GM Defense’s New Infantry Squad Vehicle Passes Grueling Sand Dune Trials In UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces completed evaluation trials of the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) by General Motors Defense, built on the chassis of a Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 midsize truck.

GM Defense’s ISV successfully completed all trials that the UAE Armed Forces could throw at the offroad utility vehicle for elite military special operations units in the Middle Eastern country. The trial included traveling nearly 1,250 miles across highways, dunes, soft sand tracks, and rocky walls while carrying maximum payload capacities. 

In addition to mobility trials, the ISV completed the maintenance trial, which included two days of field repair testing and maintenance. 

“This was GM Defense’s first time sending a vehicle to UAE Summer Trials, and our successful completion is a testament to the strength of our ISV and to the expertise and dedication of our team,” said Steve duMont, GM Defense president.

DuMont continued: “Through completion of all phases, we’ve demonstrated that we can successfully leverage the advanced technologies of our parent company, General Motors, to deliver a highly capable off-road vehicle that can meet the needs of defense and government customers in the UAE and throughout the region. Our Summer Trial achievements are a key step forward in our planned growth in the region as we seek to offer the ISV and its variants to this important customer base.”

In 2020, the United States Army selected the ISV to enhance its operational capabilities. The ISV incorporates 90% commercial off-the-shelf parts, is designed to carry nine infantrymen. The vehicle’s adaptability for air transportability allows it to be deployed through military aircraft, including C-130 to UH-60 Blackhawk. 

The ISV is the big brother to the ultra-light Polaris MRZR that Special Forces have used for years. Occasionally, the MRZR will be listed on the auction website Gov Planet for civilians to purchase.