American Stryker Brigade Abandoning Armored Vehicles in Favor of Lighter Alternatives

In October 2025, the U.S. Department of War announced a major transformation of the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, stationed at Lewis-McChord in Washington state.

The brigade will be the first to undergo a full conversion to a Mobile Brigade Combat Team (MBCT), a mobile combat team capable of operating in multi-domain conflict, Army Recognition reports.

As part of the modernization, the 81st Brigade is gradually phasing out its heavy Stryker armored vehicles in favor of the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), a light tactical vehicle developed by GM Defense in partnership with Polaris.

These vehicles provide high mobility, rapid deployment and a reduced visual and electronic profile.

The ISV, which weighs less than 2,270 kg, can be transported by CH-47 Chinook or UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, has a speed of over 110 km/h and a range of over 500 km.

In addition to the new vehicles, the MBCT integrates unmanned systems such as robotic platforms for logistics and reconnaissance, tactical drones for surveillance, and networked sensors that transmit real-time data to mobile command posts.

They can be transported by C-130 aircraft and operate autonomously in isolated conditions. Such teams can quickly support deterrence missions or respond to threats without the need for complex infrastructure.