US Army to Roll Out New ICVVA1-30mm Armored Vehicle Replacing Stryker Dragoon.

The U.S. Army is set to replace its aging ICVD Stryker Dragoon 8x8 armored vehicles with the new ICVVA1-30mm, an upgraded version of the original Stryker 8x8 armored vehicle, according to a report shared on the official LinkedIn account of PEO Ground Combat Systems on September 12, 2024. This development is part of a broader push by the U.S. Army to upgrade its mechanized units with advanced technology capable of meeting the demands of modern warfare.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

A 30mm Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle - Dragoon from the U.S. Army 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment boards a raft provided by the 130th German Engineer Battalion to cross the Neman River near Kaunas, Lithuania, on June 13, 2018.
(Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The Dragoon Stryker, officially known as the Infantry Carrier Vehicle-D (ICVD) "Dragoon," is a variant of the Stryker family of armored vehicles, developed by General Dynamics Land Systems. It was created in response to a need for increased firepower within the U.S. Army’s Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCT). The Dragoon Stryker was equipped with a 30mm cannon to provide greater lethality and extended range than the original Stryker vehicles, primarily armed with lighter machine guns. The development of the Dragoon Stryker began in the mid-2010s as the Army recognized the need for better-equipped vehicles to counter potential adversaries with armored vehicles of their own.

The Dragoon Stryker entered service with the U.S. Army in 2018, marking a significant upgrade to the firepower capabilities of SBCT units. It was rapidly deployed to various brigades, becoming integral to the U.S. Army's mechanized forces. While effective in its role, advancements in technology and battlefield needs prompted the Army to look for further upgrades, leading to developing the ICVVA1-30mm, which will replace the Dragoon with more advanced systems and enhanced capabilities.

The ICVVA1-30mm, which will replace the old "Dragoon" Stryker variant, is designed to offer improved capabilities, including enhanced firepower and increased stand-off engagement distances. Integrating the 30mm Medium Caliber Weapon System (MCWS), a key upgrade from its predecessor’s armament is at the heart of these improvements. This new system allows troops to engage targets from further distances with greater precision and lethality, offering a significant tactical advantage in combat.

This modernization effort has been in the works for several years. In 2022, Oshkosh Defense, a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation, delivered the first upgraded Stryker Double-V Hull Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICVVA1) to the U.S. Army. The delivery was part of a 269-platform contract that featured the 30mm MCWS. The origins of this upgrade trace back to June 2021, when the U.S. Army selected Oshkosh Defense, along with partners Pratt Miller Defense and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, to integrate the 30mm MCWS onto the Stryker ICVVA1 platform.

Beyond the weaponry, the ICVVA1-30mm comes with significant enhancements in other critical areas. It features advanced day/night optics, vastly improving the vehicle’s capability to identify and engage targets in various lighting conditions. The upgraded platform also enhances situational awareness, providing troops with real-time, high-resolution data about their surroundings to improve decision-making in fast-moving combat scenarios.

The vehicle is built on the modern DVHA1 base chassis, providing numerous operational improvements, including increased horsepower for better mobility and durability in challenging environments. Additionally, the upgraded chassis has greater electrical power capacity, essential for supporting the vehicle's advanced electronics and systems, and an in-vehicle network that integrates seamlessly with other Army systems.

The U.S. Army’s Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCT), which rely heavily on these vehicles for mechanized infantry operations, are highly anticipating the arrival of the ICVVA1-30 mm. The enhanced firepower, mobility, and advanced technology are expected to significantly boost battlefield effectiveness, enabling SBCT formations to stay ahead in an increasingly complex combat environment.

This upgrade is part of the Army’s broader effort to maintain technological superiority as global military forces continue to develop new capabilities. The ICVVA1-30mm, with its state-of-the-art systems and enhanced performance, will play a critical role in ensuring U.S. Army formations are prepared to meet future combat challenges.

With 269 of these platforms being delivered as part of the contract, the ICVVA1-30mm will soon become a cornerstone of the U.S. Army's armored vehicle fleet, ensuring that the force remains highly capable and ready for the next generation of conflict.