The U.S. Army is asking defense industry companies whether they can build and support nearly 21,000 Infantry Squad Vehicles, or ISVs. A market survey is a way for the Army to gather information from businesses before it chooses how to buy something. This survey was published on a Monday and focuses on two ISV versions.
The first version is the ISV-9, which carries nine passengers. The second is the ISV-Utility, or ISV-U, which carries five passengers and has a utility bed for hauling cargo. The survey gives an estimated total requirement of 20,787 vehicles. That number is split into 9,003 ISV-9s and 11,784 ISV-Us, and it depends on available funding and future needs from the Army, other services and some foreign customers.
The survey is not a contract. It asks companies for manufacturing cost estimates at different yearly production levels, such as 100, 500, 1,000 and 1,500 or more units per year. The Army wants to see where costs drop as production grows. It also sketches a timeline that starts in fiscal 2028 and runs to fiscal 2036, with the Army receiving about 2,000 to 2,100 vehicles per year near the end.
The survey lists many technical requirements. Both versions must have full rollover protection for passengers, run-flat tires, an integrated winch, and the ability to ford salt and fresh water. The ISV-U must also carry a 4,000-watt inverter and tow up to 6,500 pounds. The Army also says the vehicles must handle steep grades and rough terrain without wearing out the occupants.
Why should Soldiers care? Vehicles like these affect how squads move, carry gear and recover people. Small-unit leaders can use this news as a discussion point about vehicle capability, maintenance demands and how a squad plans for load limits. Readers can also compare the stated requirements with the vehicles they already use. The article does not describe any new rule or required action for Soldiers today.
Source: Army Times: US Army queries industry’s ability to build 21,000 Infantry Squad Vehicles. Published 2026-10-27.