GM, NP Aerospace to Offer Infantry Squad Vehicle for UK’s LMV Program

GM Defense and NP Aerospace have partnered to jointly pitch the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) for the British Armed Forces Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) initiative.

The LMV is a next-generation platform that will replace the military’s legacy Land Rover and Pinzgauer fleets as they retire through the 2030s.

According to the consortium, the decision to select GM’s proprietary ISV system is based on its proven performance and configurability across various mission profiles.

This ISV, built with a “high percentage” of commercial-off-the-shelf components, is already employed by American and Canadian forces, as well as their deployed units across Europe.

It will be offered in its standard and utility variants, with NP to apply its expertise in localized and purpose-built vehicle design.

NP’s specialization will be supported by its previous collaborations with GM and its current roles across other defense vehicle programs in the UK and Canada.

“Our objective is to deliver the next generation of mobility solutions for the UK with speed, efficiency, and enhanced capabilities by leveraging GM’s extensive investments in mobility R&D, product development, and manufacturing,” GM Defense President Steve duMont stated. 

“This is now coupled with NP Aerospace’s expertise in armor manufacturing, technology integration, vehicle maintenance and support.”

The ISV is modeled after General Motors’ Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 midsize pickup truck. It can carry up to 3,200 pounds (1,451 kilograms) of cargo and has a seating capacity for up to nine people.

Customers can equip the vehicle with counter-drone laser energy weapons, machine guns, and grenade launchers.

It is fitted with a 275-horsepower Duramax turbo diesel engine with an automatic 6-speed transmission, a rollover protection system, and infrared lights.

The platform can be distributed to the field by heavy-lift helicopters and air-dropped at a low velocity by large military transport aircraft.