New armored tactical vehicle seeked by USSOCOM under JAGMS program.

The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the Joint Armored Ground Mobility System (JAGMS) program seeking to procure a new armored ground tactical vehicle. The new armored vehicle should be able to accommodate 9-11 passengers and must be capable of being Internally Air Transportable (IAT) in a C-130 Hercules.

One of the U.S. Special Forces' AGMS patrolling in Northern Syria on Oct.12, 2019 (Picture source: Twitter account of Abraxas Spa, picture by Delilsouleman)

“The purpose of this RFI is to determine the types, suitability, and maturity levels of armored vehicles available in the marketplace. Respondents should respond to all parts of this RFI. Respondents shall provide feedback regarding the feasibility and risk levels of meeting the requirements outlined below with an existing mature vehicle, any driving costs or schedule factors, and/or any additional information that would clarify current Industry capabilities. The Government is primarily focused on understanding the marketplace for commercial and non-developmental items and/or commercial items easily modified”, said a sources-sought notice issued on the federal contracting website, beta.sam.gov.

According to the RFI, the Key Performance Parameters for JAGMS are as follows:
• JAGMS shall have the capacity to transport 9 to 11 operators.
• JAGMS shall be C-130 transportable without the need for modification.
• JAGMS shall meet the survivability requirements listed in the Survivability Requirements Annex (Classified SECRET).
The testing of the new vehicle is expected in FY 2023/24 and the fielding in FY 2024/25.

The U.S. Special Operation Forces (SOF) currently operates the Armored Ground Mobility System (AGMS) vehicle derived from the Pandur I 6×6 APC originally developed by the Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeuge (SSF), now part of General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS). The vehicle is manufactured for the Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) by AV Technology with assistance from General Dynamics. The vehicle can accommodate up to 7 troops plus its commander and driver and is air-transportable in a C-130 Hercules. The AGMS vehicle is in service with the U.S. Army’s Delta Force special operators and in limited use by the 75th Ranger Regiment. As the successor of the Pandur I will have to accommodate 9-11 passengers, it will most probably be an 8x8 vehicle, no longer a (too short) 6x6.