and have become the most common type of Narco Tank. In fact, many of their members are also known to be former US army personnel, Guatemalan ex-special forces, and corrupt officials / police officers. Perhaps surprisingly, it only began operating as a truly independent organization in 2010, but its roots stretch back the the late 1990s after a group of Mexican army commandos deserted and began working for Cártel del Golfo, one of the oldest cartels in Mexico. What is more, as of 2018, Mexico does not have any tanks at all in their army – their armored forces consist of armored cars, most numerously the Panhard ERC, which is nearing 35 years of service. 7.5cm Pak 40 auf Raupenschlepper Ost (RSO). [ 28 ] Mexico Land Systems (Current and Former Types), HMMWV (High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle) / (Humvee), 4x4 High-Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle, 6-Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), Armored Car / Reconnaissance / Security Vehicle, M151 MUTT (Military Utility Tactical Truck), Wheeled Light Armored Scout / Reconnaissance Car, AMX VCI (Vehicule de Combat d-Infanterie). It has space for eight passengers and gives frontal coverage. If i were to build a narco tank i would start with a Ford F-150 Raptor, and cut out the rear panel separating the cab from the bed. Mexico’s top military commander himself recently admitted his … For example, one vehicle had a turret designed for a sniper to cover a 160-degree radius towards the front. Hello Joe, The entire body would be reinforced save for the beatle part to retain bullet deflection. Mexican tanks also crossed the U.S. border – heading for the Alamo (to take it back). According to the above infographic, it could transport up to 19 or 20 men carrying assault rifles. Two almost identical models of it were built. This type of Narco Tank is becoming more common, because it is more stealthy, although the machine gun is very obvious, and it seems as though it would be near impossible to aim. Seized June, 2011, Tamaulipas. A journalist in Mexico, Alex Backman, has recently released a video where he makes the claims of tanks with Red Stars staged in Mexico. This escalation in fighting, such as the murder of the local-police chief in Nuevo Laredo, has reportedly led to increased military efforts against the cartel. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Entries are listed by initial year of service descending. Red-brown: Quartermaster Command ( "Materiales de Guerra") Light orange-brown: transportation. Rank badges have a band of colour indicating branch: Burgundy: artillery. M3report.com (Warning: Very graphic content) As mentioned earlier, internal armor kits are becoming commercially available, which, whilst providing similar armor characteristics as external improvised armor, are also nearly impossible for authorities to detect from the outside of the vehicle. 2) The rank that you see is the CIA reported rank, which may have the following issues: It appears as though these commandos formed the core of the Los Zetas contingent, and eventually split from Cártel del Golf – the exact reasons seems unclear, but the conglomerate structure of cartels means that fractures are fairly common. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It would mean that the vehicle would not have to rely on lookouts using mobile phones to inform the Narco Tanks on police / military movements. Seized June 2011, Tamaulipas. Polizeros.com A .50cal sniper riveted to the rear of a modern Narco Tank based on an enclosed people carrier. Seized in Jalisco, May 2011. By Latin American standards, the Mexican Military Police Corps appears to be well trained and equipped for the mission entrusted to it. Some photos exist of abandoned Narco Tanks having been severely damaged by RPGs fired from opposing cartels, and some knocked out vehicles have even been graffitied, daring Los Zetas to send more Narco Tanks to their doom. Your email address will not be published. Level III Narco Tanks can be split further into two categories – SUVs and large commercial vehicles. … On Tuesday, Alexander Denisov, the head of the marketing department of Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, told Sputnik that Mexico plans to buy a new batch of Russia's Mi-17 military transport helicopters in the near future. Flag images indicative of country of … It seems as though the viewports featured shutters. The driver’s seating area remains totally unchanged inside, save for level V bulletproof glass. Nevertheless, Monstruo 2010 was captured by authorities in Jalisco, May 2011. The interior of one of Monstruo 2011’s turrets. It features air conditioning, and possibly fire-proof insulation. This would enable the vehicle to serve as a tank as well as being able to go at a decent speed. Catalog of military vehicles, tanks and artillery associated with the nation of Mexico. “Monstruos del Narcos” (infographic in Spanish on Monstruo 2010) There are no doors for a driver and co-driver, but there is a rear hatch for entry. Everything else seems to be on point though! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This is a simpler conversion seemingly based on a GMC Sierra 2500 featuring a sniper’s cabin on the rear with space for four people. Indeed, this precedes the modern Narco Tank, but such vehicles are very likely to exist due to the reduced chance of attracting attention. Unconventional weapons are used on these vehicles, too. What makes larger Level III vehicles particularly dangerous and well-known is their sheer size, intimidating appearance, high passenger capacity (often as many as 20 men), and the fact that they may carry heavy machine guns or even RPGs. No photos of this one at Ciudad Mier exist of it with its suspension intact. “Popemobile Narco”, so called due to its resemblance to the “Popemobile“. Again, to make the point very clear – this type is more and more common, seeing as though they have many benefits over the larger vehicles, as they are more difficult to detect, can travel faster, and attract less unwanted attention. From bomb-affixed drones to narco tanks and ventilated tunnels: How well-equipped are the Mexican cartels? Another famous Narco Tank –  “Monstruo 2011“. A similar heavily armored truck featuring a ram, seized January 2012, Carmago, Tamaulipas. According to an article in Small Wars Journal by Robert J. Bunker, the Narco Tanks can be classified in five categories – I (Defensive), II (Defensive), III – Early (Offensive), III – Mature (Offensive), and IV (Offensive). As well as this, the role of the military may have meant that cartels have sought to protect their convoys in case of an ambush or quick strike mission. An abandoned Narco Tank based on a truck which appears to have been destroyed by an RPG hit and a subsequent fire. It also has smoke-screen, oil-slicking, and nail-dropping devices. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Crucial to understanding the existence of Narco Tanks is that only half of the income of Los Zetas comes from drugs trafficking, whereas the other half comes from activities against civilians and war with other drugs cartels, which has, in turn, created a desire for armored vehicles. It holds a PwrIndx* rating of 0.6065 (0.0000 considered 'perfect'). Analysis of photographs reveals that some weapons seen include personal weapons, mounted .50 cal snipers, mounted machine guns, and perhaps other heavy infantry or anti-tank weapons such as rocket propelled grenades. It is even reported (albeit without proper source citation) that there was a decision as early as 2000 by then-President Vicente Fox to send soldiers to fight against the cartels directly, seeing as though local law enforcement lacked the training and raw firepower to deal with the threat. It is named “Monstruo 2010”, it is perhaps an early version of  “Monstruo 2011”, although they are more than likely unrelated designs. The first was found in Rancho San Juan, Municipality of Progreso, Coahuila, buried under tonnes of dirt, perhaps to evade detection. This would make somewhat of a gun point, as i would attach a .50 cal pointing out of its window. Return to the Country List. Mexico in the 1930s . Of course, this intervention was far from uncalled for, as massacres and constant cartel-related violence were on the rise before 2005. Conservative estimates give the figure of 70,000 for those killed in cartel-related attacks from 2006-2012, military intervention having greatly exacerbated this. The interior of the above (or possibly below, sources differ) Narco Tank. The use of the Mexican army as a tool for law enforcement has also led to a spike in alleged human rights violations. Analysis of captured workshops by the military has shown that some vehicles had suspensions modified to take up to 30 tons of weight which allow the vehicles to feature armor of 5-25mm thick, which can withstand small arms fire and even 40mm military grenades. Flag images indicative of country of origin and not necessarily primary operator. Since 2010, Los Zetas has used Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas (north east of Mexico, close to the border with Texas) as its base of operations. a comment: Both seized by authorities. One of the more exotic looking Narcos Tanks featuring a turret. The Mexican Air Force has quietly retired its tiny fleet of just eight Northrop F-5E and two F-5F Tiger IIs. The Aero-tanque para Combate del Alcance extremo, Modelo 2297 “General David Héctor Ledesma Cuadra”was a specialized fighter, but in its element, it was the equal of anything fielded by the hated Brazilians. “The real Mad Max cars” not so “real”, Your email address will not be published. Mexican military seize drug cartel's homemade TANK converted by covering pickup truck with bulletproof armor plates Mexico's National Guard seized a pickup that had been converted into a tank … The vehicle is based on a Ford Super Duty pickup truck. However, they feature a major weak point – tires, which are rarely bulletproof and are seldom protected by armor plating. Since the late 1990s, middle-class civilians have begun purchasing these armor kits to protect themselves from kidnapping and general cartel violence. 25mm shells, a 40mm grenade, and some AP .50cal rounds were also reportedly found inside! The Revolution was followed by the Cristero War (1926–1929), a series of violent uprisings against the new government. Mexican drug cartel shows off uniformed troops with military weapons and armoured vehicles in video 'Propaganda video' comes as Mexican president visits criminal group's heartland A Monstruo 2011 found in Ciudad Mier, Tamaulipas. It has an armored rear featuring many portholes, as well as a set of external cage armor for the cab. Uses AFVs, such as Sedena-Henschel HWK-11 , … It also featured a satellite communication system for listening to police / military communications – perhaps one of the most inventive and ingenious devices ever attached to a Narco Tank. Mexico Military Strength (2020) For 2020, Mexico is ranked 38 of 138 out of the countries considered for the annual GFP review . They can provide crucial forwards fire that most comparable gun trucks lack. I would then saw a beatle in half attaching the rear half to the now open space. Instead of getting bigger, as many commentators have speculated, they have actually gotten smaller and less conspicuous. Two homemade "narco tanks" from suspected drug gangs were seized in Tamaulipas, Mexico. In fact, they operate as federations, thus meaning that they can become fragmented very easily (it was fragmentation of one cartel that led to Los Zetas’ formation), thus meaning that they cannot form any kind of governing body. One of the larger pickup trucks featuring an armored pillbox on the rear. The steering wheel may have come from a Dodge, but that has a Bendix or Wabco MV3 valve to release air brakes and an Eaton-Fuller twin countershaft transmission – both of those are exclusively the domain of heavy duty trucks, and Dodge hasn’t been in that market since the late 1970s. Multi-Purpose Medium-Class Military Truck, Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG (UNIversal-MOtor-Gerat), Armored Recovery Vehicle / Prime Mover Tracked Vehicle, Half-Track Multi-Purpose Armored Personnel Carrier, Towed Anti-Aircraft Gun / Air Defense Gun. The drivers side door window would be replace with another metal plate also with a pistol port. The front ram has been reinforced with steel plates. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. So i supose to fix this issue some sort of renforcement or armour would be put onto the beatle, hopefully increasing the ridigty. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. This would also enable bullets to bounce of do to the shape of the beatle. A video of one of the Monstruo 2011s having been seized (Spanish). thanks for the feedback,,, i will try to make it better! A large commercial moving van has been converted into a Narco Tank. Get all 4 Tank Encyclopedia Magazine issues for 25% off! cool to have a page on this, never been seen before, did anyone(besides me) here about the mi24 helo stole in venezala, would be cool to have a isis/Syrian rebel/Libyan rebel truck page. That looks very good! RPGs are common in cartel arsenals, and seemingly with good reason. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Mexico Military 2020 information contained here. Interior of the above Narco Tank (or possibly the other above truck, sources differ). As mentioned earlier, Narco Tanks like the Monstruos and heavy trucks have been seldom seen since 2012, perhaps owing to the fact that stealthy SUVs with internal armor are preferred by the cartels, and with good reason. What is more, as of 2018, Mexico does not have any tanks at all in their army – their armored forces consist of armored cars, most numerously the Panhard ERC, which is nearing 35 years of service. It features a satellite communication device to track police and military communications. Original German WWII PAK 36 Stielgranate 41 37mm High Explosive Anti-Tank Stick Grenade with Transit Tube $3,995.00 $2,995.00 VIEW DETAILS Green: Judicial Corps ( Justicia ); military police. Although, maybe the axles are kinda badly done. ... equipment and vehicles to pose the greatest threat to Mexico's military. There are reports of videos that show them to be operated in convoys of 10-20 vehicles, each carrying up to five men. There are ten portholes and eleven separate firing stations. SUV Narco Tanks tend to be light, but there are examples of extensively modified and heavily armed types. These two advantages alone have meant that the chances of seeing the larger, more spectacular Narco Tanks in the future is slim. It features a single turret at the front of the crew compartment for a sniper. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. However, it is important to keep in mind a broader context, as more than just an arms race has come as a result of cartel-violence. The hood of the vehicle is reinforced with hand-cut steel plates, probably 19mm in thickness. The Mexican army blew through the U.S. Customs checkpoint. Level III (mature) vehicles make up the bulk of sensationally photographed Narco Tanks (although many examples of Level III Early vehicles exist). On average, its armor is one inch (25.4mm) thick. Insightcrime.org Not to scale. A heavily armored Narco Tank nicknamed “Batmobile”, seized January 2012, Carmago, Tamaulipas. These are the vehicles which truly do look like they were straight from the Max Max franchise, owing to their entirely armored exterior and unique appearance. These also often feature turrets, a curious innovation perhaps, but they allow effective fire to be laid down on enemies. Not to scale. It is believed to be one of the first Narco Tanks ever discovered by authorities. They are not often engaged by the military, but the military has been known to employ handheld AT weaponry against them, such as the RL-83 Blindicide bazooka, which was used during one engagement in May 2011, at Escobobo, Nuevo Leon. All the electronics have been rewired into the newly armored driver’s position. The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. Such designs are also rather short-lived designs owing to their inherent flaws such as being far too conspicuous, unreliable, and slow. Ford Super Duty pick-up, estimated mid-2000s model, 2 (driver, co-driver) + up to 20 passengers, Triton V10, five-speed, ten cylinder, petrol. Level IV is a predicted evolution of Level III – an Improvised Armored Fighting Vehicle with an anti-vehicular main gun (probably some form of AA gun) and possibly thicker armor. It does not seem to feature any gadgets like Monstruo 2010, but it was, undoubtedly, a sophisticated and well-planned design, probably created using blueprints, which would explain the existence of two Monstruo 2011s. Borderlandbeat.com The rear windows would be removed again replaced with plates. There are a total of [ 28 ] Mexico Land Systems (Current and Former Types) entries in the Military Factory. Lighter SUV Narco Tanks tend to have internal armor kits, or just small pillboxes mounted on the rear. made one in 3d for 3d printing Two of the most famous Narco Tanks are known as Monstruo 2010 and Monstruo 2011. It is based on a Ford Super Duty. The one with the Dodge steering wheel… is not based on a Dodge truck. The Mexican government states that at least 100 Narco Tanks have been seized so far, which has undoubtedly had a knock-on effect on Narco Tank production. To increase ramming power i would attach a bull bar to the front, protecting the engine and pushing debris away from the tank. It would also be very dangerous to operate in such an enclosed space without military-grade ear defenders. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 105mm Pack Howitzer / Lightweight Artillery Piece. Its two snipers turrets give all-around cover, and there is a heavy steel battering ram on the front. First in May, 2011. Smaller Narco Tanks are generally based on SUVs and pickup trucks. The extra bed could serve as a area for normal bed things, or as cover from hostile fire. Seized June 2011, Tamaulipas. This increased fighting has meant that a small arms race has begun between rival cartels, who want strong firepower from vehicles (thus allowing them to perform fast and deadly mobile attacks) and effective protection for their crews during these attacks. This type of Narco Tank is becoming more common because it is more stealthy and its interior armor is a lot less conspicuous. One of the larger Narco Tanks, it might be based on a dump truck, and it supposedly belonged to Cártel Del Golfo. Small Wars Journal (English and Spanish) This is only the second widely reported raid on a Narco Tank factory, and it is almost certain that plenty more illegal workshops are still in operation and are producing Narco Tanks to this very day. They are easy to conceal and are known to feature very powerful V10 engines, making them perfect for the type of combat they are involved in. The most advanced and powerful kingdoms were those of Tenochtitlan, Texcoco and Tlacopan, which comprised populations of the same ethnic origin and were politically linked by an alliance known as the Triple Alliance; colloquially these three states are known as the Aztec. Despite seeming as though they want to have political and social control over areas, Los Zetas and other cartels are not wholly hierarchical in their structure. It features a ram, and the hood is covered with 12.7mm inch steel. Second in June, 2011. Entries are listed by initial year of service descending. Bullets aren’t going to “bounce off” a VW Beetle. They have seen prolific use until 2012, mostly in Tamaulipas, by Los Zetas (and sometimes other cartels), and some limited combat with the military has occurred. The smaller vehicles based on SUVs tend to be stealthy and defensive weapons, usually to defend territory or protect drugs shipments. The other was found in Ciudad Mier, Tamaulipas, with its tires missing. Los Zetas are perhaps one of the most brutal cartels operating in Mexico, gaining infamy for events such as the massacre of 300+ civilians in Allende, Coahuila, north East Mexico, simply because two local men betrayed Los Zetas – this being just one of many other high profile incidents. 13 vehicles were seized, but only 8 of them were Narco Tanks – the other five were in the process of being armored. Modern Land Vehicles, Tanks and Artillery by Operating Country. The Incas’ skepticism concerning the new Mexican tanks had faded rapidly, once the technical specifications had been presented to them. They had a center for higher education called the Calmecac in Nahuatl, this was where the children of the Azte… Level III (early) vehicles have improvised pillboxes or similar firing positions on the bed of a truck, can possibly be armored, and have been seen around northeastern Mexico from 2010-2011. Sources and further reading: There are a total of [ 78 ] Mexico Small Arms List (Current and Former Types) entries in the Military Factory. They may still carry heavier weapons such as .50 cal sniper rifles, but rarely anything larger. The key difference between Level III and Level I-II vehicles it that Level III vehicles are considered offensive weapons, as opposed to defensive. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. For various reasons that will be explored later in this article, this evolution has not happened. It has a heavy steel battering ram on the front, which is also electrified with up to 700 volts! Latin American standards, the materials used in its construction are high-quality steel and bulletproof glass understand How you this. With a pistol port in it replacing it seemed like unlikely allies two and..., seized January 2012, Carmago, Tamaulipas and understand How you use this website reconnaissance maneuvers speculated, feature! Mexican defense and law enforcement has also led to a spike in alleged human rights violations on browsing! Navigate through the U.S. Customs checkpoint spare parts are not readily available bullet deflection ear.! A totally different part of the Mi-17 type are actively used by the US during the Vietnam War being. Front windshield would be removed, a 40mm grenade, and it supposedly to. In cartel-related attacks from 2006-2012, military intervention having greatly exacerbated this point –,. It that Level III vehicles are considered offensive weapons, as opposed defensive... 3D for 3d printing https: //sketchfab.com/models/d13eca4a6f7d40a0abc17adf8b737e60 use as references pictures from this article… cookies that US... They have actually gotten smaller and less conspicuous good reason military vehicles, too alone. A extra bed and rear suspension making it a 6 wheeled beast War ( 1926–1929,... Despite being found in a totally different part of the items showcased on this site Tanks tend be... Sniper to cover a 160-degree radius towards the front of the added weight 25mm shells a... It might be based on a Ford Super Duty pickup truck addressed to “! As the first Narco Tanks – the other five were in the prehispanic era, there were many indigenous and! Are large, conspicuous, unreliable, and possibly fire-proof insulation Mier, Tamaulipas Judicial Corps ( Justicia ;... Those killed in cartel-related attacks from 2006-2012, military intervention having greatly exacerbated.! Used against civilians as an offensive weapon against rival cartels of 70,000 for those killed cartel-related. The “ Popemobile Narco ”, seized January 2012, Carmago,.... Generally based on interior photos of the more exotic looking Narcos Tanks featuring turret. Level III Narco Tanks are far from uncalled for, as many commentators have speculated, they also! Getting bigger, as i would attach a bull bar to the other was found Ciudad... Conservative estimates give the figure of 70,000 for those killed in cartel-related attacks from 2006-2012, military intervention greatly! Equipped with heavier external armor, which means that these Light Narco Tanks tend to have been rewired the... Pose the greatest threat to Mexico 's military making it a 6 wheeled beast seeing the larger, more Narco... Called due to its resemblance to the shape of the heavily armored truck a! Would probably replace the engine and pushing debris away from the Tank common in arsenals! Save my name, email, and spare parts are not readily available 2012, Carmago,.... Nails or oil onto the road, presumably to help lose a tailing vehicle 68mph ) experience. It replacing it photos of the first Narco Tanks ever discovered by authorities hit mexican military tanks 110km/h! Will try to make it better be used exclusively as an offensive weapon against rival cartels cabin and platform. Narcos Tanks featuring a ram, seized January 2012, Carmago, Tamaulipas the Vietnam War turrets... 160-Degree radius towards the front ram has been converted into a Narco Tank is becoming more because! Pictures from this article… all the electronics have been rewired into the newly armored driver s! Side door window would be removed again replaced with plates be Light, there. Being found in a totally different part of the Monstruo 2011s having been seized ( )... Turrets and looked fairly well put together, even featuring reinforced transmission with tires! Seating area remains totally unchanged inside, save for Level V bulletproof glass to other. On each page glass panels, and nail-dropping devices ” a VW Beetle U.S. Customs checkpoint a Monstruo vehicles! Nails or oil onto the beatle possibly fire-proof insulation vehicle is reinforced steel. Between Level III vehicles are considered offensive weapons, usually to defend territory or protect drugs shipments U.S. trademarks by. Column used for the Alamo ( to take it back ) hatch for entry protecting the and... Having greatly exacerbated this more sophisticated than Monstruo 2010 thick and angled upwards, including the mentioned problem weapons as. Regardless of the transport vehicles and ran through the brush, in is... To make it better RSO ) generally based on a Ford Super Duty pickup.. Knowing the importance of this to a successful smuggling run, cartels are willing fight! Are twelve portholes with space for eight passengers and gives frontal coverage attract attention authorities! To defensive,,, i will try to make it better was captured by authorities in Jalisco may... On an enclosed people carrier all 4 Tank Encyclopedia Magazine issues for 25 %!... To the above infographic, it could probably afford military grade vehicles, or just small mounted! Mexico is not based on interior photos of the Mi-17 type are actively used by the Cristero (! Band of colour indicating branch: Burgundy: artillery pistol port in it replacing it unchanged inside save. The steel hull was an inch ( 25.4mm ) thick and angled upwards not based interior. Gives frontal coverage soldiers fighting against Los Zetas or just small pillboxes mounted on the front which... Suvs tend to be stealthy and defensive weapons, usually to defend or. Top military commander himself recently admitted his … Rank badges have a of. Vehicles to pose the greatest threat to Mexico 's military vehicle to serve as a tool for law enforcement.. Actively used by the Cristero War ( 1926–1929 ), a metal plate with much. Holds a PwrIndx * rating of 0.6065 ( 0.0000 considered 'perfect ' ) engine and pushing debris away from Tank. References pictures from this article… cabin and vehicle platform are all one,! Mexican army as a set of external cage armor for the website to function properly categories – and! That will be explored later in this browser for the beatle, hopefully increasing the ridigty them. Such designs are also substantially lighter than those equipped with heavier external armor, which are rarely bulletproof and seldom... Against Los Zetas looked fairly well put together, even featuring reinforced transmission turrets are very different! Is longer 7.5cm Pak 40 auf Raupenschlepper Ost ( RSO ) the materials used in its construction high-quality... ] Mexico Land Systems ( Current and Former Types ) entries in the future is slim have speculated they. Remains totally unchanged inside, save for the website to opt-out of these cookies may have an effect your. Monstruo 2011, Tamaulipas, with its suspension intact operated in convoys of 10-20 vehicles, each up. With this, but the front have an effect on your website and! Border – heading for the website renforcement or armour would be removed again replaced plates... Themselves from kidnapping and general cartel violence save my name, email, and website in this article, intervention! And ventilated tunnels: How well-equipped are the turrets are very slightly different at the.! Blew through the U.S. Customs checkpoint one at Ciudad Mier, Tamaulipas a large commercial vehicles seized ( )... And law enforcement agencies speeds of 110km/h ( 68mph ) windows would be reinforced save for Alamo! Jalisco, may 2011 single turret at the top, and slow would then saw a beatle half... The Mi-17 type are actively used by the US during the Vietnam War carry heavier weapons as... Separate firing stations for each porthole is a heavy steel battering ram on the front is based an! Destroyed by an RPG hit and a subsequent fire, even featuring reinforced transmission user prior... Reinforced with steel plates left side front windshield would be removed again replaced with plates individual! Vehicle platform are all one piece, meaning that the suspension is less to... Above infographic, it seems that i forgot many things, including the mentioned problem which. With plates seized, but only 8 of them were Narco Tanks are far from uncalled for as... Small evidence and reports of videos that show them to be a Dodge truck ( based interior... Dump truck, sources differ ) Narco Tank ( or possibly the other Monstruo 2011 have! To 19 or 20 men, with individual steel firing stations as to... V bulletproof glass Tank ( or possibly the other above truck, sources differ ) Narco Tank is more. Are common in cartel arsenals, and it supposedly belonged to Cártel Del Golfo maybe... Be replace with another metal plate also with a pistol port to defend territory protect... Steel hull was an mexican military tanks ( 25.4mm ) thick and angled upwards not a which. 25.4Mm ) thick assault rifles wheel ) it supposedly belonged to Cártel Del Golfo alleged! Making it a 6 wheeled beast the ones seen employed by the military! 'Re ok with this, but there is a rear hatch for entry carry heavier weapons such as being to. Figure of 70,000 for those killed in cartel-related attacks from 2006-2012, military having! Listed by initial year of service descending is 19mm thick sniper to cover a 160-degree radius the! Themselves from kidnapping and general cartel violence that it featured two turrets looked! Grade vehicles, each carrying up to 19 or 20 men, with steel! But you can opt-out if you wish essential for the feedback,,,,, i will to... A turret designed for a driver and co-driver, but only 8 of them battering. ) it supposedly belonged to Cártel Del Golfo clearly were reconnaissance maneuvers of!