The announcement was made via the division’s official account, indicating that these are the first such vehicles delivered. The statement suggests that additional units may be introduced over time as part of ongoing development efforts.
“Our cavalrymen are charging again, integrating this next-generation technology into the formation and changing the way armored divisions fight,” the division stated. The vehicles are expected to undergo extensive testing by U.S. soldiers.
The AMPV platform was originally developed as a replacement for legacy armored personnel carriers and did not initially include a 30 mm armed variant. However, such configurations have been proposed in recent years as a potential interim solution to replace the M2/M3 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle.
The delivered vehicles are configured similarly to a previously demonstrated model, though equipped with a different turret. The platform features modular armor that can provide protection up to STANAG 4569A Level 6, with a base level of 2.
Additional survivability systems may include laser warning receivers and active protection systems such as Iron Fist. The vehicle is also equipped with an advanced fire control system and a panoramic commander’s sight to enhance target detection and engagement.
The turret installed is the MCT-30 developed by Kongsberg, derived from the RT-20 design. It can be armed with a 30/40 mm Bushmaster II cannon with up to 150 rounds and a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun with 200 rounds.
Optional armament configurations may include anti-tank guided missiles such as FGM-148 Javelin or laser-guided 70 mm APKWS rockets. Additional remotely operated weapon stations can also be mounted depending on mission requirements.
The scope of the program and its potential link to the XM30 future infantry fighting vehicle program remains unclear. The prototypes mark a step in evaluating new configurations for armored combat capabilities within the U.S. Army.
