U.S. Marine Corps in Testing Phase of Heavy-duty Reconnaissance Vehicle

The U.S. Marine Corps is testing the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) as part of its modernization program, Force Design 2030. Developed by Textron and General Dynamics Land Systems, the ARV, aimed at enhancing littoral, multi-domain reconnaissance capabilities, is seen as crucial for operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa but might be too heavy for Pacific contexts. 

Key Points: 

1. The ARV is a replacement for the 1980s Light Armored Vehicles, filling a gap for littoral, multi-domain reconnaissance capabilities not provided by current light armored reconnaissance battalions. 
2. 2The ARV is being tested alongside a BAE Systems’ amphibious combat vehicle equipped with similar mission technology, including tethered and untethered unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare systems, long-range weapons, and a battle management system. 
3. The Marine Corps plans to evaluate three ARV prototypes this year before choosing a single vendor. However, no timeline has been released for this decision. 
4. Pacific’s requirement for light equipment means the ARV may not be suitable for operations in that region due to its size and significant sustainment needs. Alternative solutions could involve light and ultra-light tactical vehicles, small boats, and unmanned vehicles. 
5. To aid the transition from current LAR battalions to new mobile reconnaissance battalions (MRBs), each of the three active-duty LAR battalions will experiment with designing one of the new MRB companies, aiming to provide greater reach and lethality. 

Source: https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2023/06/05/marine-corps-pushes-dramatic-change-for-its-reconnaissance-forces/