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GKN Simba

1994 MODERN

History

The Simba Light Combat Vehicle (LCV) was developed by GKN primarily for the export market and was originally intended to complement the GKN Saxon. Prototypes were first shown at the Aldershot Exhibition in 1978. In June 1982 it was seen again with a 90mm Cockerill gun.

As reported on January 19, 1990, at Fort Magsaysay, where Simba was tested against American, British, French and German armored vehicles, it was selected by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and initially ordered 150 vehicles. On July 14, 1991, Malaya reported that the acquisition cost $54 million to complete.

Of the 150 cars ordered, GKN delivered 8 as complete kits, two as dismantled kits and the other two as kits. The rest were later assembled at factories owned by joint venture Asia Armored Vehicle Technology in Subic Bay, Philippines. The Simba was valued at $360,000 apiece at the time.

When the Philippine Army took over, a small group was forced to serve the Presidential Security Team. It is known that it is currently used by Army Armored Divisions.

The car was proposed to the Malaysian army, but they opted for the heavier six-wheeled SIBMAS.