🇺🇸 Congressional researchers raise questions about the US Marine Corps’ new combat vehicle amid the vulnerability of modern armored vehicles to drones On Tuesday, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) published a report raising questions about the US Marine Corps’ new Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), drawing on the war in Ukraine, where drones and guided munitions are increasingly driving armored vehicles off the battlefield. Since ACVs are intended to provide direct fire support to advancing Marines, the CRS asks how vulnerable they are during amphibious landings and operations ashore, and whether the Marine Corps is considering additional modifications to improve survivability based on lessons from Ukraine. Last month, the Marine Corps awarded Anduril a contract for its Pulsar-L counter-drone system, a combination of sensors and electronic warfare equipment designed to defend against small Group 1 and Group 2 drones using radio communications. Special Operations Command uses the system because of its low weight and effectiveness. The CRS also questions whether a potential expansion of the Marine Corps, adding more than 6,500 personnel by 2032, including positions in 19 infantry battalions and two littoral combat teams, would require additional ACVs. Depending on the variant, each vehicle costs approximately $6 million. The original procurement target was 1,122 vehicles, but the current plan calls for just 608. #info #USA #APC #IFV
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