International Armoured Vehicles Resource Centre
The International Armoured Vehicles Resource Centre provides regularly updated Presentations, Speaker Interviews and Presentations coordinated with Defence IQ’s Armoured Vehicles events.
These resources are free for you to access – simply fill in the download forms and start the learning process before, during and after the conference!
Interviews from International Armoured Vehicles 2012:
UK Defence Minister confident of armoured vehicles future
Peter Luff MP, Defence Minister for Equipment, Support and Technology, spoke to Defence IQ during his tour of the International Armoured Vehicles 2012 event, where he praised the input from UK defence SMEs, and talked of the new approach the Ministry of Defence is taking to procuring equipment from these very companies to ensure troops on the front line have what they need, as soon as they need it, no matter the circumstance.
US Deputy Chief of Staff of the G8
Lieutenant General Robert Lennox began the first day of conference presentations at the 2012 International Armoured Vehicles event and summarised for Defence IQ the key areas of development and ongoing challenges in this field. “Providing soldiers with protected mobility is our number one priority,” he told the delegation, before updating those in attendance on the GCV programme and what the industry needs to do to assist forces in the near term.
Chief of US Armor on upgrades, training and long-term strategy
Defence IQ’s Richard de Silva speaks with Brigadier General Thomas James, the US Armor School Commandant and 46th Chief of Armor, for the Maneuver Center of Excellence, as International Armoured Vehicles 2012 saw its fourth day of discussion. Speaking on aspects ranging from simulation and training, as well as why the US vehicle fleet has seen a shift from to 40% armour to 60% cavalry, BG James recaps on a few of the points made in his extremely well-received presentation.
Senior perspective on Polish armoured vehicle requirements
Brigadier General Slawomir Wojciechowski joined us after his presentation at IAVs 2012, at which he candidly discussed the needs of Polish and international forces for mobile armour in the post-Afghanistan environment. Will we be leaning towards preparation for counterinsurgency, a reprise of conventional warfare, or something else entirely?
Swedish armoured vehicles
Major General Berndt Grundevik understands the need for flexibility in the fleet in order to deal with both foreign conflict and homeland security. Mobility and firepower are two of his priorities on the list, but is finding that the process to balance capabilities is slowed by economic turmoil. Hear how he suggests we offset this issue.
Testing vehicles for all eventualities
Canadian Officer Major Brian Corbett is second-in-command for the British Forces at the Armoured Trials and Development Unit (ATDU). His team ensures military and industry work together from the design phase to ensure user requirements are properly met, as well as tests upgrades to platforms before they go into full production. Here, he discusses the Unit’s current projects and the challenges he faces in this crucial component.
NATO facing the IED threat
Major Chad Carlson of the NATO C-IED Centre of Excellence is focused on neutralisation of the device, where his work to remove the device from the battlefield faces challenges from diffusing active IEDs to preventing them from getting into the ground at all. “The future is whatever the technology is,” he notes, suggesting industry must play the key role in increasing this area of survivability.
Increasing “excellence” for tomorrow’s armoured vehicles
Ted Maciuba, Director of Mounted Requirements for the Maneuver Center of Excellence, puts the feedback from the frontline into practice by driving the development of battlespace needs into armoured vehicle design and production. During a conference focus day at IAVs, he explains how network enabled warfare can be improved, what the new threats are, and how the US Ground Combat Vehicle is closing in on completion.
India pioneering armoured vehicle environmental solutions
Ensuring the armoured vehicle crew is operating in comfort has a huge impact on operational performance. The struggle to meet this requirement is now all the more important as theatres of conflict at present and in the future promise to be hot, arid, and unforgiving. Responding to this problem, India-based Fedders Lloyd has developed cooling equipment and innovated ‘total solutions’ in powering these systems for military vehicles. Following his presentation at International Armoured Vehicles, CEO Nagarajan Sridharan explains exactly how these systems are tailored for the needs of individual forces, how they are protected in combat, and why the world should consider India to be the premiere defence market.
Report
Armoured Vehicles Report 2012
In coordination with the International Armoured Vehicles conference and exhibition, the Armoured Vehicles Report 2012 explores how the future of the global armoured vehicle market is likely to evolve over the next decade. Topics include armoured vehicle design requirements, key emerging global markets, the lessons learned from Iraq and Afghanistan, and the impact of the global economic meltdown as defence budgets continue to wane.
Articles
Pop-COIN and ‘The Death of American Strategy’
January 2012
A.E. Stahl, Associate at the Institute for National Security Studies, re-assesses the controversial article published by US Colonel Gian P. Gentile, which argued that Population-Centric Counterinsurgency (Pop-COIN) has signalled the end of American strategy. Is “armed nation building” the wrong approach? Can the impact of counterinsurgency tactics be offset? Is American military strategy “dead”?
For related articles, subscribe to Infinity Journal today by visiting www.InfinityJournal.com.
TANK TALK: The week that was
Contributor: Andrew Elwell
Posted: January 10, 2012
In this edition of ‘The week that was’, Defence IQ gives you a snap-shot of all the armoured vehicle updates from around the globe over the last few weeks.
MRAP...ped up - Navistar wins $880 million DoD order Navistar Defense, L.L.C., Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded an $879,923,195 firm-fixed-priced delivery order 0023 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for the procurement of 2,717 units of rolling chassis; 10 engineering change proposals; and 25 contract data requirements lists, for MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. Work will be performed in West Point, Miss., and is expected to be completed by the end of October 2013. Procurement funds in the amount of $879,923,195 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Tanks a lot! UK cuts £10.8 billion from armoured vehicles programmes
Contributor: Andrew Elwell
Posted: December 12, /2011
“The Department has yet to balance its defence budget fully and devise a plan to close capability gaps, despite having conducted the SDSR and two subsequent planning exercises.”
This is one of the many disquieting findings of a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report on the UKs armoured vehicle procurement woes, entitled ‘The cost-effective delivery of an armoured vehicle capability.’
The report revealed that since 1998 the MoD (the Department) has spent £1.1 billion on the process of acquiring a new generation of armoured vehicle, but its faltering and abortive methods have meant none of its principal vehicle programmes have yet been delivered. None. This includes the cancelled TRACER (Tactical Reconnaissance Armoured Combat Equipment Requirement) and MRAV (Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle) projects.
Armoured vehicle makers merge to shelter from economic tidal wave
Contributor: Andrew Elwell
Posted: December 12, /2011
Last month we reported that the armoured vehicle mid-market was set for a wave of consolidation as too many firms hanker over too few contracts. Today it looks like Reneault Trucks Defence (RTD) is the latest company to be linked to a mega-merger after a report in Defense News says a ‘now or never’ deal with a European vehicle maker is on the table.
Gérard Amiel, Executive Chairman of Renault Trucks, told Defense News that the deal will double annual sales to €700 million (£593 million) by 2015.
Australian Light Armoured Vehicle Coiled to Strike
December 2011
The Australian government has given its official backing to Thales Australia as its approved manufacturer of the Army’s Protected Mobility Vehicle, in a potential £1 billion agreement.
New Saudi Arabian Humvees to counter foreign and homeland threats
November 2011
Saudi Arabia is looking to purchase more than 200 armoured Humvees, according to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency who notified Congress at the end of October…
£1 billion investment for UK Warrior armoured vehicles
October 2011
UK forces were bolstered this month with the news that the contract for the Army’s Warrior infantry fighting vehicle upgrade has finally been sealed, which should see the service life of the fleet extended to at least 2040.
India buys new armoured recovery vehicles
October 2011
India’s Army is set to receive over 200 armoured recovery and repair vehicles to provide support to its T-72 battle tank fleet, at a predicted cost of approximately £890,000 per unit.
Australia’s military vehicle industry base
October 2011
A short overview of Australia’s complex armoured vehicles market, looking at the newest contracts, delays and future opportunities. Nigel Pittaway reports for Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter. Read the digital magazine at www.asiapacificdefencereporter.com.
Ground Combat Vehicle programme rolls forward
The US military has finally approved a programme of production for the Army’s proposed Ground Combat Vehicle at a cost of $1.35 billion. Organised under the Brigade Combat Team (BCT) Modernisation programme, the new platform will begin to replace the long-serving Bradley Fighting Vehicle by 2017…
Will Coalition Troops Be Allowed to Use Special Forces Technology to Counter IED Attacks?
April 2011
In Afghanistan, population-centric operations to increase Afghan human security and support for the Coalition are being underpinned by high-end technological efforts that directly target the insurgents (INS). Targeting is crucial in any counter-insurgency (COIN) effort where kinetic operations are concerned and Afghanistan is certainly no exception. It is well documented how careless or misguided strikes have inflicted dire civilian casualties, causing the legitimacy of ISAF troops to be undermined as Afghan support is lost.
European Armour Development Bears Up Under Tightening Fiscal Restraints
April 2011
Despite a doctrinal shift away from large mechanised formations in all European armed forces, main battle tanks (MBT), infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) and myriad other ground fighting vehicles are a vital component of modern military operations. Whilst the armour technology market has traditionally been viewed as a less profitable affair then aerospace, some of the world’s most successful military vehicle manufacturers are based in Europe, with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall of Germany, the UK’s BAE Land Systems, Nexter of France and Finland’s Patria all boasting fairly healthy order books. When coupled with new trends in force protection needs and upgrade packages, Europe’s mechanised armour industry is likely to enjoy gainful employment in the coming years.
Libya Phase II - Operations Ellamy and Odyssey Dawn Make Way for NATO
March 2011
Libya - As rebel momentum grows, NATO hand-over raises serious strategic questions about continued use of air power.
In Bid to Halt Rise in IED Deaths, US Congress Spends $7bn on 'Life Saving' Vehicles
January 2011
The United States Congress has given the go-ahead to invest $7 billion into the ongoing efforts to mitigate the threat of IEDs in Afghanistan, with a primary focus on the deployment of recently designed armoured vehicle platforms.
Room to Live: Why Aren't Armoured Vehicles Surviving the Explosive Threat in Afghanistan?
November 2010
Vehicle survivability is a key topic in the current public debate surrounding operations in Afghanistan. The subsequent interest this debate has mobilised has pressured manufacturers to find a solution to produce armoured vehicles that can protect ISAF troops from the threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
MRAP Developments
September 2010
Scott Blaney, Chief of C-IED at US Center for Army Lessons Learned, gives Defence IQ a comprehensive overview of the performance of MRAP vehicles in Afghanistan and Iraq, and provides insight into the brand new MRAP Handbook being released in October 2010.
Demand climbs for armoured recovery vehicles
September 2010
With the sharp emergence of Mine Resistant Ambush Patrol (MRAP) vehicles being deployed by U.S. forces in Afghanistan, along with an increase in armoured vehicle orders across all coalition forces, the need for emergency recovery has risen in kind.
How motorsport can benefit armoured vehicles
July 2010
Technology used by Formula One (F1) racing cars is being explored for its potential benefit to troops operating armoured vehicles in theatre.
US Army tanks explore green fuel-cell technology
July 2010
The United States military has announced that efforts to provide its armoured vehicles with non-petroleum based fuel-cells are making progress
Modern Protection for Combat Vehicles Part 1
October 2010
After the evaluation of combat missions, combat vehicles, whether wheeled or tracked, and equipped with armour against the respective threats, are in great demand. In particular, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan showed that critical situations could often be mastered only with the use of heavy combat vehicles. The terrorist all-around threat requires heavy all-around protection in order to be sufficiently protected against attacks.
Modern Protection for Combat Vehicles Part 2
October 2010
Part 2 of Modern Protection for Combat Vehicles article. An armour solution that can be stacked in transport containers, transported by helicopter, and mines has been developed for driving cabs of transport and engineering vehicles. If required, the segments can be exchanged by soldiers without special tooling and not exclusively by the contractors. The partly dismountable driving cabs reduce procurement, user, and transport costs while providing high operational mobility.
Podcasts
Meet your chairman: Lt. Gen. Sir John Kiszely
November 2011
Lt Gen Sir John Kiszely joins Defence IQ on the line ahead of the event to discuss the past, present and future of armoured vehicles and his involvement as chair on the annual IAV event. Aside to providing early thoughts on the recent focus on counterinsurgency developments and dealing with increasingly heavier units, Kiszely explains why those in the defence vehicle community should be looking forward to attending the 2012 conference and exhibition.
Countering the Blast and Saving Lives: MRAP Vehicles Promise Crew Survivability
February 2011
Scott Blaney is the Counter-IED Chief from the US Army Center for Army Lessons Learned. Here he outlines the history behind the push for technological development in armoured vehicles survivability. MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle development has been rapid but effective, and has ultimately benefited from feedback from the field.
The Ultimate Driver's Test: Armoured Vehicle Simulators Prepare the Royal Netherlands Army for Action
February 2011
Combined arms simulation and training are proving increasingly vital to European armies looking to field new crews in existing armoured vehicle platforms. Captain Chris Lukose of the Royal Netherlands Army speaks with our own Rich de Silva about how this works - from development of company-level tactics down to training in personal proficiency. The new TACTIS (Tactical Indoor Simulation) system provides a fresh avenue for simulated exercises - by providing a network where vehicle borne crews can sit in hi-fidelity simulations of Leopard tanks, for example. Is this the ultimate solution to preparing crews for the battlefield?
Defending the Valley of the King: KADDB and Jordanian Armed Forces Plan the Road Ahead
October 2010
In this exclusive high level interview, we have the opportunity to speak with Brig. Gen. Mufareh Al-Tarawneh. Brigadier General Al-Tarawneh is Deputy Managing Director at King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau, better known as KADDB. KADDB is the Jordanian research and development facility that supplies defence and commercial equipment within the Jordanian and Middle East defence sectors, as well as globally. In this interview, he addresses the growing demand for technology futures - especially in border management and weapons and vehicles upgrades. The Brigadier also talks about the challenges of meeting JAF demands - and the theatres in which KADDB kit has seen action. He will be speaking at Future Artillery Middle East 2010, being held in Amman, Jordan on the 2nd through the 4th of November.
Combating the IED threat with Lt. Gen. Thomas Metz
Defence IQ speaks exclusively with the former director of JIEDDO to discuss the developments and challenges inherent in the IED obstacle, taking new approaches to counterinsurgency, and the need for a forward-thinking strategy
Jane's Editor and Expert Gives Extensive Overview of Armoured Vehicles Industry
Christopher Foss, expert and journalist on the subject of AVs worldwide and editor of several Jane's defense publications, including Armour and Artillery and Defence Weekly, shares his vast knowledge and wisened opinion on the pressing concerns within the industry today. He provides a perspective on the key concerns for development with particular emphasis on survivability, why he considers UORs a "double-edged sword", and how he has found the deployment of UK AVs to have improved over the last two years.
'No Guts, No Glory': Indian Mechanised Forces Answer the Call for Modernising Armour Technologies
October 2010
Defence IQ speaks with Colonel (Rtd) A K Sharma, former armour battalion commander, Dean of the Indian Army’s Faculty of Technical Studies, and editor of the South Asia Defence & Strategic Review. He provides an overview of the Indian Army's current AV fleet, the key capability enhancements…
Videos
Live discussion: Can we prioritise armoured vehicle capability?
August 2011
View the 10 minute discussion at our recent Armoured Vehicles South Africa event, where commanders from the US, South Africa, and UN heavy armour divisions discuss between them what aspects their nations are willing to sacrifice, and what will remain vital for future operations. This is a fascinating insight into the honest thinking of international forces as they prepare for the challenges ahead. You can also read the discussion here.
British Forces News Report on IAVs 2011
October 2010
Defence IQ Report on the Ocelot (aka the Foxhound)
February 2011
'See and Avoid' Ground Penetrating Radars Approved for Afghan Operations
March 2011
Ground penetrating radar works to create a three dimensional picture of subterranean objects. What it brings to the fight is the ability to scan, identify and avoid land mines and similar threats. Thomas Ornevik of 3D Radar and Ri-Chee Chou of Exponent Inc. talk about the cooperative effort they have introduced to help safeguard armoured vehicle crews. Urgent US Army requirements for Afghan operations have pushed this cooperation forward - with the final product to be installed on the Husky mine detection vehicle
Defence Procurement Showdown: Armoured Vehicle Programme Officers Demand Improved Contractor Support
April 2011
This multinational panel discussion features key regional viewpoints on armour upgrades. The key question put to these four panellists is, 'How does one prioritise armoured vehicle upgrades whilst balancing requirements for armour, mobility and firepower. Featured here are General Jayasuriya of the Sri Lanka Army; Dr Lusardi, representing the US Marine Corps; Brigadier General Tuilan of the Indonesian MoD and Major Reynolds of the UK MoD. Delivering to increased future expeditionary warfare demands, providing for more UOR focused procurement, safe-guarding cost-effectiveness: these are just a few of the broad range of speaking points delivered from these four experts. Find out what questions their audience poses to them on what has become a controversial subject
Armoured Vehicle Panel Discussion: Procurement Advisors Open the Floor to Industry's Questions
March 2011
This unique panel discussion engages three representatives who speak directly for their nations' military acquisitions priorities. When it comes to armoured vehicle procurement, each of these three expresses unique and diverse demands for design and funding protocols. Dr Kogila Balakrishnan, Colonel Gilbert Gapay and Lieutenant General Antonio Gucciardino represent Malaysian, Philippine and Italian land force requirements, respectively. This rare and open question and answer session opens the floor to industry - and allows those who advise their governments on acquisitions to outline specific needs through 2020.
The Fabric of Protection: Armoured Vehicles Designed to Survive
April 2011
From Ceramics To Composite Materials, There Is A Broad Range Of Technologies Used To Manufacture Ballistic Protection. This Is A Vital Consideration When Constructing The Armoured Vehicle 'Iron Triangle'. Performance Is Now No Longer Measured Merely In Terms Of Blast Or Small Arms Protection, But Also In Weight Reduction. What's Better Than Polyethylene Woven Ballistic Fabrics? Cross Weave Technologies. Alex Yong Presents To Armoured Vehicles Asia On Behalf Of DSM Dyneema On These Protective Materials. Watch To Find Out How This Is Matching Up To The Competition.
The Top 5 Solutions to Balancing Armoured Vehicle Capability and Survivability
February 2011
Dr Robert Lusardi is the Deputy Programme Manager for Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs) for the US Marine Corps. He approaches armoured vehicle upgrades and modification from an alternative perspective - by beginning with the mission statement of the LAV. Due to its significant legacy and its entrenched interoperability requirements with USMC infantry, LAV modifications must flex to unique demands. Tune in to find out what these specific requirements are - and how the best minds in the field are working to meet them.
Remote Weapon Systems Remove the 'Hot Seat' From Armoured Vehicle Platforms
April 2011
In modern insurgent warfare in Afghanistan, front line threats often shift by as much as 360 degree. This, combined with asymmetric tactics, produces an extremely lethal threat for armoured vehicle crews. The solution seems simple - combine sensors and controls in one package that can be managed remotely and internally. This could potentially reduce engagement time, as well as maintain vehicle impregnability. Knut Saeter is the Vice President of Kongsberg and speaks here about the Protector Remote Weapon System Station.
Malaysia's Armoured Cavalry: Can the Auto Industry Meet Military Demands?
February 2011
Kogila Balakrishnan is Undersecretary of the Defence Industrial Division for the Malaysian Ministry of Defence and speaks here about Malaysia's plans for armoured vehicle procurement. Growth and modernisation of the civilian auto industry largely mirrored that of the defence industrial sector - throughout the 1980s and 90s. There emerged a 'dual use' focus of civilian firms that led to greater defence production. Today, the automotive sector for defence production falls under the Malaysian MOD and plans for future platforms have emerged in an organic way from civilian pockets of industry.
Focus on C4ISR growth for Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems President and CEO Joseph Ackerman talks about the C4ISR lessons learned from the Second Lebanon War.
Singapore Army exploring C-IED options
June 2010
Lt Col Lim Tong Hai of the Singapore Army speaks with Defence IQ at Counter IEDs 2010 in London. Here, he talks about the growing utilisation of improvised explosive devices - particularly in the technological evolution of the threat. He expresses his concern with keeping up with training and methodology in this expanding field, as well as exposing broad sectors of the miltiary to counter IED basics.
Industry Papers
The Armoured Vehicles Market 2010-2020
White Papers
National Audit Office: The Cost-effective Delivery of an Armoured Vehicle Capability May 2011
In the period since 1998, the Department’s standard acquisition approach 14 has failed to deliver armoured vehicle projects on a consistent basis in line with plans. While the Department has delivered a number of smaller projects worth £407 million, it has spent £718 million on projects that have yet to deliver, some of which have been cancelled or suspended indefinitely. In practice, however, this is a relatively small fraction of the £14 billion the Department intended to spend on the Future Rapid Effect System project alone. The result is that the Armed Forces have not received much of the equipment they expected to have over the last decade.
US Defence Acquisitions: Key Questions Confront the Army's 'Ground Force Modernization Initiative'
The US Army is preparing to start a new GCV (ground combat vehicle) acquisition programme by evaluating contractor proposals for technology development. The Army appears to be embarking on a more knowledge-based programme than previously planned, focusing on costs and technical maturity. Yet, to deliver the first production vehicle in 7 years, the programme must complete technology development in 2 years and engineering and manufacturing development in 4 years.
Key questions on GCV pertain to how urgently it is needed, robustness of the analysis of alternatives, its cost and affordability, plausibility of its schedule, and whether mature technologies will be used. Addressing such questions is essential to getting a good start on demonstrating the match between GCV requirements and resources by the end of technology development
White House Fiscal Commission - Defence Recommendations for Deficit Reduction
December 2010
On 10 November 2010 at 1330 Eastern Standard Time, President Obama's White House Fiscal Commission submitted its draft report to the president on how best to reduce the US Federal deficit. Cuts include large scale, broad reductions in defence materiel, production and manpower. Its specificity in platform cuts also makes it very clear that it will affect UK and European defence industries and armed forces defence partnering projects. They include:
- Double the number of defence contractor positions scheduled for elimination from 10 percent of current staff augmentees to 20 percent
- Reduce procurement by 15 percent, or US$20 billion
- Eliminate the V-22 Osprey programme
- Cancel the Marine Corps' Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle programme
- Halve the number of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters in favour of F-16s and F/A-18Es
- Cancel the Marine Corps F-35 programme
- Cancel the Navy's Future Maritime Prepositioning Force
- Cancel the new Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), the Ground Combat Vehicle, and the Joint Tactical Radio
- Reduce military forces in Europe and Asia by one-third
- Send all military children based in the US to local schools
Webinars
Defence IQ and IDGA have coordinated parts of this Content Library for the following content:
Director of Force Development in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff Discusses Strategy and Procurement Planning for Army Vehicles
January 2011
Watch this video for a discussion on strategy and procurement planning for vehicles, led by MG Thomas Spoehr, Director of Force Development in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, at IDGA's Tactical Vehicles Summit. The main themes during his talk include the modernization environment and the ends, ways, and means of the modernization strategy for Army vehicles, as well as where things will be moving in the future
Dr. Pradeep Rohatgi on the Lightweight Material Use in Military Vehicles
January 2011
This video features Dr. Pradeep Rohatgi, Director of the Composites Center at the University of Wisconsin, as he discusses using lightweight materials in military vehicles at IDGA's Tactical Vehicles event. He talks about the reinforcement of different types of metals to increase reliability and energy efficiency in vehicles, as well as qualities including energy absorbing, self healing, self cleaning, and self lubricating that can greatly increase the quality of design and reduce weight which as a key issue for both the Army and the USMC.
M-ATV acquisition program: Overview by LTC Coll Haddon
August 2010
Listen to LTC Coll Haddon's overview on the All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) Program, in which he discusses program management and acquisition of the M-ATV vehicle for OEF. As the product manager for the MRAP, he discusses the procurement process for the vehicles and the contracts that have grown as a result of the vehicle's proven utility in Afghanistan, as well as the projections to complete production for the remaining vehicles that will be fielded.
Major Brian Sweigart talks Army Stryker Program
August 2010
With two tours in OIF completed, Major Brian Sweigart, Executive Officer of the Army's 3-16 Cavalry has deployed with a Stryker unit and discusses the challenges that military vehicles face in Iraq specifically issues related to survivability and durability. He details what he sees as upcoming for Stryker and what improvements can be made to ensure it continues to adapt to the latest threat environments.