Combat Vehicle Improvement Programs

The Army approved an Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) for the Abrams Modernization effort which focuses on reducing the logistical footprint of the current Abrams tank while increasing system protection capability technologies to include, but is not limited to, integrating missile, drone, and other top attack protection. Abrams Modernization will leverage advances in technology utilizing state-of-the art technological approaches to address current performance requirements identified in approved platform requirements documents. The strategy for Abrams focuses on delivering advanced capability to the warfighter to overcome and/or mitigate any near-term limitations and capability gaps and maintaining combat overmatch in the future. This approach builds on the proven ECP strategy from the Army Acquisition Executive in 3rd Quarter Fiscal Year 2011, revalidated in an Army Requirements Oversight Council (AROC) decision in 2018, recently re-approved and endorsed by Army Senior Leaders in 3rd Quarter Fiscal Year 2023, and Army Transformation Initiative (ATI) Executive Order (EXORD) directed acceleration of M1E3. The Army will modernize the tank fleet through development of the Modernization Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) which will include the best features of prior ECPs and will comply with the latest modular open systems architecture (MOSA) standards, allowing quicker technology upgrades. This will enable the Army and its commercial partners to design a more lethal, survivable, lighter, intelligent tank that will be more effective on the battlefield at initial fielding and easier to upgrade in the future. FY 2027 base funding in the amount of $474.442 million represents a significant investment in Abrams Modernization to include the acceleration of the Abrams M1E3 program and Transformation in Contact (TiC). This funding will support, but not limited to, the continued identification, development, maturation, future integration, and demonstration of critical high priority technology candidates in support of the Army's continuous transformation initiative.

The Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) is an ACAT IC program designed to replace the Army's Armored Personnel Carrier (M113) Family of Vehicles (FoV) within the Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT). The AMPV addresses current and future capability gaps in the Vietnam-era M113 Family of Vehicles by delivering enhanced mobility, lethality, network communication/interoperability, and protection. These advancements are essential for moving personnel and executing key mission roles on the battlefield within the ABCT. Fielding is currently underway and is expected to continue through FY2042. The AMPV Improvement Program focuses on upgrading capabilities for integration and implementation across the AMPV FoV to enhance mission effectiveness. FY 2027 funding of $10.853 million for Project DD4 supports Army-requested changes, as well as the continued development, testing, and integration of the following initiatives: * Composite Rubber Track (CRT): Provides significant advantages over traditional linked steel tracks, including vehicle weight reduction, improved fuel economy, enhanced track and road wheel durability, and reduced soldier maintenance requirements. * Vehicular Situational Awareness: Enhances driver and vehicle commander visibility around the vehicle, creating a safer operating environment. * Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) Solutions: Improves AMPV survivability in contested environments by neutralizing UAS threats. * Predictive Logistics Tools: Utilizes analytics and artificial intelligence to forecast supply chain needs, reducing vehicle downtime in contested environments. * Mission Equipment Packages (MEPs): Enables rapid configuration of the AMPV to meet evolving operational requirements across its five variants. Specifically, the turreted mortar MEP will significantly enhance the legacy mortar solution inherited from the M113 M1064 variants. Additionally, the AMPV Improvement Program supports Army assessments, experimentation, and testing to address emerging requirements that impact the AMPV platform.

The Stryker Improvement Program executes a comprehensive modernization strategy to enhance the Stryker's lethality, survivability, and network capabilities across the Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT). Foundational upgrades to the Double V-Hull A1 (DVHA1) Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) restores the vehicle's Space, Weight, and Power-Cooling capacity, enabling the integration of all other modern systems; and Survivability Enhancements integrates emerging technologies to protect the vehicle and crew against evolving battlefield threats. Lethality Enhancements include the Lethality Mission Equipment Package (MEP) initiative which integrates a suite of upgrades including Common Remotely Operated Weapon System-Javelin (CROWS-J) for anti-armor capability and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS). Network Modernization initiatives include Lethality Mission Equipment Package (MEP) which formally integrates the Integrated Tactical Network (ITN) and on-the-move command systems like the Fire Direction Center (FDC); and Predictive Logistics which Uses platform diagnostic data to predict maintenance needs, increasing readiness and reducing sustainment costs.