The General Motors division The testing of GM Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) for the United Arab Emirates and its partner nations is now complete.

The system’s tactical performance in challenging situations with varied terrain and inclement weather was proven by the tests, which took place over several days during Abu Dhabi’s annual Armed Forces Summer Trials.

Through 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) of maneuvering over sand dunes, freeways, and difficult tracks, the system carried payloads during the procedure.

The ISV conducted a maintenance trial that included a two-day repair sequence in addition to additional sustainment and recovery studies, in addition to mobility demonstrations.

“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,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense.

“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.”

United Arab Emirates Defense Cooperation

After the North Carolina-based company and the United Arab Emirates’ military acquisition agency Tawazun Council signed a collaboration agreement in February 2023, the ISV conducted summer trials in the Middle East.

This tactical collaboration acted as a “first step” toward providing future solutions that will benefit Emirati warfighters and strengthen the nation’s domestic defense industry.

“Priority opportunities covered by the [memorandum of understanding] include cooperative research and development, regional production and assembly, and post-production support and global logistics focused on the key technology areas of integrated vehicles; power and propulsion – including fuel cell and power generation; and autonomy and connectivity,” said GM Defense in a statement during the signing last year.

Vehicle for Infantry Squad

The ISV is designed to satisfy the changing mobility needs of the US Army. It is based on the midsize Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 truck and uses approximately 90% off-the-shelf parts.

The car can accommodate nine people and is driven by a 2.9-liter engine that produces 275 horsepower.

It may be dropped onto the battlefield at low velocity by C-17 Globemaster III, C-130 Hercules, and A400M Atlas cargo planes, or it can be loaded aboard UH-60 Blackhawk, CH-47 Chinook, and CH-53 Stallion helicopters.

Mark 19/47 grenade launchers, M240 machine guns, M2 Browning heavy machine guns, and anti-drone laser energy weapons are among the weaponry that can be mounted on the platform.