The United States has awarded Textron Systems Corporation a $163.3 million contract to deliver a new batch of armored vehicles to Ukraine.
According to a contract announcement from the Department of War, the award covers the procurement of Mobile Strike Force Vehicles (MSFV), along with spare parts, specialized tools, and testing equipment.
Work will be carried out in Slidell, Louisiana, and is expected to be completed by November 30, 2028. Fiscal 2024 Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds in the amount of $163,378,441 were obligated at the time of the award.
The Army Contracting Command at Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is overseeing the contract (W912CH-25-C-0088). Only one bid was submitted.
Ukrainian defense outlet Militarnyi reported on 8 September that Ukraine will receive 65 MSFVs, designed to improve mobility and protection for Ukrainian forces engaged in high-intensity and irregular warfare against Russian troops.
The MSFV is an upgraded version of the M1117 Guardian armored personnel carrier, a platform already in service with Ukraine’s armed forces. It was originally developed for the Afghan National Army to meet operational demands in counterinsurgency and hybrid warfare environments. The platform was designed to balance mobility and survivability, combining light armor protection with a high degree of tactical flexibility.
The MSFV’s versatility has made it a valuable asset for forces operating in contested environments. With its V-shaped hull for blast deflection, mine-resistant armor, and compatibility with various weapon systems, the platform offers a mobile fire support capability suited for reconnaissance, rapid troop transport, and direct engagement with enemy positions.
Work on the new vehicles is scheduled to continue over the next three years, with deliveries expected before the end of the decade.