Textron Systems has resumed production of a modified M1117 Armored Security Vehicle for Ukraine, featuring improved protection and increased payload capacity.
The variant, known as the Mobile Strike Force Vehicle (MSFV), was originally produced for the now-defunct Afghan National Army and remained in production until 2019.
Ukraine is among the recipients and is set to receive 65 newly-built vehicles under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. Deliveries will be completed over three years and supported by an additional year of spare parts.
The vehicles are being assembled at the company’s Louisiana facility following several months of preparation, coordination, and facility upgrades to meet production requirements.
“Production of the MSFV is officially underway at Textron Systems’ Slidell, La., manufacturing facility, marking an important milestone in the company’s ongoing support to US partners and allied ground forces,” Textron Systems stated.
Upgraded Vehicle
The 4×4 MSFV features enhanced blast protection and an extended hull that increases internal space and allows for additional seating configurations.
The baseline M1117, which is already operational in Ukraine, has a gross weight of nearly 30,000 pounds (13,608 kilograms), can reach speeds of up to 63 miles (101 kilometers) per hour, and is armed with a turret-mounted .50-caliber M2 machine gun and 40mm Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher.
According to a US Army notice, the Ukraine-bound MSFV will be capable of simultaneously mounting an Mk 19 grenade launcher and an M2 .50-caliber machine gun in its turret, while also supporting interchangeable M2, M240, and M249 machine guns on external mounts.
Additional requirements include transportability by C-17 and C-5 aircraft, rail, and maritime transport, capacity for up to 10 personnel, and a payload of up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms), compared with 3,360 pounds (1,524 kilograms) for the baseline M1117.
