US orders 65 Textron MSFV armored vehicles for Ukraine to protect soldiers from mines and roadside bombs.

On August 20, 2025, the US Department of Defense issued a pre-solicitation notice confirming its intent to award Textron Systems Corporation a sole-source, firm-fixed-price, three-year definite-quantity contract for 65 Mobile Strike Force Vehicles (MSFV), with an additional year’s supply of spare parts, financed under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
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The Mobile Strike Force Vehicle (MSFV) is a modified M1117 created for the Afghan National Army, with an extended hull, larger tires with revised axles, and an Enhanced Survivability package that raises underbody blast protection to MRAP-like levels. (Picture source: US DoD)

The announcement, published by the Army Contracting Command at Detroit Arsenal, cites FAR 6.302-7, which allows such procurement in the public interest. The notice specifies that responsible sources may submit capability statements, proposals, or quotations, but emphasizes that the action is planned as a sole-source award. The response deadline was also set for September 4, 2025.

The Mobile Strike Force Vehicle (MSFV) is an advanced variant of the M1117 Armored Security Vehicle (ASV), originally developed by Textron Marine & Land Systems in cooperation with the US Army for the Afghan National Army. Its design includes a hull extended by approximately 0.6 meters, enlarged wheels with revised axles, and a higher ground clearance, significantly improving survivability against mines and improvised explosive devices while retaining the original V-shaped underbody. Production of the MSFV began in 2011, when the first 18 units were delivered to Afghanistan, and by 2013 orders had reached a cumulative total of 634 vehicles, including full-rate production lots and option awards. Components for the Afghan program were sourced in part from seven Canadian suppliers, with integration completed at Textron’s facilities in Louisiana. Deliveries concluded in 2014, but production is now set to restart for Ukraine after being dormant since 2019.

The MSFV employs a Cummins QSL 365 diesel engine coupled to a 6-speed Allison 3500SP automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive and a central tire inflation system. Vehicle dimensions are listed as a maximum length of 6.7 meters, a width of 2.7 meters, a ground clearance of 66 centimeters, and a maximum gross vehicle weight of about 14,288 kilograms, with curb weight varying by configuration. Performance specifications include a top speed of approximately 100 km/h, a range of 644 kilometers at 64 km/h, a 60 percent gradient climb, a 30 percent side slope, a vertical step clearance of 56 centimeters, and fording capability of up to 152 centimeters. Electrical output options range from 260 to 400 amps. Interior layouts vary between the turreted armored personnel carrier, which seats seven, including the crew, and the Objective Gunner’s Protection Kit version, which accommodates up to ten personnel.

Armament configurations are flexible and include the M2 Browning .50 caliber heavy machine gun, the Mk 19 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, and M240 and M249 medium machine guns. According to US contracting requirements, the Ukrainian batch must support simultaneous firing of the M2 and Mk 19 from inside the turret, with the ability to interchange the M2, M240, and M249 for external firing. Variants previously delivered to Afghanistan included three primary types: a turreted APC, an APC with OGPK, and a light armored ambulance. Some concepts for a heavier fire support version with a 90 mm gun were studied but never materialized. Turreted vehicles may also be fitted with optional mine rollers for operations in heavily contaminated areas. Standard features across the fleet include smoke grenade launchers, Enhanced Survivability kits that provide MRAP-level blast protection, and optional anti-IED systems and modular armor kits.

Contract history for the Afghan National Army highlights the scale of earlier investment. In May 2011, Textron Marine & Land Systems was awarded a full-rate production contract for 240 MSFVs. In March 2012, the US Army awarded options for 64 vehicles valued at $71.7 million, followed by an April 2012 option for 65 vehicles, and in June 2012, a third option for 71 vehicles valued at $79.2 million. In March 2013, the company received a $113.4 million award for 135 additional vehicles, bringing the total ordered to 634. Individual unit costs varied between approximately $840,000 and $1.47 million across contracts, with an average cost of about $1.2 million per vehicle. Afghan Mobile Strike Force kandaks were organized with 58 vehicles each, split between APCs with turrets, OGPK versions, and ambulances. However, after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, a significant number of MSFVs fell into their control.

For Ukraine, the MSFV will supplement the M1117 Guardians already received from US Army stocks under the Presidential Drawdown Authority. The first M1117s were spotted in Ukraine in March 2024, operated by the 425th Skala Independent Assault Battalion. Ukrainian forces have since added improvised anti-drone cages and extra armor panels to their Guardians to counter first-person-view drones, a measure expected to be repeated with the incoming MSFVs. The vehicles’ improved mine protection, larger tires, extended hull, and additional troop capacity are considered more suitable for Ukraine’s mine-laden battlefields than the baseline M1117. While not as heavily armored as tanks, the MSFV offers greater mobility and lower logistical demands, making it adaptable for troop transport, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation roles. The US contract includes spare parts to ensure long-term operational readiness, and deliveries are expected to take place progressively over three years.