“Useless metal structure”: the ISV SUV was criticized in the American edition with reference to the Pentagon
The new light army assault vehicle is too small to carry fighters and cargo and is not able to demonstrate its effectiveness in a collision with an enemy of equal power, such as Russia and China, according to a report from the Pentagon's Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) unit.
The ISV SUV was created to provide increased mobility for the American infantry; it can also be used by combat teams of airborne and air assault brigades. However, according to a new study by OT&E published in January, the vehicle "lacks the ability to fire effectively, provide reliable communications, and protect an infantry squad."
Allegedly, during the testing of buggies on US military training grounds in March and August 2021, an ISV-equipped rifle company was unable to avoid enemy detection and in most cases fell into ambushes. Driving over rough and wooded terrain required a slowdown, which negated any element of surprise.
During the execution of training missions, the unit suffered numerous conditional losses.
- says the conclusions of OT&E.
As explained, during the tests, the low efficiency of the buggy led to the fact that the units preferred to dismount long before approaching the target. As a result, significant (conditional) losses were observed among the drivers and the equipment itself upon contact with the enemy.
The new army assault vehicle is a useless metal structure
- noted in the American edition of Task & Purpose, citing officials at the Pentagon.
The OT&E report details significant shortcomings of the ISV, from the vehicle's lack of armor to the fighters' inability to obtain personal weapon due to crowding and difficulties when loading / unloading from the car in full gear. Therefore, the soldiers became "easy prey in ambushes."
Places for soldiers are cramped and uncomfortable. More than 60% of fighters expressed dissatisfaction with the ride comfort of the ISV
- indicated in the conclusions of OT&E.
Despite these problems, the army does not intend to abandon the purchase of ISV. In June 2020, a $214,3 million contract was awarded to GM Defense for the production of 649 off-road vehicles for infantry, with plans to acquire up to 2065 vehicles over eight years.
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