Polaris MRZR Alpha Enhances Agility and Resilience
The US Marine Corps has begun fielding the new Ultra Light Tactical Vehicle (ULTV), declaring initial operating capability (IOC) and marking a significant milestone in its Force Design 2030 modernisation efforts.
The vehicle, based on the MRZR Alpha developed by Polaris Government & Defense, provides combat elements with an advanced, lightweight solution tailored for operations in an anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environment. “Fielding the ULTV serves as a signal that the Corps is keeping in stride with the ambitious roadmap laid out in Force Design 2030,” commented Col John Gutierrez, portfolio manager for Logistics Combat Element Systems. “This new capability will ultimately help forge a more agile and resilient Corps—one which is empowered to overcome the evolving complexities of modern warfare”.
Fielding operations are being conducted by the First Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Pendleton, CA, where the first vehicles have already arrived. A structured roll-out will continue throughout the MEF, culminating in August, followed by additional fielding events across the Corps.
The ULTV, a modular, off-road utility vehicle, is currently replacing the Utility Task Vehicle (UTV), which has reached the end of its useful service life. Rapidly reconfigurable, the ULTV supports diverse infantry needs, ranging from logistical support and casualty evacuation to C2 and EW missions. The vehicle can also be transported internally in the MV-22 and CH-53E/K, further facilitating rapid deployment.
“The ULTV is more than just a tactical vehicle; it enhances our capabilities across the board, ensuring the success of our mission and the safety of our Marines,” explained Program Manager for Light Tactical Vehicles, Jennifer Moore. “The ability to rapidly configure the ULTV to suit diverse mission needs – from logistical support to electronic warfare – enhances our capabilities in previously unimagined ways”.
Nick Francis, VP at Polaris Government & Defense, added “Innovation is a constant at Polaris, and we leverage our company’s broader expertise to benefit our military customers, as we did with the development of the MRZR Alpha – the most capable MRZR to date. Our expertise in off-road vehicle development, engineering and manufacturing provides exceptional value and capability to our military customers, and allows us to produce highly modular vehicles that can meet the demanding mobility and reliability requirements of expeditionary forces like the US Marine Corps [which] has always been at the forefront of air-transportable ultra-light tactical mobility”.
