The U.S. Army’s Stryker Enhanced Armor (SEA) program has entered a critical phase, transitioning to General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) for integration onto future Stryker platforms, according to a recent announcement by the Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC).
The program, designed to provide increased protection for the Army’s Stryker fleet, marks a significant step in enhancing survivability and force protection. Over the next six months, GDLS will conduct a System Functional Review (SFR) to assess the integration of the technology onto Stryker vehicles. This process will include evaluations based on armor designs, integration methods, and durability test data provided by GVSC.
“As the government’s science and technology research transitions to our industry partners, critical survivability and protection capability will get into the hands of our warfighters more quickly and cost-effectively,” said Josh Peterson, GVSC Deputy Associate Director for Survivability and Protection.
The Stryker Enhanced Armor program, which moved from GVSC to the Product Manager Vehicle Protection Systems (VPS) in fiscal year 2023, is aimed at providing improved protection against threats, including residual effects from active protection systems. The initiative seeks to ensure that Stryker vehicles remain adaptable to evolving battlefield conditions.
“It’s great to see program alignment from science and technology efforts to the acquisition community and eventually to the Soldier at the tip of the spear,” said Brad Monhaut, Product Manager for VPS. “This synchronization is key to delivering modern capabilities quickly and effectively to our warfighters.”
In fiscal year 2024, the program reached a major milestone when it transitioned to the Project Manager Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT). The SBCT subsequently awarded a work directive contract to GDLS, initiating the process of incorporating SEA onto future Stryker platforms. This development marks the first time an enhanced armor capability has transitioned from scientific research and development to the vehicle’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) through the full acquisition pathway.