Amphibious Combat Vehicle Family of Vehicles

The Light Armored Vehicle Product Improvement Program (LAV PIP) is a critical line item in the Department of the Navy's FY 2026 budget, specifically supporting the Marine Corps' tracked combat vehicles. The overarching goal of the LAV PIP is to maintain the operational readiness and effectiveness of the 42-year-old family of Light Armored Vehicles (FOLAV) through their projected sunset date of FY 2035. This program ensures that the LAV fleet remains capable of supporting Marine Corps missions by addressing obsolescence, integrating new technologies, and performing essential modifications to vehicle systems, communications, and weaponry.

The LAV Reset component focuses on restoring vehicles to a fully mission-capable status. This includes funding for training devices, special tools, support equipment, reset kits, integrated logistics support (ILS), refurbishment of test vehicles, and field service representatives. The objective is to extend the service life of existing LAVs, maintain reliability, and ensure that both operators and maintainers have the necessary resources and training to support the fleet. Reset kits and refurbishment activities are particularly important for addressing wear and tear, replacing critical components, and updating vehicle subsystems.

The LAV Modification and Sustainment portion of the budget line item covers a wide range of upgrades and lifecycle management activities. These include new equipment training, production verification testing (PVT) and first article testing (FAT), systems engineering, and program management support. The program also funds the procurement and installation of modernization kits, such as intercom systems, tactical communication modernization kits, and electrical system modification kits. These upgrades are designed to enhance the vehicles' command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities. This ensures the fleet remains interoperable and secure in modern operational environments.

One specific objective for FY 2026 is the integration and fielding of Mounted Assured Resilient Navigation (MARNAV) A-Kit hardware. This technology provides assured positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities, which are essential for maneuvering and mission execution in contested environments where GPS signals may be degraded or denied. Program management support is allocated for MARNAV integration, reflecting the importance of resilient navigation solutions for future operations.

Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) are another key aspect of the LAV PIP. These proposals address specific system upgrades and modifications, such as improvements to intercoms, tactical communications, and electrical systems. ECPs are developed in response to evolving operational requirements, technological advancements, and feedback from field units. By implementing these changes, the program ensures that the LAV fleet remains adaptable and capable of meeting emerging threats and mission profiles.

Contracting and procurement activities under the LAV PIP involve coordination with industry partners for Tactical Communication Modernization kits. The program uses firm-fixed-price contracts to acquire and field these upgrades efficiently. The planning and execution of these procurements are managed by the Marine Corps Systems Command, with oversight to ensure timely delivery and integration of new capabilities into the fleet.