Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicle (ULTV)

The Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicle (ULTV) Program is a Marine Corps procurement initiative under the Department of the Navy. It is designed to enhance the operational mobility and logistical support of Marine infantry and reconnaissance units. The primary objective is to provide a family of lightweight, highly transportable vehicles that can support a wide range of military operations, including distributed operations, littoral operations in contested environments, expeditionary advanced base operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. The ULTV program is a critical component of the Marine Corps' Force Design modernization efforts, aiming to increase force agility, resilience, and sustainability in austere and contested environments.

The Family of Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicles (FULTV) encompasses both the legacy Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) and its replacement, the ULTV. The ULTV is engineered to address capability gaps in mobility for infantry units, reconnaissance battalions, and wing support squadrons, particularly in remote or challenging terrain where larger, heavier vehicles may be unsuitable. These vehicles are designed to be internally transportable by MV-22/CV-22 tiltrotor aircraft, CH-53E/CH-53K helicopters, and various fixed-wing platforms. This ensures rapid deployment and flexibility in operational planning.

The ULTV High-Power Variant is a key subcomponent of the program, providing enhanced mobility and exportable electrical power generation. This capability supports the integration of advanced systems and equipment required for modern expeditionary operations. The high-power variant is intended to meet emerging requirements for distributed command and control, sensor integration, and other mission-critical systems that demand reliable, mobile power sources in the field.

In FY 2026, the budget request for the ULTV line item supports the procurement of ULTVs, including both standard and high-power variants. Funding also covers integration kits, new equipment training for operators and maintainers, engineering change proposals, program management support, and interim contractor support for supply chain management. The decrease in funding and vehicle quantities from FY 2025 to FY 2026 reflects the program's transition from initial fielding to sustainment and the completion of some early procurement objectives.

One of the program's ongoing objectives is to ensure the safety, reliability, and readiness of the ULTV fleet throughout its lifecycle. This includes implementing configuration changes to address safety issues or diminishing sources of supply, as well as continuous in-service management and sustainment activities. The program office is responsible for monitoring vehicle performance, developing improvements, and responding to evolving Marine Corps requirements to maintain high levels of vehicle availability and mission readiness.

The training and support elements of the ULTV program are also significant. Funding is allocated for operator and maintainer training, ensuring that Marine units can effectively employ and sustain the vehicles in diverse operational environments. Interim contractor support is provided until the program transitions to organic supply support, facilitating a smooth handover and minimizing logistical disruptions. Program support costs include travel, management, and technical assistance necessary to oversee fielding and sustainment activities.

The ULTV program contributes to a lighter, faster, and more maneuverable Marine force, with reduced operational risk and a smaller logistics footprint. By leveraging commercial off-the-shelf technologies and focusing on non-developmental solutions, the program aims to deliver reliable, cost-effective mobility platforms that can adapt to future operational requirements. The ULTV's ability to support distributed, expeditionary, and humanitarian missions makes it a vital enabler for the Marine Corps' evolving operational concepts and force structure.