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US Marine Corps Places First Polaris MRZR Alpha Order on New ULTV Contract

Friday, June 26th, 2026

Minneapolis – June 24, 2026 – The United States Marine Corps (USMC) has placed its first delivery order to Polaris Government and Defense on the new Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicle (ULTV) contract, ordering more than 70 MRZR Alphas and numerous accessories vital to mission success. More than half the vehicles ordered were the new 5kW export power variant and the remaining were the standard, 1kW version – all are green, four-seat vehicles.

Polaris accessories included in the order have been commonly incorporated on MRZR Alpha ULTVs for the Marines and include:

Roof Kit – reversible roof kit with multicam-patterned camouflage on one side and olive drab on the other for mission planning flexibility while protecting occupants from exposure to the elements.

Road March Kit – turn signals, horn, rear view and side mirrors to provide operators enhanced auditory and visual situation awareness during off-road administrative movements.

Modular Cargo System – siderails and tailgate enclose the rear deck to contain cargo and provide many attachment points for securing gear and other vehicle accessories. The heavy-duty tailgate can also drop down for additional cargo space in the down position. Aircraft rails are built in for optional accessories, like integration of litter mounts.

Fire Extinguisher – Class 5-BC fire extinguisher can be mounted to the roll cage in various spots, using a vinyl mount secured by two heavy duty Velcro straps with special rubber attached to ensure mount is securely fastened.

Towbar Mount – specifically designed clamps mount a towbar provision for storage during non-use.

“Polaris engineering and development efforts resulted in expanded accessories developed specifically for MRZR Alpha customers, like the Marines,” said Erin Telander, Defense program manager, Polaris Government and Defense. “That includes the ability to export 5kW of power directly from the vehicle itself, which the Marines will be able to leverage with their latest order.”

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.

The indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract was awarded May 22, 2026, through Program Acquisition Executive Marine Corps (PAE-MC) and has a ceiling of up to $98M, with an order period of up to five years. This contract reinforces the 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.

Posted in Contracts, Mobility, USMC | No Comments »

Nester Hosiery Awarded US Army and US Marine Corps Cold Weather Sock Contracts

Friday, June 26th, 2026

Leading U.S. sock manufacturer strengthens position as the warfighters choice for military cold weather performance hosiery.

June 25, 2026 – Mount Airy, NC – Nester Hosiery, a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of high-performance Merino wool socks, announced today that it has been awarded contracts supporting both the U.S. Army Cold Weather Sock Program and the U.S. Marine Corps Intense Cold Weather Sock Program following the successful novation of the programs from Fox River.

These awards reinforce Nester Hosiery’s position as a leading provider of Berry Amendment compliant cold weather and performance sock systems for the U.S. military, delivering mission-critical products that are designed, engineered, and manufactured entirely in the United States.

Under the awards:

Nester Hosiery will serve as the provider of record for the U.S. Army Cold Weather Sock Program under a three-year contract structure.

Nester Hosiery was also awarded the U.S. Marine Corps Intense Cold Weather Sock Program under a three-year term.

“These two major awards reflect the trust placed in our team, our domestic manufacturing capabilities, and our longstanding commitment to delivering premium performance products to the warfighter,” said Kelly Nester, CEO of Nester Hosiery.

With manufacturing operations rooted in North Carolina and a decades-long legacy of domestic sock manufacturing expertise, Nester Hosiery continues to invest in its U.S.-based workforce, product innovation, and resilient supply chain capable of supporting both military and commercial markets.

The company’s military programs are supported through advanced knitting technology, technical product development expertise, and a commitment to delivering consistent quality and performance in the most demanding of operational environments.

To learn more about Nester Hosiery’s support with the Military community, please visit nesterhosiery.com/military.

Posted in Army, Clothing, Contracts, Press Release, USMC | No Comments »

Marine Corps’ PM Combat Support Systems Fields Brand New Life-Saving Medical Systems for the First Time in 20 Years

Wednesday, June 17th, 2026

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — When lives are on the line, every second counts. Maintaining a modernized force is at the forefront of Force Design and standardizing equipment that meets critical medical care needs is more than essential in ensuring lives are saved when it matters most.

For the first time in 20 years, the Marine Corps is fielding a fully modernized medical capability to the Fleet Marine Force, marking a major step forward in how the service sustains and saves lives in austere combat environments.

The rollout marks the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) fielding and turnover of the newly modernized Damage Control Resuscitation (DCR) and Damage Control Surgery (DCS) systems. Managed under Portfolio Acquisition Executive Marine Corps (PAE MC), the effort demonstrates the Marine Corps’ ability to rapidly deliver relevant, mission-ready capabilities directly to the warfighter.

The systems, comprised of the Authorized Medical Allowance Lists (AMAL) 700 DCR and AMAL 705 DCS, provide a lightweight, expeditionary Role 2 medical capability designed for distributed and contested environments. The equipment enables commanders to deliver far-forward resuscitative care and limited surgical intervention in locations where traditional medical evacuation may be delayed or unavailable.

“The strategic environment demands agility and velocity. PAE MC is delivering exactly that to the Fleet Marine Force. By fielding the modernized AMAL 700 and 705 systems, we are providing a man-portable Role 2 capability. This equipment pushes life-saving resuscitative and surgical care further forward to support Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations.” Lt. Col. Aaron Viana, product manager for PdM Combat Service Support Equipment (PdM CSSE)

Before the systems are formally integrated into the fleet, Marines and civilians across multiple organizations are conducting a detailed verification and turnover process.

Personnel from the receiving unit, 2nd Combat Readiness Regiment (CRR), are working alongside Medical Logistics Company (MEDLOGCO) and Product Manager Combat Service Support Equipment (PdM CSSE) teams to ensure every component is accounted for and fully mission capable.

Together, the teams are conducting joint inventories and Limited Technical Inspections (LTIs) to verify operational readiness across the entire equipment set. The process ensures every medical device, supply, and subsystem is functional and ready for immediate deployment.

Key improvements to the legacy systems include a greater control on life-threatening hemorrhage, treatment for hemorrhage shock, emergency resuscitative care, limited life-saving surgical procedures and the ability to sustain critically wounded patients during extended evacuation times.

For the Marines and medical personnel who will rely on these systems during distributed maritime operations and expeditionary deployments, this modernization represents a significant improvement over legacy equipment that has remained largely unchanged for decades.

“It’s about delivering integrated combat power, and ultimately, saving Marines’ lives in contested environments,” said Viana.

The coordinated effort between program offices, logisticians, and operational units reflects a focus on delivering modern, expeditionary capabilities to the force. As fielding continues across the Marine Corps, the AMAL 700 and 705 systems are expected to significantly improve survivability and medical support at the tactical edge.

By Kristiana Gehly | PEO Land Systems

Posted in Guest Post, Medical, USMC | 1 Comment »

USMC Issues Sole Source Notice for 5.56mm Anti-Drone Rounds

Monday, June 8th, 2026

According to a sole source notice issued last week, Portfolio Acquisitions Executive Marine Corps (PAE MC), Program Manager, Combat Support Systems (CSS), PdM Ammunition (PdM AMMO), Quantico, VA 22134, intends to enter into a sole-source negotiations and subsequently award an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract to Drone Round LLC for the 5.56mm “L Variant” Anti-Drone Rounds. This effort is estimated for award December 2026.

Launched earlier this year, the 5.56mm Drone Round “L Variant” projectile separates into several pieces to act in a similar fashion to a shotgun, making it effective against drones.

According to the Marines, it is the only kinetic munition currently available in the commercial or defense marketplace that meets the Marine Corps’ strict minimum capability requirements for immediate c-sUAS defense. Specifically, this round is the only solution offering “drop-in” compatibility that requires no physical modifications, specialized upper receivers, or distinct weapon platforms to be operable in current-issue Marine Corps 5.56mm weapons (e.g., M27 M4, and M4A1). Furthermore, its deployment requires zero additional New Equipment Training or specialized occupational specialties, rendering it immediately effective upon issue. Failure to deliver this capability places an unnecessary risk to Marines and could lead to mission failure and loss of life. Market Research indicates that Drone Round LLC is sole manufacturer and reseller of this ammunition. The appliable North American Industry Classification System code is 332992, Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing.

Posted in Ammo, C-UAS, Contracts, USMC | No Comments »

USMC UH-1s Become Drone Control Platforms

Friday, June 5th, 2026

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. —

In a significant leap forward for aerial warfare, the U.S. Marine Corps has successfully integrated its iconic H-1 helicopter fleet with advanced, low-cost drone technology, demonstrating a new and lethal capability for the modern battlefield. During a recent exercise, Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169, Marine Air Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1stMarine Division, showcased the ability of the UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper helicopters to act as airborne motherships, extending the reach and lethality of first-person view drones to strike targets from unprecedented distances.

“The primary objective was to test the feasibility of a non-kinetic drop and deployment of a first-person view drone from a moving helicopter, which we were able to do today,” said Capt. Quinton Thornbury, a UH-1Y Venon pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169, Marine Air Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. “From there, validate that we can control the maneuver of that drone from the back of the aircraft.”

The exercise tested a critical battlefield scenario where ground forces from 3rd LAR launched a Neros Archer FPV drone. Once airborne, control of the drone was seamlessly handed off to a specialized operator team inside a UH-1Y Venom helicopter orbiting safely miles away. The Venom, leveraging its superior altitude and mobility, became a flying command post, directing the drone to its target and validating the aircraft’s role as an aerial control station.

This utilization of drones alongside manned aircraft is designed to counter the growing danger of more sophisticated air defense systems that force helicopters to operate from farther away, limiting their effectiveness. By pairing the H-1’s endurance and perspective with the drone’s speed and expendability, the Marine Corps is taking the next step the integration of drones on the battlefield.

This tactic allows us to keep our air crews safe and sound while pushing the lethal edge of the battlefield out to where the enemy is.

“We are still providing our ground support, and close air support, but in a way that lets the drones close with and destroy the enemy, rather than putting our Marines in harm’s way.” Sgt. Matthew Pocklington, a UH-1Y crew chief, with HMLA-169, MAG-39, 3rd MAW

Blending the strengths of a proven aviation platform with an agile, attritable weapon. It gives commanders a scalable, cost-effective option to service a wide range of threats without risking the aircraft or expending expensive munitions on every target.

The Neros Archer, already the most common FPV system in the Marine Corps infantry, was selected for its proven performance and existing logistical support, which accelerates integration.

The successful demonstration proved the viability of using FPV drones as a remote extension of the helicopter’s own sensors and weapons. The small, precise nature of the drones also minimizes collateral damage, a critical risk factor in complex environments. By enabling helicopter formations to detect, target, and engage everything from enemy armor to maritime craft from a safe distance, this innovation ensures the H-1 platform will remain a dominant and relevant force on the battlefields of tomorrow.

By 2ndLt Connor Jenig | I Marine Expeditionary Force

Posted in Aviation, Drone, Guest Post, USMC | No Comments »

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.

Photos via USMC.

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

Pacific Defense Awarded US Marine Corps Contract for Next Generation Electronic Warfare Prototype

Friday, May 1st, 2026

Award advances SOSA/CMOSS mission system ecosystem and informs future EW fielding decisions.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Pacific Defense has been awarded a 12-month rapid prototyping contract by the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), Program Manager for Tactical Communications and Electronic Warfare (PM TCE) to support next-generation electronic warfare (EW) capability evaluation. The effort will assess Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) Electronic Warfare (EW) mission systems and their potential in modernizing USMC capabilities.

Under the contract, Pacific Defense will deliver SOSA/CMOSS-aligned mission systems to enable vehicle-based experimentation by U.S. Marines. The Next Generation EW prototype is centered on the C5ISR Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) and the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) technical standards. This approach enables rapid integration of new hardware and software into a common chassis, accelerating capability insertion while reducing vendor lock and lifecycle costs.

“This effort reflects a pivotal shift toward software-defined, open architecture C5ISR/EW capabilities that can keep pace with the modern threat environment,” said Frank Pietryka, VP of EW, SIGINT & Autonomy at Pacific Defense. “By leveraging SOSA and CMOSS, we’re enabling a scalable, interoperable ecosystem that allows the USMC to rapidly integrate and deploy new capabilities at the tactical edge. We’re proud to support this initiative and help inform the next generation of EME systems.”

This award builds on Pacific Defense’s role as the incumbent on the U.S. Army’s CMOSS Mounted Form Factor (CMFF) program and the Australia Land 555 program. Insights gained through this effort will provide MARCORSYSCOM leadership with critical data to inform future force modernization and follow-on program decisions.

Posted in CEMA, Contracts, EW, Press Release, USMC | No Comments »

GA-ASI Congratulates VMU-3 for Being Named USMC UAV Squadron of the Year

Tuesday, April 28th, 2026

SAN DIEGO – 27 April 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), supplier of the MQ-9A Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for the U.S. Marines Corps (USMC), congratulates VMU-3 for being named the USMC’s UAV Squadron of the Year by the Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA). The 2026 “John I. Hudson Award” recognizes VMU-3’s operational effectiveness in using the MQ-9A platform within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and the MAGTF Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) program.

USMC’s UAV Squadron VMU-3, located at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, operates MQ-9A Extended Range (ER) UAVs with unique sensors and network capabilities that support training for the Marine Littoral Regiment.

MCAA also named VMU-3’s Capt. Garett B. Goar as the Marines’ UAV Officer of the Year.

“GA-ASI congratulates VMU-3 and Capt. Goar for their MCAA awards and for the important work they’re doing in operating MQ-9A,” said GA-ASI Vice President of DoD Strategic Development Patrick Shortsleeve.

To date, GA-ASI has delivered 20 MQ-9A Extended Range (ER) aircraft to the USMC that are operated by three USMC squadrons.

The MQ-9A ER is designed with field-retrofittable capabilities such as wing-borne fuel pods and a reinforced landing gear that extends the aircraft’s endurance while further increasing its operational flexibility. It provides long-endurance, persistent surveillance capabilities with Full-Motion Video and a Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator/Maritime Mode Radar. An extremely reliable aircraft, MQ-9A ER is equipped with a fault-tolerant flight control system and a triple-redundant avionics system architecture. It is engineered to meet and exceed manned aircraft reliability standards.

Posted in Press Release, UAS, USMC | Comments Off on GA-ASI Congratulates VMU-3 for Being Named USMC UAV Squadron of the Year