Latest Stryker DVH A1 Armored Vehicles Boosts Firepower and Protection for US Army 56th SBCT.

At Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, the U.S. Army 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) has taken a decisive step forward in its modernization journey as U.S. Soldiers commence training on the U.S. Army’s most advanced Stryker platform to date—the Stryker Double-V Hull A1 Engineering Change Proposal (DVH A1 ECP) family of vehicles. According to information published by the U.S. Army on March 28, 2025, the brigade is set to receive 324 of these upgraded vehicles, with the first 25 already delivered to initiate an intensive training phase. This effort is aimed at ensuring a smooth and effective transition to the new platform. For the 56th SBCT, this upgrade represents not just a technical improvement but a strategic leap in operational capability, survivability, and combat readiness.
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U.S. soldiers of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team train on newly upgraded Stryker DVH A1 vehicles at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, on March 26, 2025. The training marks the beginning of a major modernization effort, with the brigade set to receive 324 of these advanced armored platforms. (Picture source: U.S. Army)

The new DVH A1 Strykers are the latest evolution of the Stryker 8x8 armored combat vehicle, developed in response to lessons learned from combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The hallmark of this upgraded fleet is the Double-V Hull, designed to deflect blasts from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mines away from the crew compartment. This hull architecture, proven in combat, significantly enhances troop protection and vehicle survivability.

Beyond the hull redesign, the DVH A1 Strykers incorporate a sweeping set of mechanical, electrical, and digital enhancements. Among the most critical upgrades is the replacement of the original 350-horsepower Caterpillar C7 engine with a high-performance 450-horsepower Caterpillar C9 engine. This upgrade is supported by improvements to power pack thermal management and environmental conditioning systems, ensuring reliable performance under harsh operational conditions.

In tandem with the mechanical enhancements, the electrical system has been substantially modernized. The legacy 570-amp alternator has been replaced by a 910-amp unit, enabling the vehicle to support current and future power-hungry systems. This includes integrated battlefield networks and other advanced electronic warfare and communications systems. The legacy power distribution architecture has also been overhauled with the introduction of the Enhanced Power Distribution Unit (EPDU), allowing for 20% growth in future electrical demands.

Chassis improvements have increased the platform’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from 55,000 pounds to 63,000 pounds, further enhancing mobility and survivability. The driveline has been optimized to align with the upgraded engine and suspension systems, providing better handling and durability across rugged terrain.

Another transformative enhancement is the implementation of a modern in-vehicle network architecture. This digital backbone is VICTORY-compliant (Vehicular Integration for C4ISR/EW Interoperability) and includes gigabit Ethernet capabilities. It establishes a robust framework for the integration of future Army network technologies and ensures seamless data sharing among crew members via common crew stations. This not only increases situational awareness but also enables faster decision-making in high-threat environments.

The Stryker DVH A1 ECP Family of Vehicles (FoV) includes seven mission-specific variants built on a common platform, offering versatility across the operational spectrum. These include the Anti-Tank Guided Missile Vehicle (ATVV-A1), Commander’s Vehicle (CVV-A1), Engineer Squad Vehicle (ESVV-A1), Fire Support Vehicle (FSVV-A1), Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICVV-A1), Mortar Carrier Vehicle (MCVV-A1), and the Medical Evacuation Vehicle (MEVV-A1). Additionally, the ICVV-A1 variant can be outfitted with a scout Mission Equipment Package (MEP), effectively replacing the legacy Reconnaissance Vehicle (RV). This modularity allows for standardized maintenance and logistics while enabling specialized mission execution.

The DVH A1 ECP-equipped Stryker units offer Combatant Commanders a strategically mobile, medium-weight force capable of rapid deployment and decisive action across diverse operational theaters. These forces are prepared to disrupt or destroy enemy formations, secure terrain and populations, and execute full-spectrum combat operations in support of U.S. national interests.

For the U.S. Army 56th SBCT (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), the significance of this modernization cannot be overstated. As the first Stryker brigade in the Army National Guard, and a formation with a combat lineage tracing back to Benjamin Franklin’s "Associators" in 1747, the brigade has long stood at the forefront of innovation and service. Its dual mission—to provide rapid response capabilities in federal operations and to support civil authorities during state emergencies—demands a force that is both versatile and resilient.

The adoption of the Stryker DVH A1 ECP vehicles ensures that the 56th SBCT remains ready to face 21st-century threats with confidence. With enhanced survivability, mobility, and digital integration, these vehicles represent a generational leap in battlefield capability. As Soldiers complete their "train-the-trainer" sessions and begin fielding the new systems across their units, the 56th SBCT is poised to become one of the most advanced and operationally capable brigade combat teams in the U.S. Army.