Textron Systems Begins Production of 65 Mobile Strike Force Vehicles for Ukraine

Textron Systems has officially commenced production of 65 Mobile Strike Force Vehicles (MSFV) for the Ukrainian military at its manufacturing facility in Slidell, Louisiana. The $163.4 million contract, funded through the U.S. Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), provides for the delivery of the armored platforms and one year of spare parts by November 30, 2028. This order marks the first time factory-new MSFVs are being produced specifically for the current conflict, utilizing the Foreign Military Sales mechanism to bolster Ukrainian ground mobility.

What is the Mobile Strike Force Vehicle?

The MSFV is an upgraded, modernized variant of the M1117 Guardian, an armored security vehicle originally developed by Cadillac Gage—a predecessor to Textron Systems—for the U.S. Army Military Police. According to technical specifications provided by Textron, the MSFV features a lengthened hull, reinforced underbody protection designed to mitigate landmine blasts, and improved armor plating. The platform is powered by a Cummins QSL 365 diesel engine and an Allison 3500SP transmission, maintaining the high-mobility, all-wheel-drive characteristics of the original M1117 while offering increased internal volume capable of transporting up to 10 personnel.

Why is this production restart significant for Ukraine?

While the U.S. has previously transferred existing M1117 stocks to Ukraine—with units appearing in service with the 425th Skala Independent Assault Battalion as early as March 2024—this contract represents a shift toward dedicated manufacturing. By using USAI funding, the Department of Defense is procuring new equipment rather than drawing down current U.S. military inventory. This approach ensures that the vehicles arriving in Ukraine are fresh from the assembly line and built with current threat environments in mind, specifically the widespread use of anti-tank mines on the Eastern front.

How do these vehicles adapt to modern battlefield threats?

Though the MSFV is a proven platform, Ukrainian crews have demonstrated a requirement for field modifications to survive contemporary combat. Since the introduction of the M1117, Ukrainian operators have frequently installed improvised anti-drone cages—often called “cope cages”—to defend against first-person-view (FPV) explosive drones. Military analysts note that while the MSFV provides superior blast protection compared to lighter transports, the integration of supplemental armor remains a necessary adaptation by local forces to counter persistent aerial threats that were not primary design considerations during the vehicle’s initial development cycle in the late 1990s.

Production and Logistics Timeline

The Slidell, Louisiana, facility was selected for this project due to its historical expertise with the Commando family of vehicles. Textron Systems reports that the manufacturing process involves full fabrication, welding, and system integration on-site. Because the MSFV is a specialized, sole-source platform, the U.S. government determined that restarting the Textron assembly line was the most efficient path to securing the required 65 units. The contract performance window extends through late 2028, reflecting the complex supply chain requirements necessary to bring the production line back to operational status after it last ceased output around 2019.

Comparison: Baseline M1117 vs. New MSFV

The deployment of these vehicles will provide Ukrainian commanders with a more robust, mine-resistant option for troop movement in contested areas. As the conflict continues to evolve, the ability to rapidly integrate these factory-new, armored platforms into existing formations remains a critical component of Western military assistance.