Armored Vehicles

M1117

Also known as
  • M1117 Guardian
  • M1117 Armored Security Vehicle
  • M1117 ASV
  • Guardian ASV
  • ASV Guardian
  • XM1117
  • Commando Select

The M1117 Guardian is a U.S. 4x4 armored security vehicle built by Textron Systems for military-police, convoy-security, patrol, and protected-mobility missions. It combines a wheeled armored hull, turret-mounted Mk 19 grenade launcher and .50-caliber machine gun, and mine/blast protection features that made it a protected alternative to lighter HMMWV patrol vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan; U.S. security-assistance packages later supplied refurbished M1117s and ordered related MSFV/Commando Select vehicles for Ukraine.

M1117, 4x4 armored security vehicle, Armored Vehicles
Image source: DVIDS Camp Liberty M1117

Role in Conflicts

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin
United States
Type
4x4 armored security vehicle
Service note
Accepted in 2000; combat use documented in Iraq and Afghanistan, with later transfer and fielding documented in Ukraine
Designer
Cadillac Gage / Textron Marine & Land Systems
Designed
Late 1990s
Produced
1999-present family production and refurbishment
Number built
More than 2,777 accepted by the U.S. Army by April 2011

Specifications

Crew and passengers
4 listed by AFV Database: commander, gunner, driver, and one passenger; modern Commando Select family configurations seat up to 3 crew plus 7 personnel
Combat weight
29,500 lb / 13,400 kg for M1117
Dimensions
239 in long, 101 in wide, 102 in high
Primary armament
Mk 19 40 mm automatic grenade launcher and .50-caliber M2HB machine gun in a 360-degree turret
Secondary armament
M249 Squad Automatic Weapon position configurable for M240B on documented U.S. Army ASVs
Engine
Cummins 6CTA8.3 turbocharged inline-six diesel; AFV Database lists 276 hp gross
Transmission
Allison MD3560 automatic transmission with six forward speeds and one reverse
Mobility
4x4 wheeled armored vehicle; 63 mph max level-road speed and about 440-mile road cruising range
Obstacle and fording
60 percent grade, 30 percent side slope, 22 in vertical obstacle, 60 in fording depth
Protection
Rolled hard homogeneous steel hull/turret with V-shaped hull; source-reported protection against mine blast and .50-caliber AP threats varies by armor fit
Transportability
DVIDS describes the M1117 as C-130 aircraft transportable
Variants

The M1117 belongs to Textron's Commando armored-vehicle family; the catalog treats later Commando Select, Elite, Vanguard, MSFV, and Armored Knight vehicles as related configurations rather than separate M1117 conflict-use records unless directly sourced.

VariantConfigurationDesignation notes
M1117 Armored Security VehicleU.S. Army military-police ASV

Baseline M1117 configuration with turret-mounted Mk 19 and .50-caliber machine gun, accepted for U.S. Army service in April 2000.

Sources: AFV Database M1117

M1200 Armored KnightFire-support targeting derivative

U.S. Army reporting identifies the M1200 Armored Knight as an evolved version using the M1117 Guardian ASV as its base.

Sources: Bastogne Receives New Armored Knights

Commando SelectCurrent Textron 4x4 Commando family configuration

Textron presents Commando Select as a tested family member with 3 crew plus 7 personnel seating, 62 mph speed, and 400-mile range at 40 mph.

Sources: Textron Commando Family

Commando EliteHigher-protection Commando family configuration

Textron describes Commando Elite vehicles as highly protected 4x4 vehicles with a V-shaped monocoque hull, direct-fire and mine-blast protection, and 40,700 lb gross vehicle weight.

Sources: Textron Commando Family

Mobile Strike Force VehicleAfghan security-force Commando derivative

A DoD Afghanistan report describes the MSFV as based on the U.S. M1117 ASV, and Textron later announced a 65-vehicle MSFV/COMMANDO Select contract for Ukraine.

Sources: DoD Afghanistan Security Stability Report 2020, Textron 65 COMMANDO Select Ukraine Contract

Turret And Crew Weapons

M1117 ASV armament is centered on a turret and roof/pintle weapon arrangement for convoy-security, checkpoint, and patrol missions.

Carried itemItem typeCarriage evidence
40 mm automatic grenade launcher, 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, Infantry Weapons40 mm automatic grenade launcherTurret grenade launcher

AFV Database lists the Mk 19 40 mm automatic grenade launcher in the M1117 turret with 600 rounds carried.

Sources: AFV Database M1117

12.7 mm heavy machine gun, Belt-fed, crew-served heavy machine gun class, Infantry Weapons12.7 mm heavy machine gunTurret heavy machine gun

AFV Database lists a .50-caliber M2HB machine gun in the same turret with 800 rounds carried.

Sources: AFV Database M1117

FN MAG general-purpose machine gun, 7.62x51mm NATO general-purpose machine gun, Infantry WeaponsFN MAG general-purpose machine gunAlternative secondary machine-gun configuration

A DVIDS Tikrit image caption says the ASV's M249 Squad Automatic Weapon position can also be configured for an M240B.

Sources: DVIDS M1117 Guardian Armored Security Vehicle

FN Minimi light machine gun, 5.56x45mm NATO light machine gun, Infantry WeaponsFN Minimi light machine gunSecondary automatic-weapon position

Army Reserve captions say the ASV mounting systems can hold an M2 .50-caliber machine gun, Mk 19 grenade launcher, and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon at the same time; DVIDS also describes the M249 as an organic ASV weapon.

Sources: Army Reserve ASV Maintenance, DVIDS M1117 Guardian Armored Security Vehicle

Protected Mobility Role

The M1117 filled a protected patrol niche between light tactical vehicles and heavier wheeled armored platforms. U.S. Army reporting described it as more protected than a Humvee while remaining lighter and faster than some larger armored vehicles used in military-police training.

Patrol niche

Armored military-police, convoy-security, and checkpoint vehicle for missions where protection mattered more than light-vehicle speed or capacity.

Comparison context

Army training coverage framed the ASV between Humvee-class patrol vehicles and larger wheeled armored vehicles such as Stryker formations.

Timeline

M1117 Key Events

  1. First M1117 acceptance

    AFV Database lists April 2000 as the M1117's first acceptance date and identifies Textron Marine & Land Systems as manufacturer.

    Sources: AFV Database M1117

  2. M1117 documented at Camp Liberty

    A DVIDS image record from Camp Liberty, Iraq, described the M1117 as C-130 transportable and credited it with .50-caliber armor-piercing and mine-blast protection claims.

    Sources: DVIDS Camp Liberty M1117

  3. Frag-kit upgrades tied to OIF and OEF

    U.S. Army procurement material described ASV frag-kit upgrades for M1117s deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

    Sources: Army FY2007 ASV Frag Kits

  4. U.S. Army acceptance passes 2,777 vehicles

    AFV Database says the U.S. Army had accepted more than 2,777 M1117 vehicles by April 2011.

    Sources: AFV Database M1117

  5. U.S. funds refurbished M1117s for Ukraine

    DoD announced USAI funding to refurbish 250 M1117 Armored Security Vehicles for Ukraine.

    Sources: DoD Ukraine Security Assistance November 2022

  6. Delivered M1117s displayed in Ukraine

    The Defense Post reported that Ukraine's 425th Separate Assault Battalion Skala displayed a U.S.-delivered M1117 Armored Security Vehicle on a training ground.

    Sources: The Defense Post Ukraine M1117 Display March 2024

  7. U.S. PDA package adds M1117s

    DoD announced a Presidential Drawdown Authority package from U.S. inventories that included M1117 Armored Security Vehicles for Ukraine.

    Sources: DoD Ukraine Security Assistance September 2024

  8. Ukraine commitment rises above 400 M1117s

    A January 2025 DoD fact sheet listed more than 400 M1117 Armored Security Vehicles among U.S. security assistance committed to Ukraine.

    Sources: DoD Ukraine Fact Sheet January 2025

  9. Textron awarded Ukraine MSFV contract

    Textron announced a $163.4 million USAI/FMS award through Army Contracting Command Detroit Arsenal to provide 65 Mobile Strike Force Vehicle, COMMANDO Select vehicles for Ukraine.

    Sources: Textron 65 COMMANDO Select Ukraine Contract

  10. MSFV production begins at Slidell

    Textron said production of 65 Mobile Strike Force Vehicles for Ukraine was underway at its Slidell, Louisiana facility.

    Sources: Textron MSFV Production Begins

Media

M1117 Images

M1117, 4x4 armored security vehicle, Armored Vehicles - view 1
Source: DVIDS Camp Liberty M1117
M1117, 4x4 armored security vehicle, Armored Vehicles - view 2
Source: DVIDS Camp Liberty M1117
Related Weapon Systems
Stryker, 8x8 armored fighting vehicle family, Armored VehiclesArmored VehiclesStryker8x8 armored fighting vehicle familyThe Stryker is a U.S.-designed eight-wheeled armored fighting vehicle family built around a common chassis, modular mission kits, and rapid road movement. Army reporting says the first production vehicle rolled off the line in April 2002, and the family later logged combat rotations in Iraq and Afghanistan before Double-V Hull upgrades improved blast protection. Modern branches include 30 mm Dragoon infantry carriers, SGT STOUT air-defense vehicles, and U.S.-supplied APCs for Ukraine.
Oshkosh M-ATV, 4x4 mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle, Armored VehiclesArmored VehiclesOshkosh M-ATV4x4 mine-resistant ambush protected vehicleThe Oshkosh M-ATV is a U.S.-built 4x4 MRAP developed to give troops mine and ambush protection with better off-road mobility than heavier first-generation MRAPs. Oshkosh paired a V-hull protected capsule, blast-attenuating seats, and TAK-4 independent suspension with mission modules ranging from command and utility bodies to armed assault configurations. The vehicle's documented conflict record spans early U.S. fielding in Afghanistan, coalition use in Iraq and Syria under Operation Inherent Resolve, Ukrainian wartime service, and Saudi-led coalition employment in Yemen.
Cougar 4x4 MRAP, 4x4 mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle, Armored VehiclesArmored VehiclesCougar 4x4 MRAP4x4 mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicleThe Cougar 4x4 MRAP is a U.S.-built protected mobility vehicle developed by Force Protection for patrol, convoy, command, route-security, and troop-transport missions against mine and improvised-explosive-device threats. The record distinguishes direct U.S. use in Iraq and Afghanistan from later transfer or inventory evidence in Yemen and Ukraine, where public sources support presence or supply more clearly than detailed tactical employment.
AN/TWQ-1 Avenger, Self-propelled short-range air defense system, Air DefenseAir DefenseAN/TWQ-1 AvengerSelf-propelled short-range air defense systemThe AN/TWQ-1 Avenger, often captioned in Army imagery as the M1097 Avenger, is a Boeing-developed short-range air-defense system built around a HMMWV-mounted turret with two Stinger missile pods and an M3P .50-caliber machine gun. Boeing records first firing in April 1984 and first delivery on 1988-11-01, with more than 1,100 systems delivered by 2002. The system appears in the catalog through Gulf War service, Iraq War up-gun conversions, Ukrainian mobile air-defense use against Shahed drones, and U.S. coalition force-protection activity at Al-Tanf in Syria.

Sources

AFV Database M1117Publisher: AFV Database | Note: Supports M1117 first acceptance date, Textron Marine & Land Systems manufacturer, dimensions, weight, armament, engine, transmission, mobility, protection, and U.S. Army acceptance count. | Accessed: 2026-07-08Textron Commando FamilyPublisher: Textron Systems | Note: Supports manufacturer background and current Commando family configuration, seating, mobility, protection, and family-positioning context. | Accessed: 2026-07-08Army Reserve ASV MaintenancePublisher: U.S. Army Reserve | Note: Supports 2001 War in Afghanistan and 2003 Iraq War direct-use context: ASVs were used by military-police soldiers for combat support and security escorts during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. | Accessed: 2026-07-08Army FY2007 ASV Frag KitsPublisher: Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management and Comptroller | Note: Supports 2001 War in Afghanistan and 2003 Iraq War direct-use context: M1117 ASVs were deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and received frag-kit upgrades for those theaters. | Accessed: 2026-07-08DVIDS Camp Liberty M1117Publisher: DVIDS | Note: Supports 2003 Iraq War direct-use context: an M1117 was fielded at Camp Liberty, Iraq, and documented in a U.S. Army image caption; also supports public-domain image provenance and protection/transportability claims. | Accessed: 2026-07-08DVIDS Tikrit M1117Publisher: DVIDS | Note: Supports 2003 Iraq War direct-use context: an M1117 was fielded at Tikrit, Iraq, in November 2006; also supports primary public-domain image provenance. | Accessed: 2026-07-08DVIDS M1117 Guardian Armored Security VehiclePublisher: DVIDS | Note: Supports 2003 Iraq War direct-use context: an M1117 was fielded at Tikrit, Iraq, in November 2006; also supports organic weapons including turret-mounted Mk 19, turret-mounted M2 .50-caliber machine gun, and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon configurable for M240B. | Accessed: 2026-07-08Wikimedia Commons M1117 CategoryPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports reusable media discovery and baseline alias/manufacturer context for the M1117 Guardian ASV category. | Accessed: 2026-07-08Wikimedia Commons Afghanistan M1117Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports public-domain Afghanistan image provenance for a U.S. Army M1117 in Khost province. | Accessed: 2026-07-08Army MPs Test ASVsPublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports military-police training context, relative protected-mobility positioning against Humvee/Stryker/MRAP, and MK-19 plus .50-caliber armament training. | Accessed: 2026-07-08Army Red River ASV RolloutPublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports depot/refurbishment and Army/Textron background for M1117 ASV reset work. | Accessed: 2026-07-08Bastogne Receives New Armored KnightsPublisher: DVIDS | Note: Supports the M1200 Armored Knight as an evolved vehicle using the M1117 Guardian ASV as its base. | Accessed: 2026-07-08DoD Afghanistan Security Stability Report 2020Publisher: U.S. Department of Defense | Note: Supports Mobile Strike Force Vehicle lineage as based on the U.S. M1117 ASV. | Accessed: 2026-07-08DoD Ukraine Security Assistance November 2022Publisher: U.S. Department of Defense / Department of War | Note: Supports 2014 Russia-Ukraine War direct transfer context: U.S. funding to refurbish 250 M1117 Armored Security Vehicles for Ukraine. | Accessed: 2026-07-08The Defense Post Ukraine M1117 Display March 2024Publisher: The Defense Post | Note: Supports 2014 Russia-Ukraine War direct fielding context: Ukrainian armed forces publicly displayed a U.S.-delivered M1117 on a training ground. | Accessed: 2026-07-08DoD Ukraine Security Assistance September 2024Publisher: U.S. Department of Defense / Department of War | Note: Supports 2014 Russia-Ukraine War direct transfer context: a PDA package from U.S. inventories included M1117 Armored Security Vehicles for Ukraine. | Accessed: 2026-07-08DoD Ukraine Fact Sheet January 2025Publisher: U.S. Department of Defense | Note: Supports 2014 Russia-Ukraine War direct transfer context: more than 400 M1117 Armored Security Vehicles listed among U.S. security assistance committed to Ukraine. | Accessed: 2026-07-08Textron 65 COMMANDO Select Ukraine ContractPublisher: Textron Inc. | Note: Supports 2014 Russia-Ukraine War transfer context: Textron announced a USAI/FMS award for 65 MSFV/COMMANDO Select vehicles for Ukraine. | Accessed: 2026-07-08Textron MSFV Production BeginsPublisher: Textron Systems | Note: Supports MSFV/COMMANDO Select variant and Ukraine transfer context: Textron said production of 65 MSFVs for Ukraine was underway at Slidell. | Accessed: 2026-07-08