US Marine Corps advances amphibious reconnaissance capabilities
BAE Systems successfully tested Lockheed Martin Skunk Works’ Stalker and Indago sUAS on an Amphibious Combat Vehicle C4/UAS variant.
BAE System’s ACV C4/UAS vehicle is a mobile systems integration lab built to demonstrate the technology marines need to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance and acquisition capabilities.
The systems particularly enhance the ability of soldiers to sense and communicate targets over the horizon using C4 systems.
Skunk Work’s Stalker and Indago UAS are some of the technology components that the ACV C4/UAS employs to achieve this goal.
The Indago and Stalker UAS were tested along with a number of other unspecified products as part of contractor verification testing. Following this testing, the USMC will conduct its own series of tests to assess if the ACV C4/UAS is an appropriate solution for the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle programme.
The USMC launched the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle programme to replace its ageing General Dynamics Land Systems LAV-25 fleet.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, approximately 500 ARVs are expected to be procured by the USMC with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2032. The programme is expected to be worth between $1.8 and $6.8 billion.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
SOF Week 2026: The Gear Keeping Warfighters Ready in Extreme Climates (Video)
At SOF Week 2026, Pro-Shot Defense discusses the maintenance technologies and weapon support tools designed to keep special operations forces mission ready in the world’s harshest environments.
-
Sweden looks to commercial world to meet military UGV needs
Stockholm is exploring commercial avenues to provide a small uncrewed ground vehicle capable of carrying 500kg with a focus on challenging terrains and C2 systems.
-
Are counter-drone systems for dismounted troops emerging as the next procurement battle?
As uncrewed aerial systems and loitering munitions evolve, it is increasingly necessary for counter-uncrewed solutions to keep pace in order to protect not only military facilities and platforms but also dismounted troops.
-
NATO’s Crystal Arrow factors in Ukrainian UGV lessons as European interest grows
One goal of NATO’s Exercise Crystal Arrow was to identify the potential uses of uncrewed ground vehicles – as seen on the Ukrainian battlefield – and put platforms into the hands of users.
-
SOF Week 2026: Galvion unveils Cortex Evo integrated combat helmet
Galvion has introduced its Cortex Evo integrated head system, combining ballistic protection, power, data and processing capabilities within a single combat helmet architecture.
