A rugged pickup truck, stripped to its essentials and rebuilt for war, is making waves across the Atlantic. GM Defense, the military arm of General Motors, has partnered with NP Aerospace to push its Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) into the spotlight, targeting the UK Ministry of Defence’s Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) program and broader NATO opportunities.
Built on the Colorado ZR2’s durable frame, the vehicle uses 90 percent commercial off-the-shelf parts, a move that slashes costs and speeds up deployment. “GM Defense leverages commercially proven platforms with their inherent cost efficiencies from high-volume manufacturing,” the company stated in a recent press release.
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This approach isn’t just about saving money—it’s about reliability. Parts shared with a civilian truck mean easier maintenance and a supply chain that’s already global. The ISV’s 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine, paired with a six-speed transmission and Dana electronic locking differentials.
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) aims to overhaul the British Army’s aging fleet, and the ISV is gunning to replace vehicles like the Land Rover and Pinzgauer. “This is now coupled with NP Aerospace’s expertise in armor manufacturing, technology integration, vehicle maintenance, and support,” said GM Defense President Steve duMont. “Together, we will deliver innovative solutions to the British Army, demonstrating our commitment to provide the best capability to our NATO alliance partners.”
Designed to fit inside helicopters, it’s built for rapid deployment in conflict zones. The vehicle’s stripped-down design prioritizes function—think roll bars, minimal bodywork, and a focus on carrying troops and gear. The ISV already has a track record with the U.S. Army, Special Operations Forces, and Canadian Armed Forces, all of whom have deployed it in NATO operations in Latvia. A utility variant, the Infantry Utility Vehicle (IUV), offers flexibility for missions beyond troop transport. This versatility makes it a strong contender for NATO allies looking to standardize their fleets.
A recent CNBC report noted that startup Applied Intuition retrofitted an ISV for autonomous operation in just 10 days, hinting at its future-proof potential. This adaptability could sway NATO buyers looking for vehicles that evolve with technology. “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,” duMont emphasized.
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