- The U.S. Army is buying the first of what will eventually be a fleet of more than 2,000 Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISVs).
- The ISV is based on the Chevy Colorado pickup truck.
- Fast and light, the ISV can quickly transport an infantry squad across the battlefield.
The U.S. Army has selected a new vehicle to speed troops across the battlefield. The new Infantry Squad Vehicle is fast, can be carried by helicopter, and has room for heavily armored soldiers. Unlike most military vehicles, it actually has a civilian background: the new vehicle is based on the Chevy Colorado mid-size pickup truck.
According to Defense News, the Army has awarded GM Defense $214 million to produce 649 Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISVs) for delivery by 2028. The Army hopes to eventually purchase up to 2,065. The ISV is meant for light infantry forces, particularly the 82nd Airborne Division, 10th Mountain Division, and 101st Air Assault Division. Other units that could end up operating the ISV include the U.S. Army Rangers and Special Forces.
The U.S. Army is buying up to 49,000 of the new Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) to partially replace the iconic Humvee. Unfortunately, the new vehicle is anything but light, weighing a whopping 14,000 pounds, and at 8.5 feet has a tall battlefield profile. The JLTV is designed for situations where armored protection is needed at the expense of speed and mobility.
