On January 15, 2025, the U.S. Army’s 7th Infantry Division became the first active unit to receive the M1304 ICVVA1 Stryker Infantry Fighting Vehicles. The 1-17th Infantry Battalion, known as the “Buffaloes” and part of the 2-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT), began fielding these vehicles, previously known as XM1304, which integrate the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station – Javelin (CROWS-J) and the XM813 Bushmaster chain gun. According to Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Blair, these new Strykers will offer a substantial increase in direct-fire lethality to the 1-17th.
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The US Army plans to field 269 M1304 ICVVA1-30mm Strykers across three Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCTs) by the end of 2025 to replace the older M1296 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle – Dragoon. (Picture source: 7th Infantry Division)
The M1304 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle Double V Hull A1-30MM (ICVVA1-30MM), previously referred to as XM1304, replaces the M1296 Dragoon variant, addressing identified vulnerabilities such as its flat-bottom hull and ammunition storage configuration. The new platform is part of a $942.9 million modernization contract awarded to Oshkosh Defense, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Pratt Miller Defense. The Army plans to field 269 M1304s across three Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCTs) by the end of 2025. Initial vehicles were delivered by Oshkosh Defense in 2022 for production verification testing, with updates incorporated following operational feedback.
As reported by Army Recognition on April 9, 2024, a demonstration of the XM1304 previously occurred at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, hosted by the 1-2 SBCT for senior Army leaders. The event included a presentation of the vehicle’s capabilities, such as extended engagement ranges and improved maneuverability, as described by Captain Shepket Tohti. Observers noted its design improvements compared to the M1296 Dragoon, including a revised turret layout that retains forward crew hatches, addresses specific vulnerabilities related to 30mm ammunition stowage, expands interior space for crew operations, and incorporates a commander’s independent thermal viewer.
The M1304 ICVVA1 is based on the Stryker Double V-Hull (DVH) design, introduced to mitigate threats from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mines. The hull is designed to deflect blast forces and is supplemented with bolt-on ceramic armor, a Kevlar spall liner, and blast-attenuating seats, achieving protection classified as STANAG Level 4 against 14.5mm armor-piercing rounds. The subsequent DVH A1 upgrade includes a 450-horsepower Caterpillar C9 engine, a 910-amp alternator for advanced electronics, forward case ejection, an In-Vehicle Network Architecture supporting modern communication and data management, and an enhanced suspension and drivetrain. These modifications improve mobility and enable the vehicle to carry heavier payloads, with a vehicle gross weight rating of 63,000 pounds (approximately 28,576 kg).
The M1304 ICVVA1 is based on the Stryker Double V-Hull (DVH), which is designed to deflect blast forces and is supplemented with bolt-on ceramic armor, a Kevlar spall liner, and blast-attenuating seats, achieving protection classified as STANAG Level 4 against 14.5mm armor-piercing rounds. (Picture source: Oshkosh Defense)
The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) has reported that comparisons between the older Infantry Carrier Vehicle Variant (ICVV) and the upgraded ICVV-A1 demonstrated improvements in drivetrain performance, including reduced engine load when negotiating steep grades and enhanced acceleration beyond 50 meters with the turbocharger engaged. Soldiers involved in the testing noted enhancements in driver situational awareness displays and improved ride quality over rough terrain. The Army also confirmed that modifications to the Double V-Hull A1 (DVH A1) design did not result in additional vulnerabilities during live-fire or automatic fire extinguishing system evaluations.
The seven specialized Stryker DVH A1 variants are the Anti-Tank Guided Missile Vehicle (ATVV-A1), Commander’s Vehicle (CVV-A1), Engineer Squad Vehicle (ESVV-A1), Fire Support Vehicle (FSVV-A1), Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICVV-A1), Mortar Carrier Vehicle (MCVV-A1), and Medical Evacuation Vehicle (MEVV-A1). One ICVV-A1 version, equipped with a scout Mission Equipment Package, replaces the reconnaissance vehicle variant found in older fleets. Several official documents note that the DVH A1 platform aims to maintain protective features while accommodating heavier payloads, additional electronics, and future network demands.
Within this family, the M1304 ICVVA1 is equipped with the Oshkosh Medium Caliber Weapon System (MCWS), based on the Israeli Rafael Samson Pro turret, which is armed with the new XM813 Bushmaster Chain Gun. This enhanced version of the Mk44 cannon, which retains 90% logistical commonality with the latter, fires 30x173mm ammunition such as Mk310 programmable airburst rounds and can be upgraded to fire 40mm Super Forty munitions. With this new chain gun, the M1304 can fire a range of 30mm munitions, such as Mk 258 APFSDS-T, Mk 238 HEI-T/SD, Mk 264 MPLD-T, and Mk 310 HEAB-T. Its feeder system, such as the Meggitt linkless dual feed setup, reduces potential stoppages. The XM813 also incorporates external power and positive round control, which are features carried over from the 25mm M242 Bushmaster.
Within the Stryker DVH A1 family, the M1304 ICVVA1 is equipped with the Oshkosh Medium Caliber Weapon System (MCWS), based on the Israeli Rafael Samson Pro turret, which is armed with the new XM813 Bushmaster Chain Gun. (Picture source: Oshkosh Defense)
Supporting weapons include a coaxial 7.62mm M240C machine gun and a retractable dual missile launcher. A version with this dual-launcher was shown at AUSA 2024, where developers highlighted the fact that the missile launcher can be reloaded from within the vehicle and is compatible with the latest Javelin models, including the FGM-148F and the under-development FGM-148G, as well as the Spike LR anti-tank guided missiles. The M1304 also features the Trophy Active Protection System (APS), as well as updated Controp SIGHT-25HD electro-optical/infrared sights characterized as 3rd-generation thermal imagers for both the gunner and commander, offering a hunter-killer function for day and night operations.
In terms of specifications, the Stryker M1304 ICVVA1-30mm variant has an approximate weight of 26 tons, with dimensions of 6.95 meters in length, 2.72 meters in width, and 2.8 meters in height. The vehicle retains an 8×8 suspension system and uses an Allison MD 3066P 6-speed transmission with six forward gears and one reverse gear. It can reach a top speed of 110 kilometers per hour. The standard crew configuration includes three personnel (a commander, gunner, and driver) with the capacity to carry up to 9 additional troops. Furthermore, the U.S. Army stated that the 8×8 wheeled suspension of the Stryker was noted for its adaptability across multiple operational roles, including combat, reconnaissance, and support missions.
The M1304 is now set to replace the M1296 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle – Dragoon (ICV-D), also known as the M1296 Draggon. Initiated in July 2015, the M1296 program responded to a U.S. Army Europe Operational Needs Statement seeking enhanced direct-fire support for dismounted infantry. The ICV-D integrates an unmanned Kongsberg Medium Caliber Turret (MCT-30) equipped with a 30 mm XM813 Bushmaster chain gun, capable of firing airburst munitions. This configuration allows for the engagement of targets at greater distances compared to the original .50-caliber machine gun armament. The vehicle retains the flat-bottom hull design of the original Stryker, offering limited underbody protection against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). To accommodate the increased weight of the turret and its electrical power requirements, the ICV-D features upgraded suspension components. The U.S. Army began fielding the M1296 to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in 2018, with a total of 81 vehicles comprising 50 percent of the regiment’s rifle and scout platoon vehicles.
The M1296 Dragoon integrates an unmanned Kongsberg Medium Caliber Turret (MCT-30) equipped with a 30 mm XM813 Bushmaster chain gun, which allows for the engagement of targets at greater distances compared to the original .50-caliber machine gun armament. (Picture source: US DoD)
