Tropo Performance

Archive for the ‘Mobility’ Category

« Older Entries

US Marine Corps Issues New, Sole-Source Contract to Polaris Government and Defense for MRZR Alpha Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicles (ULTVs)

Saturday, May 23rd, 2026

Minneapolis – May 22, 2026 – The United States Marine Corps (USMC) has awarded Polaris Government and Defense a sole-source contract to continue production and delivery of the MRZR Alpha Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicle (ULTV). The indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract awarded through Program Acquisition Executive Marine Corps (PAE-MC) is valued at up to $98M, with an order period of up to five years. The MRZR Alpha is Polaris’ most advanced light tactical vehicle, engineered to meet the evolving demands of expeditionary forces. Designed for enhanced payload capacity, tactical air transport and off-road performance, the MRZR Alpha enables rapid unit deployment and exceptional maneuverability across difficult terrain while reducing logistical demand due to the vehicle’s superior durability.

This new contract also includes the MRZR Alpha 5kW exportable power variant for the first time, along with funding for continued support from Polaris engineering and logistics teams. The availability of 5kW of exportable power at 24v – while stationary or on-the-move – addresses the ever-increasing demand from power-hungry systems, including tactical edge computing and air defense systems. It also provides the ability to power external loads like a forward operating tactical grid, which are critical enablers of littoral operations in contested environments. Integration of the additional export power does not compromise the vehicle’s original purpose, maintaining the capability to haul two litters and other mission critical supplies while eliminating the need for a generator and freeing up critical cargo space.

This latest award reinforces the USMC’s commitment to its Force Design modernization efforts, with the MRZR Alpha ULTV providing critical off-road mobility for infantry, reconnaissance and logistics units. To date, U.S. Marines have more than 500 MRZR Alphas. Marines continue to deploy, train and test the platform in a variety of roles, including logistics platform, infantry maneuver, MEDEVAC, counter-drone, communications command and control and ground refueling for aircraft. As part of a broader wheeled vehicle fleet, MRZR Alpha ULTVs support the Marine Corps’ mission readiness, operational flexibility and distributed operations strategy.

“The ULTV is a highly capable and configurable platform that enhances Marine Corps readiness across the board,” said Jennifer Moore, program manager, Program Acquisition Executive Marine Corps (PAE MC). “We’ve worked closely with the engineering team at Polaris to expand on its capabilities even further, including the introduction of the high-power variant, which opens new possibilities for communications and systems integration.”

Engineered for rapid deployment, the MRZR Alpha ULTV is an internally transportable vehicle (ITV) capable of being carried inside MV-22 and CH-53 helicopters. This “fly-and-drive” capability allows Marine Expeditionary Units to maintain high mobility in contested or anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments.

“Marines are known for adapting quickly – Any Clime and Place – and expect the same level of performance from the MRZR Alpha ULTV. This new contract enables us to continue leveraging our off-road engineering expertise to meet their evolving operational needs, whether that’s an increase in exportable power, towing capacity or payload,” said Erin Telander, Defense program manager, Polaris Government and Defense. “Polaris has been solving mobility challenges for its military customers worldwide for decades – with a significant number of those advancements made in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps over the last 10 years.”

Expeditionary warfighters operating worldwide in austere terrain require modular platforms that can adjust to multiple environments and modes of transport – tactical air, fixed wing plane and surface shipping – now more than ever. A single MRZR Alpha can be transformed into multiple configurations for varying missions, serving as a force multiplier for Marines.

The Marine Corps originally purchased MRZR Alpha light tactical vehicles using a GSA contract awarded from USSOCOM’s Program Manager for Family of Special Operations Vehicles (PM-FOSOV). That contract ceiling was raised from $109M to $130M and the additional contract extensions were exercised in July of 2025. Each of these contracts reinforce the ultimate value that Polaris brings to the warfighter – a responsive and engaged team with off-road engineering expertise, world-class manufacturing and a built-in global support network.

Commercial platforms like the Polaris MRZR Alpha have been instrumental in accelerating delivery of highly mobile systems to the field. Polaris provides global parts availability through its existing worldwide network of dealers and distributors, empowering greater self-sufficiency for distributed forces.

Photos via USMC.

Posted in Contracts, Mobility, Press Release, USMC | No Comments »

Team LionStrike Introduces the Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty (HD) to the UK Defence Market

Wednesday, May 13th, 2026

LONDON, U.K. – Team LionStrike—the strategic collaboration between GM Defence, BAE Systems, and NP Aerospace formed to strengthen the operational readiness of the British Armed Forces with safer, more capable, and cost-effective light utility and tactical vehicles—announced today that its proposal to the U.K.

Ministry of Defence for the Land Mobility Programme will now include the Chevrolet Silverado HD – one of the most high-performing vehicles ever built by General Motors. The Silverado HD will be shown today at Team LionStrike’s “From Proven Heritage to Present Power” event at the prestigious Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Equipped with a 6.6-litre Duramax turbodiesel V8 that produces 1,322 Nm of torque, the Silverado HD is built for serious work. In the 2500HD version, that translates to up to 9,997 kg of towing and 1,860 kg of payload, while the 3500HD (single rear wheel variant) pushes capability even further with almost 10,000 kg of towing and over 2 metric tonnes of payload.

Critically, the spacious internal capacity offers sufficient room to both transport and concurrently operate inside the vehicle with the kit and equipment required by modern-day warfighters. The logistic load space is also significant (up to 2.1m x 1.9m) enabling NATO pallet transportation.

Team LionStrike’s proposal also includes:

– The Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), a light, agile, and air-transportable troop carrier derived from the Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck that is designed to give infantry combat teams rapid mobility across complex terrain. The ISV has been selected by the armed forces of Canada and the United States as they have modernised their equipment, bringing capability, scalability, and affordability relative to bespoke military platforms.

– The Chevrolet Silverado LD pickup equipped with the 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel for strong low-end torque with proven capability. It delivers 671 Nm of torque and up to 6804 kg of towing and 1000 kg payload for demanding work across long distances.

“Team LionStrike’s approach — leveraging the depth, experience and highly-skilled U.K.-based workforce of BAE Systems and NP Aerospace to modify, integrate, homologate, and support vehicles built in North America by GM — is the fastest, lowest-cost path to put modern vehicles into the hands of British soldiers,” said Gilbert Nelson, Vice President, International Sales and Marketing, GM Defence. “Our foundation is commercial, off-the-shelf technology with a proven track record of quality, durability, and capability that can be OEM-adapted to meet emerging requirements. That’s how we will rapidly enhance the operational readiness of the British Armed Forces and reduce the cost and complexity of equipping, training, and deploying troops.”

The success of the Chevrolet Silverado family, together with its sister brand GMC, has made General Motors’ full-size pickups the U.S. industry leader, with more than 5 million trucks delivered over the last five years.

The Silverados and ISVs will not be the first GM trucks to support British troops. For more than a century, the designers, engineers, and manufacturing team at General Motors have delivered vehicles that have proven their quality, durability, and capability in military theatres all over the world.

1GM was the largest supplier to the U.S. armed forces during World War II, and Chevrolet and GMC trucks were the backbone of critical operations like the Red Ball Express, the massive logistic operation that supported Allied forces as they pursued the enemy forces after D-Day. In addition, the British Army’s Long Range Desert Group, an elite reconnaissance and raiding unit, relied on the Chevrolet 30 CWT to operate deep behind enemy lines in North Africa from 1940–1943. One of the Long Range Desert Group’s trucks was recovered from the Egyptian desert in 1980 and is now in the collection of the Imperial War Museum, and there have been replicas built of the Chevrolet 30 CWT to celebrate and preserve the heritage of the unit – one of which was on display at the event.

Posted in Armoured Vehicles, International, Mobility, Press Release | No Comments »

US Army Seeks Unmanned Ground Vehicle for “Last Tactical Mile”

Thursday, April 23rd, 2026

Researching for a presentation I gave last summer at the National Defense Industrial Association Future Forces Conferences on robotics and drones I realized that while the US Army is working diligently to field drones in large numbers, it’s just a drop in the bucket once they figure out how many ground robotic systems they’ll need. To illustrate my point I explained that at the time, the US Army had an inventory of around 3,900 aircraft and 700 enduring capability drones. Meanwhile, there were ~420,000 ground vehicles making it about 11:1 ground to air systems. I expect we’ll see a similar ratio of ground to air robotics once the capability fully settles into the enterprise and those ground robots will take many forms and perform many duties. This capability is just the beginning.

According to a Special Notice released last week, Capability Program Executive (CPE) Mission Autonomy is actively pursuing a UGV designed to autonomously support maneuver formations in the critical “last tactical mile”. This advanced UGV, owned by maneuver formations, will both sustain Platoon and Company formations by delivering essential supplies/energy and will evacuate wounded personnel from the point of injury to a casualty collection point. This dual use UGV shall feature a configurable payload to meet the dynamic needs of maneuver formations.

The UGV must be capable of teleoperation, autonomous navigation, and beyond-line-of-sight communications, and execute resupply and CASEVAC missions with minimal reconfiguration.

The modern battlefield is characterized by persistent enemy surveillance and rapid application of lethal effects at and behind the forward line of troops (FLOT), making any movement to and from the FLOT highly vulnerable. This environment challenges commanders’ ability to resupply units and evacuate casualties. The Army refers to the critical distance between the FLOT and supported units as the “Last Tactical Mile” – the final segment of ground over which supplies, equipment, or personnel must be moved under the greatest threat from enemy observation and fires. This phase is often the most dangerous and logistically complex, requiring innovative solutions to ensure mission success and force protection.

The UGV should be capable of supporting the sustainment needs of a dismounted Rifle Platoon or Company Headquarters for extended operations (reference ATP 5-0.2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1, Unclassified, for Battalion weight needs). It should be able to transport various classes of supply and operate autonomously across diverse terrains and environments, maintaining reliable communications with supported units. The UGV should be able to navigate both on- and off-road routes, including areas without GPS, and support situational awareness. It should minimize detectable signatures and emissions during operations, including in the final approach to supported units.

The UGV should be capable of being reconfigured by the maneuver unit for multiple roles, including casualty evacuation. It should be able to autonomously transport at least two (2) casualties from the point of injury to a designated collection point, without causing additional harm to the patient. The cargo area should be modular and provide accessible power and data connections.

The UGV must support integration and collaboration within networked operational environments and be interoperable with current and future command and control systems. The solution must provide open and exposed APIs for integration with common control and mission autonomy applications.

Interested parties have until 28 April to respond. Learn more at www.sam.gov

Photo above: A Hunter Wolf unmanned ground vehicle assigned to Charlie Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), holds a steady overwatch position with a mounted remote operated .50-caliber machine gun during a combat simulation exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, Louisiana, April 13, 2026. (US Army photo by MSG Anthony Hewitt)

Posted in Army, Mobility, Robotics | 1 Comment »

NP Aerospace’s Production line Kicks into Gear to Deliver Remaining Light Tactical Transport Vehicles to BeMOD

Friday, April 3rd, 2026

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has announced that the production line to deliver the remaining 87 Light Tactical Transport Vehicles (LTTV) to the Belgium MOD (BeMOD) is now fully operational and accelerating at pace. Following the pre-production proof of process and quality deliveries, the first significant full-production batch was accepted by the customer in February, which will now be followed by the delivery of all 87 vehicles by the end of 2026.

The original LTTV programme was to deliver 199 of the Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG based vehicles to the BeMOD. In September 2024 NP announced the receipt of a contract to deliver the remaining 87 vehicles, the contract having been novated, following NP Aerospace’s acquisition of certain assets of Jankel Armouring Limited, announced on 10 June 2024. As well as the production of new LTTV vehicles, contractual discussions also included lifetime in-service support to the LTTV vehicle fleet for which NP Aerospace will use its proven Vehicle Systems, Services and Spares business unit to deliver.

In establishing the full production capability, NP Aerospace has adopted a fresh approach, with operations being centered in their Coventry facilities. As was agreed with the customer, a particular emphasis has been placed upon working to the required quality standards and timescales. Using NP Aerospace’s fully established vehicle related, UK-based supply chain, the team has employed proven best practices to develop a production programme that meets and where possible, exceeds customer expectations. Having taken time to get this right, NP Aerospace is now confident that all inherited programme challenges have been addressed, and the pace of production can now be accelerated, to successfully deliver the remaining vehicles to BeMOD.

The LTTV vehicle was designed to provide a modular and configurable tactical support vehicle that benefits from unique, removable mission modules that enable the vehicle to be re-configured rapidly for operational platform versatility. With a payload of over 3 tonnes, dependent on the final vehicle specification, the LTTV has 3 core variants for Special Operations support, including an ambulance variant. Alongside a user-configurable, fully integrated suite of military sub-systems that includes a removable ballistic protection kit, a Roll-Over-Protection-System (ROPS), weapon mounts and communications fit.

David Petheram, NP Aerospace VSSS Managing Director commented: “Following on from the receipt of the LTTV contract from BeMOD in 2024, we’re pleased to be able to announce that we’ve successfully worked through all of the challenges of re-starting this disrupted programme, in close collaboration with our customer. Our production line is established and is now kicking into gear, upon strong foundations, to enable the rate to be accelerated from this point forward.” He added: “Now we’re fully up and running and delivering vehicles, this is great news for NP Aerospace and our customer, also for our UK supply chain and for Coventry as we continue to create and/or sustain high skilled jobs in the region and across our supplier partnerships.”

Posted in Contracts, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on NP Aerospace’s Production line Kicks into Gear to Deliver Remaining Light Tactical Transport Vehicles to BeMOD

Oshkosh Defense Showcases Integrated Mobility Solutions at AUSA Global Force 2026

Tuesday, March 24th, 2026

HUNTSVILLE, AL. – Oshkosh Defense LLC, an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] business, is exhibiting at the Association of the U.S. Army Global Force Symposium, March 24–26, highlighting how commercial manufacturing strength, rapid integration, and lifecycle sustainment accelerate the fielding of integrated fires and multi-domain capability.

Oshkosh Defense is showcasing integration-enabled platforms that bring power, autonomy, and mission systems together—advancing operational speed and reducing program risk for the U.S. Army.

Light Multi-Mission Autonomous Vehicle (L-MAV): Evolved from the U.S. Marine Corps ROGUE-Fires, the L-MAV is a modular, autonomous multi-mission carrier designed to accelerate capability insertion across multiple mission sets, including counter-UAS, electronic warfare, network extension, and autonomous resupply. Its open architecture supports rapid integration of new payloads, while its powertrain can be adapted to hybrid-electric configurations to enable silent drive, silent watch, enhanced fuel efficiency, and increased exportable power.

SIGMA Next-Generation Mobile Tactical Cannon: Elbit America’s SIGMA system, built on the Oshkosh Mobile Artillery Platform (MAP) foundation, represents a low-risk, mission-ready solution aligned to the Army’s Mobile Tactical Cannon objectives. Developed to support rapid fires and shoot-and-scoot survivability, SIGMA carries heavy payloads, delivers off-road mobility, and supports the evolving future of long-range munitions. Currently in production for international customers, the next-generation system offers the U.S. Army proven, scalable U.S.-based manufacturing and integration—reducing development timelines and strengthening industrial resilience.

“Modernization demands more than new systems. It requires production-ready mobility foundations that integrate quickly and scale responsibly,” said Pat Williams, Chief Programs Officer at Oshkosh Defense. “Our commercial manufacturing strength, and experience as a preferred integrator, allow us to deliver advanced capability quickly while maintaining the performance and reliability Soldiers deserve.”

As part of Oshkosh Corporation, Oshkosh Defense leverages enterprise-wide engineering depth, advanced manufacturing capability, electrification and autonomy-ready architectures, and sustained investment in modernization. This commercial foundation supports rapid integration, scalable production, and long-term fleet sustainment supporting the Army’s need to operate at the speed of relevance.

Attendees can learn more about Oshkosh Defense solutions in booth 411 at AUSA Global Force Symposium.

Posted in AUSA, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Oshkosh Defense Showcases Integrated Mobility Solutions at AUSA Global Force 2026

Three Polaris Vehicles Participate in U.S. Army’s xTech|Edge Strike: Ground Competition

Monday, March 16th, 2026

Minneapolis – March 13, 2026 – Three different autonomy companies selected off-road vehicles from Polaris Government and Defense as they participated in the U.S. Army’s xTech|Edge Strike: Ground competition in Vilseck, Germany March 3-13. Autonomy partners Dataspeed, Inc, Forterra and Overland AI competed in the Uncrewed, Automated, Modular Ground Platforms category with off-road commercial and military vehicles from Polaris: the MRZR D4 ultralight tactical vehicle, RANGER XD 1500 utility side-by-side and RZR XP 1000 Sport side-by-side.

“Polaris vehicles have become force multipliers for expeditionary warfighters worldwide, and the integration of autonomy can expand the roles and capabilities of the vehicles even further. As a commercial company with high volume production capacity, we are uniquely suited to provide affordable commercial unmanned ground vehicles at scale,” said Nick Francis, vice president, Polaris Government and Defense. “For 25 years, we have provided vehicles, service, training and support around the world leveraging our European and Australia-based Government and Defense teams for direct support. We also have unique contract mechanisms like the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) for the MRZR D available to NATO member and partner nations to streamline the vehicle acquisition process.”

MRZR D4 – Dataspeed, Inc. – Kinetic360™: Agentic Uncrewed Vehicle for Sustainment, Reconnaissance and CASEVAC. More than 50 military and security forces worldwide have fielded MRZR D tactical off-road vehicles from Polaris to support expeditionary, rapid response and special operations missions. The MRZR D’s modular payload design, diesel powertrain, air and sea transportability make it a trusted platform for tactical mobility in complex terrain and contested zones. The MRZR D is also available through an NSPA contract, enabling NATO members and partner nations to acquire the MRZR D to enhance mobility, interoperability and mission readiness.

RANGER XD1500 – Forterra – LANCER Autonomous Ground Vehicle. The RANGER XD 1500 is an extreme duty utility side-by-side with a ProStar 1500cc 3-cylinder gas engine that offers an industry-leading 110 horsepower and STEELDRIVE automatic transmission for greater durability and precise control. 

RZR XP 1000 – Overland AI – ULTRA Autonomous Ground Vehicle. The RZR XP 1000 is engineered for off-road durability and power. Its nimble handling and agility pair with Overland AI’s autonomy software, OverDrive, to execute aggressive tactical maneuvers, providing efficiency and stability across demanding and technical terrain.

Through the xTech|Edge Strike: Ground competition, the U.S. Army sought out innovative autonomous ground systems, offering participants the opportunity to engage with the government, earn prize money and potentially receive a contract award or agreement.

Polaris vehicles are designed for austere environments, allowing military forces to travel through harsher off-road conditions at full payload at a faster pace than any other vehicles in this class. Polaris designs and manufactures the most capable light tactical military vehicles available today with technology development and insertion for the battlefield of tomorrow. Polaris light tactical vehicles – the MV850, MRZR D, MRZR Alpha and DAGOR – provide unmatched off-road capability while also being intuitive to operate, simple to maintain, highly transportable and easy to globally support. Polaris commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) platforms, like the RANGER, RZR and Sportsman are also well-suited for autonomous applications, providing affordable off-road mobility and high-volume production capacity, making Polaris vehicles the off-road platforms of choice for autonomy integration.

Posted in AI / ML, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Three Polaris Vehicles Participate in U.S. Army’s xTech|Edge Strike: Ground Competition

Global Military Products Receives Contract to Provide Scorpion Light Mobile Mortar System on the Polaris MRZR Alpha 6×6

Wednesday, February 25th, 2026

TAMPA, FL – (Feb. 24, 2026) – Global Military Products, a Global Ordnance Company, received a contract to deliver its Scorpion Light mobile mortar system through the Naval Surface Technology & Innovation Consortium for the U.S. Marine Corps. Mounted on the Polaris MRZR Alpha 6×6, the fully integrated platform enhances the mobility, lethality, operator safety and air transportability of these assets.

“This contract signals a step forward in the Marine Corps’ mortar modernization,” said James Knight, director, Global Military Products. “This partnership delivers a revolutionary ‘shoot and scoot’ capability designed for expeditionary forces operating in high-threat, dispersed environments by providing critical indirect fire support to light infantry formations.”

The Scorpion Light mobile mortar system can be deployed, fire 8 rounds and relocate in less than 2 minutes, which was recently demonstrated on a range at Quantico in conjunction with the Marine Gunners Symposium. Rapid emplacement and displacement are critical for survivability on a modern battlefield, allowing mortar teams to engage targets and reposition before an adversary can return effective counter-battery fire.

The Scorpion Light mobile mortar system will also incorporate an advanced digital fire control system that enables rapid, accurate targeting and re-aiming with minimal crew intervention. Marines can use the rapid-fire control system to engage multiple targets quickly and efficiently during combat operations, elevating operational efficiency, while the expanded payload of the MRZR Alpha 6×6 variant allows for 48 mortars to also be transported.

The pre-production MRZR Alpha 6×6 is manufactured by Polaris. This TRL-8 prototype vehicle is a two-seat platform with a 65 percent larger cargo bed optimized for heavier systems and payloads, like the Scorpion Light. The vehicle has 3,600 lbs (about 1632.93 kg) of payload available, with 3,000 lbs (about 1360.78 kg) of that available in the extended cargo bed. The third axle and short wheelbase also have a positive impact on mobility, enhancing performance in soft soil, mud and bogs. The MRZR Alpha 6×6 maintains top speed and has more than 90 percent parts commonality with the base MRZR Alpha that are currently being fielded with the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Special Forces.

With its ability to be internally transported by a V-22 Osprey helicopter, the integrated Scorpion Light and MRZR Alpha 6×6 platform provide rapid deployment in remote and austere environments.

The firm-fixed price contract has a ceiling of $4.9M. Once delivered, the systems will undergo Marine Corps live-fire testing and evaluation.

Posted in Advertiser, Mobility, Press Release, USMC, weapons | Comments Off on Global Military Products Receives Contract to Provide Scorpion Light Mobile Mortar System on the Polaris MRZR Alpha 6×6

Tag Dynamics – VELOX ISV

Tuesday, February 17th, 2026

The VELOX ISV from Tag Dynamics is a purpose-designed infantry squad vehicle engineered for tactical mobility, adaptability, and operational dependability.

Built on a proven Toyota Hilux commercial chassis, the Velox ISV combines rugged durability with responsive performance across diverse terrain. Its lightweight and rigid design enables speeds of up to 175 km/h while maintaining a 600 km operational range, giving your team the agility and endurance needed in dynamic environments.

Configured as a 2+2 four-seater, the VELOX ISV supports up to 1,000 kg payload, allowing integration of mission equipment, modular systems, or an optional rotating turret and gunner station to match specific operational needs.

Every detail of the VELOX ISV reflects practical engineering and real-world utility, from its intuitive interior layout designed for rapid response, to its reinforced exterior built to withstand demanding field conditions.

For more information visit www.tagdyn.com.

Posted in Mobility | Comments Off on Tag Dynamics – VELOX ISV

« Older Entries