GM Defense, BAE Systems, and NP Aerospace have announced the formation of “Team LionStrike” to compete in the British Army’s Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) program. The initiative seeks to modernize the service’s vehicle fleet by replacing its aging Land Rover and Pinzgauer platforms with a standardized, next-generation solution.
The UK government intends to procure several thousand LMVs over the next decade, which will be distributed across infantry, cavalry, and artillery units. GM Defense is offering its proven Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 pickup, as the foundation for the program. BAE Systems will adapt the design for military requirements through its Weapon Systems UK arm, while NP Aerospace will serve as the UK-based Design Authority, ensuring integration, operational compliance, and long-term sustainment.
If successful, Team LionStrike promises to strengthen the UK’s defense industrial base by supporting jobs in the Midlands and creating opportunities across the wider supply chain. Beyond economic benefits, the ISV delivers significant battlefield capability, including the ability to carry 3,200 pounds of cargo and up to nine personnel. It features a 275-horsepower Duramax diesel engine, rollover protection, infrared lights, and options for advanced weapon integrations such as counter-drone lasers, machine guns, and grenade launchers.
The ISV is also highly deployable, capable of being lifted by heavy transport helicopters or air-dropped from military cargo aircraft. This versatility aligns with the Army’s modernization goals to field agile, multi-role platforms suited for rapid deployment in diverse operational environments.
