US Army fires live ammunition from new 8×8 ICVVA1-30mm Stryker vehicles in Germany

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During an exercise at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, the US Army fired live ammunition from its new 8×8 ICVVA1-30mm armoured combat vehicles, which have entered service with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. The activity is particularly significant because it marks the first time the US Army has employed this system with this ammunition in Germany, while also assessing the vehicle’s capabilities in an operational scenario.

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Stryker vehicles fitted with a 30 mm cannon

Soldiers from the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, based in Vilseck, conducted the live-fire exercise using the new double-V-hull Stryker vehicles. These platforms feature a medium-calibre weapon system with a semi-automatic 30 mm cannon, in addition to M240 machine guns.

The first new Strykers arrived in February, with the regiment receiving an initial allocation of 20 vehicles. Captain Alexander Stamatiou, commander of the squadron’s Killer Troop, stated that the remaining units will receive these vehicles shortly. Soldiers from the 3rd Squadron were also the first outside the United States to take delivery of this variant.

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Improved crew access and vehicle systems

The vehicle also provides more internal space, alongside upgrades to its engine, optical systems, communications and target-acquisition equipment. Stamatiou explained that one of the key differences is that the crew can reload weapons and carry out maintenance tasks from inside the vehicle.

During the exercise, Sergeant Oliver Estela experienced an issue with his machine gun. He entered the unmanned turret, cleared the jam and resumed firing a few minutes later. Commenting on the new variant, Estela said: “It is more convenient,” adding that it is “much more capable than our previous platforms.”

Faster target acquisition and engagement

The new Strykers also include systems designed to shorten the time required to acquire targets. Specialist Spencer Riley explained that infantry squad leaders have independent sights to designate targets for the vehicle’s weapon operators.

Riley said: “There is a function that lets me flick a switch and my weapon automatically moves towards what he is looking at.” According to the soldier, this capability enables the operator to begin an engagement immediately after receiving a target designation.

The modernisation programme began in 2021, when the Army selected Oshkosh Defense to integrate the 30 mm cannon into Stryker vehicles. The service subsequently ordered 269 upgraded vehicles worth USD 356 million as part of the programme intended to increase these platforms’ firepower.

Stryker modernisation and counter-drone capabilities

The capability package also includes 120 mm mortars installed on dedicated vehicles, .50-calibre machine guns and Javelin anti-tank missile launchers. These capabilities are complemented by the US Army’s work to introduce counter-drone systems through initiatives such as Project Flytrap, which evaluates vehicle-mounted solutions and individual equipment for detecting, tracking and disrupting unmanned aircraft.

The modernisation is especially relevant for units deployed in Europe because of lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war, where personnel carriers have been attacked by commercial drones and first-person-view systems. Riley highlighted the range and penetration capability of the ammunition available for the new Stryker, stating: “You can hit someone from quite far away with these things. You have good armour-piercing ammunition.”

Image credits to the relevant owners.