The US Army aims to acquire and deploy a new 4×4 Infantry Squad Vehicle – Heavy (ISV-H) to support the Mobile Brigade Combat Teams (MBCT). According to Army plans, the ISV-H’s roles will not only involve troop transport but also serve as a mobile command platform and a combat support vehicle. Reports indicate that the Army is considering purchasing six hundred vehicles.
The ISV-H requirements were outlined in a Request for Information issued by the industry in December 2025. It specifies a required payload of 4,000 lbs. (1,818 kg), including up to six soldiers. It must be externally lifted by the CH-47 helicopter and transported in the C-130, C-17, and C-5 transport aircraft. Power requirements include the capability to generate and export “60kW of continuous High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) power, 15kW of 28VDC power, 4.8kW of 120VAC power, and through a kit, produce 30kW of 120/208V 3-Phase AC power”. Additionally, the ISV-H must be capable of transitioning to “silent watch” mode and operating for up to eight hours. JP-8 (jet fuel) is designated as the primary fuel to be used.
The survey indicates the intention is to identify systems that currently meet or could be adapted to meet the Army’s requirements. The specified electrical power and silent watch suggest that a hybrid power solution may be necessary. Furthermore, although the M1301 Infantry Squad Vehicle already in service with the US Army features an open layout, the ISV-H appears to be specified with HVAC and suggests an enclosed cab configuration. The RFI requirements provide no details regarding the expected road or off-road performance. Additionally, the document does not request information on the platform’s adaptability to accommodate the various proposed combat support applications that might be anticipated.
The number of industry firms that have responded to the ISV-H has not been released. However, the ISV-H requirements align with many features of the GM Defense “Next Generation Tactical Vehicle”. GM, which is supplying the current M1301 ISV, will display editions of “Nex GEN” at the AUSA exposition in October 2025. It is based on the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD ZR2 truck. It uses the same 2.8L Duramax® turbo-diesel engine as the M1301 ISV with a 12-module battery pack. Additionally, the design offers exportable electric power and includes front- and rear-axle drive motors that enable Silent Drive and Silent Watch. A GM Defense representative stated that “the Next Gen is offered in two-, four-, and six-seat configurations. It can be optimised to support multi-mission capabilities, including command and control, launched effects, network extension, counter unmanned aerial systems, anti-armour, casualty evacuation, and other critical missions.” A number of these vehicles were used by the US Army’s Fourth Infantry Division during Exercise IVY Sting IV held in January and February 2026.
The concept of providing light tactical vehicles to improve the ground mobility of light infantry units, as exemplified by the US Army Mobile Brigade Combat Teams (MBCT), has been pursued repeatedly in the past. These efforts included extensive formal field evaluations of various light tactical vehicles, light attack/strike vehicles, and adapted commercial vehicles in combat.
by Stephen W. Miller
