General Motors subsidiary GM Defense has entered into a strategic collaboration with Bethesda-based Mistral and Israeli loitering munition specialist UVision aimed at enhancing the US Army’s tactical capabilities. Announced on 20 May 2024, the collaboration involves integrating UVision’s Hero-120 loitering munition with GM Defense’s light tactical utility vehicle.
Based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 pickup truck, the GM Defense utility concept vehicle features a high percentage of commercial off-the-shelf parts, including Chevrolet Performance components to enhance off-road capabilities, and offers different seating configurations to meet customer requirements. The utility solution is designed with a cargo bed in the rear of the vehicle that is used to house UVision’s Multi-Canister Launcher – Expeditionary (MCL-E), armed with the Hero-120 loitering munition. Alternatively, the vehicle can be used to carry command-and-control, electronic warfare, counter-unmanned aircraft system, reconnaissance or logistics payloads.
The Hero-120 loitering munition system is designed for engaging enemy combatants without exposing troops to direct enemy fire. The system is capable of engaging a variety of targets, including armoured vehicles, enemy troops, field fortifications or urban structures. Its precision strike capability is specifically designed to maximise effectiveness while minimising collateral damage.
Mistral, meanwhile, as evidenced by its co-operation with UVision and GM Defense, focuses on bridging the operational gaps of US warfighters with practical and cost-effective solutions.
A GM Defense source confirmed to ESD on 21 May that the vehicle being used for the Mistral/UVision collaboration is a diesel-powered, four/five-seat version of the company’s Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), which is currently being provided to the US Army under the second phase of the Army Ground Mobility Vehicle programme.
“We’re seeing an increased need for light tactical wheeled vehicles that deliver agility, speed and lethality,” John ‘JD’ Johnson, vice president of business development for GM Defense, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “Our collaboration with Mistral demonstrates the versatility of our utility concept vehicle and its ability to enhance the tactical capabilities of warfighters. With initial demonstrations successfully completed, we will continue to look for opportunities to showcase the value these integrated technologies deliver to defence customers.”
Yoav Banai, vice president of Mistral, added, “This integration sets a new standard in military technology, providing the US Army and allied forces with an unparalleled combination of mobility, precision and adaptability. Our collaboration with GM Defense reflects our combined commitment to advancing military capabilities and to evolving battlefield challenges.”
In a press release GM Defense stressed the maintainability of its utility vehicle in austere environments, given that it features a high percentage of commercial parts that can be obtained through GM’s existing global supply chain. GM Defense also noted the utility vehicle can be customised with modular kits, making it adaptable to meet a broad range of general-purpose and special operations forces requirements.
