General Dynamics Land Systems demonstrates ARV-30mm prototype to U.S. Marine Corps after expanded testing phase

Principal test locations from March 2025 through January 2026 included the U.S. Army’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center at the Detroit Arsenal in Warren, Michigan; the Michigan National Guard Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center in Grayling, Michigan; and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. The evaluations were conducted under both Marine Corps direction and company-led demonstrations.

The ARV-30mm variant adds a modernized 30mm autocannon to expand the Marine Corps’ envisioned reconnaissance capabilities in future ground operations. According to the company, the system enhances digital battle management, mobility, survivability and lethality.

Designed as a central element of future Marine Corps Mobile Reconnaissance Battalions, the ARV connects to onboard and off-board sensors as well as unmanned aerial systems, with future integration planned for ground and water robotic systems. The vehicle incorporates growth margins and a modular open architecture, along with the company’s Next Generation Electronic Architecture to enable artificial intelligence functionality and control of robotic systems.

Testing highlights in 2025 and early 2026 included land mobility, ocean swim capability and lethality demonstrations. The ARV-30mm and the Command, Control, Communications, Computer and UAS prototype will continue U.S. government evaluation through the remainder of 2026.

“The testing and demonstration activities last year and in early 2026 helped us collect data to ensure we can meet or exceed the Marine Corps’ requirements for ARV, especially in the critical areas of land and water mobility and lethality,” said Richard Trotter, ARV Program Director at General Dynamics Land Systems. “We remain forward-thinking about achieving key performance requirements in these areas as we holistically design the ARV capability and competitively position ourselves for the next phase of the program.”

“Partnering with the Marines in the ARV testing and demonstrations enables continuous innovation and improvement in the design,” added Chris Dell, ARV Program Manager at General Dynamics Land Systems. “Their collaborative, operator-informed feedback is essential as we aim to develop the total package of capabilities the ARV family will deliver to future commanders.”

“We have said this before and will continue to say it: The ARV is highly mobile on land and in the water, allowing Marines to sense, communicate and connect to kill webs on the future battlefield like never before,” Trotter said. “Recent water mobility tests – including our cold-water testing in snow and ice – continue to validate our innovative swim technologies, among other functions. We pride ourselves on delivering capabilities that will be durable, reliable and affordable over the program’s life cycle, and we look forward to continuing our long partnership with the Marines and contributing to their effort to make the ARV a transformational reconnaissance capability.”