The US Marine Corps has started deploying its new Ultra Light Tactical Vehicle (ULTV) as part of a modernization effort aimed at preparing for potential future conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region. The ULTV, which replaces the Polaris MRZR all-terrain tactical vehicle, is designed to provide enhanced mobility and sustainability in challenging environments, focusing on speed and size for evasion rather than heavy armor for survival.Â
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Key Points:Â
- The ULTV, serving as a replacement for the Polaris MRZR, is an advanced lightweight solution envisioned to provide troops with enhanced mobility in denied environments. The vehicle is not designed for assault but rather to ease the load for soldiers and provide casualty evacuation support.
- The ULTV is adaptable and can be transported via MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and CH-53E/K King Stallion heavy lift helicopters. Its capabilities range from logistical support and casualty evacuation to command and control and electronic warfare missions.
- The deployment of the ULTV comes amid the Marine Corps’ reorganization aimed at becoming more agile for protracted conflict in the Indo-Pacific region, aligning with the Force Design 2030 modernization roadmap. The new capability will help the Corps adapt to the evolving complexities of modern warfare.
- The first set of ULTVs has been received by the First Marine Expeditionary Forces’ 1st Battalion, 5th Marines at Camp Pendleton in California. The Corps’ fiscal year 2024 budget request includes procurement of 124 ULTVs, aiming to increase the size of the service’s fleet to around 420 vehicles.
- Jennifer Moore, the Program Manager, emphasized that the ULTV is more than a tactical vehicle as it enhances the Marines’ capabilities across the board, and can be rapidly configured to suit diverse mission needs, offering enhanced capabilities in previously unimagined ways.
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Source: https://taskandpurpose.com/tech-tactics/marine-corps-ultra-light-tactical-vehicle-fielding/Â
