Stryker Upgrade

The Stryker Upgrade program is a key Army initiative under budget line item 0363G85200, focused on the procurement and modification of tracked combat vehicles, specifically the Stryker Family of Vehicles (FoV). The primary goal of this program is to enhance the survivability, lethality, and operational effectiveness of Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCTs) by upgrading existing platforms and fielding new capabilities. The upgrades are designed to address evolving threats, operational requirements, and obsolescence issues, ensuring that SBCTs remain agile, deployable, and capable of full-spectrum operations.

A central objective of the Stryker Upgrade program is the transition from flat bottom hull Stryker vehicles to the Double-V-Hull (DVH) A1 Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) configuration. The DVH A1 ECP enhances crew protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and underbody threats while restoring space, weight, and power-cooling (SWaP-C) margins lost in previous upgrades. This transition is achieved through an exchange process, where components from legacy vehicles are integrated into the new DVH A1 structure, supplemented by unique survivability enhancements.

The program encompasses several Stryker variants, each with specific operational roles. The DVH A1 ECP Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICVVA1) is designed to transport infantry squads and provide protected mobility and supporting fires during dismounted assaults. The DVH A1 ECP Mortar Carrier Vehicle (MCVVA1) supports infantry with indirect fire using 120mm, 81mm, and 60mm mortars. The DVH A1 ECP Commander's Vehicle (CVVA1) enables command and control functions for brigade and battalion commanders, facilitating rapid decision-making and force coordination.

Additional variants include the DVH A1 ECP Fire Support Vehicle (FSVVA1), which offers advanced surveillance, target acquisition, and fire support coordination. The DVH A1 ECP Engineer Squad Vehicle (ESVVA1) provides mobility support such as obstacle clearing and mine breaching. The DVH A1 ECP Medical Evacuation Vehicle (MEVVA1) serves as a mobile battalion aid station for casualty treatment and evacuation. The DVH A1 ECP Antitank Guided Missile Vehicle (ATVVA1) delivers long-range anti-armor capabilities to reinforce SBCTs against armored threats.

A significant recent focus is the DVH A1 Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICVVA1)-30mm, formerly known as the Medium Caliber Weapon System (MCWS). This variant integrates a 30mm cannon onto the DVH A1 platform, providing increased lethality and the ability to engage a wider range of targets, including light armored vehicles and fortified positions. The ICVVA1-30mm supports both mounted and dismounted operations, enhancing the SBCT's combined arms maneuver and wide-area security capabilities.

Beyond vehicle production, the Stryker Upgrade program funds fleet-wide modifications, including updates to Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems, safety enhancements, and lethality upgrades. The program also supports the procurement of training aids and simulators, such as the Vehicle Tactical Engagement Simulation System (V-TESS) and specialized trainers for vehicle maintainers, to ensure operational readiness and sustainment of the Stryker fleet.

Program management, engineering, logistics, and technical support are integral to the execution of Stryker modifications and fielding activities. In FY 2026, the requested funding will primarily support fielding activities, new equipment training, contractor logistics, and field service representative support for the ICVVA1-30mm variant. Due to recent Army structure and transformation directives, procurement of new DVH A1 vehicles will cease, but fielding and support for previously contracted vehicles and upgrades will continue. The Stryker Upgrade program remains essential for maintaining the Army's ability to rapidly deploy and sustain effective combat operations across a range of missions, including homeland defense and support to civil authorities.