Armored Vehicles

Stryker

Also known as
  • IAV
  • Interim Armored Vehicle
  • Stryker ICV
  • Stryker DVH
  • Stryker Dragoon
  • M-SHORAD
  • SGT STOUT
  • Stryker family of vehicles

The 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.

Stryker, 8x8 armored fighting vehicle family, Armored Vehicles
Image source: Stryker ICV front q.jpg

Role in Conflicts

Stryker Variant Map

The Stryker family uses a common 8x8 chassis with mission-specific kits and later survivability or lethality upgrades. Wikipedia's variants page expands the original mission set with M-SHORAD, Dragoon, Double V-Hull, DVH-A1, and proposed configurations; General Dynamics material supports the family-role baseline.

GroupVariantRoleSource
Original mission setM1126 Infantry Carrier VehicleArmored personnel carrier for two crew and a nine-soldier squadStryker Combat Vehicles; Variants of the Stryker
Original mission setM1127 Reconnaissance VehicleRSTA and scout vehicle for reconnaissance and surveillanceStryker Combat Vehicles; Variants of the Stryker
Original mission setM1128 Mobile Gun System105 mm direct-fire support variant, retired by the U.S. ArmyVariants of the Stryker
Original mission setM1129 Mortar Carrier120 mm mortar carrier for indirect fire supportVariants of the Stryker
Original mission setM1130 Commander's VehicleCommand, control, communications, and mission-planning vehicleVariants of the Stryker
Original mission setM1131 Fire Support VehicleFire-support surveillance, target acquisition, and communications vehicleVariants of the Stryker
Original mission setM1132 Engineer Squad VehicleEngineer squad, obstacle-reduction, and lane-marking supportStryker Combat Vehicles; Variants of the Stryker
Original mission setM1133 Medical Evacuation VehicleProtected en route casualty-care and evacuation vehicleStryker Combat Vehicles; Variants of the Stryker
Original mission setM1134 Anti-Tank Guided Missile VehicleTOW missile carrier for long-range anti-armor firesVariants of the Stryker
Original mission setM1135 NBCRVNuclear, biological, and chemical reconnaissance vehicleVariants of the Stryker
Lethality and air defenseM1265A1 Stout M-SHORADShort-range air-defense Stryker with Stinger launcher, 30 mm cannon, and M240Variants of the Stryker
Lethality and air defenseM1296 Infantry Carrier Vehicle Dragoon30 mm cannon Infantry Carrier Vehicle DragoonVariants of the Stryker
Lethality and air defenseM1304 ICVVA1-30mmDVH-A1 30 mm infantry fighting vehicle replacing Dragoon in newer plansVariants of the Stryker
Double V-HullM1251/M1252/M1253/M1254/M1255/M1256/M1257Double V-Hull versions of fire support, mortar, anti-tank, medical, command, infantry carrier, and engineer variantsVariants of the Stryker
DVH-A1M1251A1/M1252A1/M1253A1/M1254A1/M1255A1/M1256A1/M1257A1Modernized DVH-A1 variants with upgraded automotive, electrical, payload, and situational-awareness systemsVariants of the Stryker
Experimental or proposedStryker SPH, MRV, tracked Stryker, launched assault bridge, MEHEL, mobile SHORAD launcher, AUDSPrototype or proposed artillery, recovery, tracked, bridging, laser, and counter-UAV/air-defense configurationsVariants of the Stryker
Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin
United States / Canada
Type
8x8 armored fighting vehicle family
Service note
Introduced in 2002; modernized through the 2010s and 2020s.
Designer
General Dynamics Land Systems / General Motors Defense
Designed
1999
Unit cost
About $5 million each (Army reporting in 2017).
Produced
2002-present

Specifications

Crew and passengers
Typical infantry carrier configuration carries 2 crew and a 9-soldier infantry squad
Armament
Variant dependent; infantry carrier vehicles usually mount a remote weapon station, Dragoon and M1304 variants add 30 mm cannon armament, the ATGM variant carries TOW missiles, and SGT STOUT combines missiles, sensors, and a gun on a Stryker chassis
Mobility
8x8 wheeled drivetrain, run-flat tires, governed top speed about 62.5 mph, and about 330 mi cruising range
Engine
350 hp Caterpillar diesel engine on baseline Stryker vehicles
Protection
High-hardness steel structure with add-on armor, spall liner, and later survivability upgrades including Double-V Hull variants developed after Iraq and Afghanistan blast threats
Family scope
Original mission variants include ICV, RV, MGS, MC, CV, FSV, ESV, MEV, ATGM, and NBCRV configurations, with later lethality, DVH-A1, and air-defense branches
Variants

Stryker variants share an 8x8 chassis but split by mission kit, hull generation, and later lethality or air-defense upgrades. The original M1126-M1135 family covers infantry, reconnaissance, mortar, engineer, medical, command, fire-support, anti-tank, and CBRN reconnaissance roles; later rows include Double-V Hull survivability variants, 30 mm Dragoon/DVH-A1 infantry carriers, and SGT STOUT M-SHORAD air-defense vehicles.

  • M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle
  • M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle DVH-Scout
  • M1127 Reconnaissance Vehicle
  • M1128 Mobile Gun System
  • M1129 Mortar Carrier
  • M1130 Commander's Vehicle
  • M1131 Fire Support Vehicle
  • M1132 Engineer Squad Vehicle
  • M1133 Medical Evacuation Vehicle
  • M1134 Anti-Tank Guided Missile Vehicle
  • M1135 Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle
  • M1265A1 Stout M-SHORAD
  • M1296 Infantry Carrier Vehicle Dragoon
  • M1251 FSVV Double V-Hull Fire Support Vehicle
  • M1252 MCVV Double V-Hull Mortar Carrier
  • M1253 ATVV Double V-Hull Anti-Tank Guided Missile Vehicle
  • M1254 MEVV Double V-Hull Medical Evacuation Vehicle
  • M1255 CVV Double V-Hull Commander's Vehicle
  • M1256 ICVV Double V-Hull Infantry Carrier Vehicle
  • M1257 ESVV Double V-Hull Engineer Squad Vehicle
  • M1251A1 FSVVA1
  • M1252A1 MCVVA1
  • M1253A1 ATVVA1
  • M1254A1 MEVVA1
  • M1255A1 CVVA1
  • M1256A1 ICVVA1
  • M1257A1 ESVVA1
  • M1304 ICVVA1-30mm
  • Stryker Self-Propelled Howitzer
  • Stryker Maintenance Recovery Vehicle
  • Tracked Stryker
  • Stryker Launched Assault Bridge
  • Stryker Mobile Expeditionary High-Energy Laser
  • Stryker Mobile SHORAD Launcher
  • Stryker Anti-UAV Defense System
Mortar Cartridge Compatibility

Army reporting says XM395 APMI is compatible with ground-mounted and Stryker-mounted 120 mm mortar systems.

Compatible itemItem typeCompatibility evidence
XM395 Accelerated Precision Mortar Initiative, 120 mm GPS-guided mortar cartridge, MunitionsXM395 Accelerated Precision Mortar InitiativeGPS-guided mortar cartridge

The Army APMI page says XM395 is compatible with ground-mounted and Stryker-mounted 120 mm mortar systems.

Sources: XM395 Accelerated Precision Mortar Initiative (APMI)

Launch Platforms

Army budget documentation lists the Stryker Anti-Tank Guided Missile vehicle as a TOW launch platform.

LauncherLauncher typeLaunch evidence
BGM-71 TOW, Heavy anti-tank guided missile, Infantry WeaponsBGM-71 TOWWheeled infantry carrier vehicle

Army budget documentation lists the Stryker Anti-Tank Guided Missile vehicle as a TOW launch platform and says TOW missiles provide the Army's Stryker Brigade Combat Teams with heavy anti-armor capability.

Sources: TOW Family of Missiles

Launched Missiles
Launched itemItem typeLaunch evidence
BGM-71 TOW, Heavy anti-tank guided missile, Infantry WeaponsBGM-71 TOWWheeled infantry carrier vehicle

Army budget documentation lists the Stryker Anti-Tank Guided Missile vehicle as a TOW launch platform and says TOW missiles provide the Army's Stryker Brigade Combat Teams with heavy anti-armor capability.

Sources: TOW Family of Missiles

Timeline

Stryker Key Events

  1. The Army starts the interim armored vehicle push

    Army reporting says the Stryker program grew out of a 1999 push for a lighter armored vehicle that could move quickly and still protect infantry.

    Sources: Army marks 10-year Stryker anniversary

  2. The first production Stryker rolls off the line

    The Army's anniversary story says the first Stryker rolled off the line in April 2002.

    Sources: Army marks 10-year Stryker anniversary

  3. Stryker reaches combat in Iraq

    Army reporting says the family saw its first combat use in Iraq in 2003.

    Sources: Army marks 10-year Stryker anniversary

  4. Double-V Hull Strykers debut in Afghanistan

    Army reporting says the Stryker DVH debuted in Afghanistan in early summer 2011 after blast-protection lessons from theater were folded into a new underbody design.

    Sources: Stryker Double-V Hull Proven Success

  5. The Army demonstrates a 30 mm Stryker lethality path

    An Army live-fire demonstration compared a Stryker-like 30 mm weapon system against a .50-caliber Stryker and helped frame later upgunned Stryker efforts.

    Sources: Stryker Demonstrates Potential for Increased Lethality

  6. The first MCWS-upgraded Stryker is delivered

    Oshkosh Defense said it delivered the first Stryker Double-V Hull Infantry Carrier Vehicle upgraded with the 30 mm Medium Caliber Weapon System.

    Sources: Oshkosh Defense First Stryker MCWS Delivery

  7. The United States announces Strykers for Ukraine

    The Pentagon said 90 Stryker APCs with mine rollers would be sent to Ukraine as part of a new security-assistance package.

    Sources: Biden Administration Announces Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine

  8. M-SHORAD is named SGT STOUT

    The Army named the Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense system SGT STOUT and described it as an integrated air-defense system for protecting maneuvering forces from aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.

    Sources: Army Names the M-SHORAD after Medal of Honor Recipient

Media

Stryker Videos

Stryker Images

Stryker, 8x8 armored fighting vehicle family, Armored Vehicles - view 1
Source: Stryker by Augustas Didzgalvis.jpg
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Sources

Biden Administration Announces Additional Security Assistance for UkrainePublisher: U.S. Department of Defense | Note: Supports 2014 Russia-Ukraine War direct transfer context: Stryker APCs with mine rollers were announced for Ukraine through the January 2023 U.S. security-assistance commitment. | Accessed: 2026-06-30Stryker Combat VehiclesPublisher: General Dynamics Land Systems | Note: Supports manufacturer background, the Stryker family role, variant descriptions, mobility, survivability, and baseline specifications. | Accessed: 2026-06-30Variants of the StrykerPublisher: Wikipedia | Note: Supports the expanded Stryker variant map, including original M1126-M1135 mission variants, M1265A1 Stout M-SHORAD, M1296 Dragoon, Double V-Hull, DVH-A1, M1304, and experimental or proposed configurations. | Accessed: 2026-06-30Stryker ICV front q.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance for a U.S. Army public-domain image of an M1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle. | Accessed: 2026-06-30Army marks 10-year Stryker anniversaryPublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports background, the 1999 program push, the April 2002 first production vehicle, the 2003 combat debut in Iraq, and direct 2003 Iraq War and 2001 War in Afghanistan use through Army reporting on Stryker brigades' Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom rotations. | Accessed: 2026-06-30Stryker Double-V Hull Proven SuccessPublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports 2001 War in Afghanistan direct use and survivability context: the Army says more than 450 Stryker DVHs had been fielded to Afghanistan, had over a year and a half of combat experience, and saw enemy fire during Operation Enduring Freedom. | Accessed: 2026-06-30Stryker Demonstrates Potential for Increased LethalityPublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports the Army's 30 mm Stryker lethality demonstration and the rationale for later upgunned infantry-carrier variants. | Accessed: 2026-06-30Oshkosh Defense First Stryker MCWS DeliveryPublisher: Oshkosh Defense | Note: Supports the first delivery of a Stryker Double-V Hull Infantry Carrier Vehicle upgraded with the 30 mm Medium Caliber Weapon System. | Accessed: 2026-06-30Army Names the M-SHORAD after Medal of Honor RecipientPublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports the SGT STOUT name and the Army's description of M-SHORAD as an integrated short-range air-defense system for defeating drones, rotary-wing aircraft, fixed-wing aircraft, and cruise missiles. | Accessed: 2026-06-30Army team simulates $5 million Stryker with plywood, touch screensPublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports the Army's 2017 statement that about 4,500 Strykers were in service and that the fleet cost about $5 million each. | Accessed: 2026-06-30TOW Family of MissilesPublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports the Stryker Anti-Tank Guided Missile vehicle as a TOW launch platform in Army budget documentation. | Accessed: 2026-06-30XM395 Accelerated Precision Mortar Initiative (APMI)Publisher: U.S. Army Capability Program Executive Ammunition & Energetics | Note: Supports the XM395 APMI designation and its compatibility with ground-mounted and Stryker-mounted 120 mm mortar systems. | Accessed: 2026-06-30Stryker by Augustas Didzgalvis.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance for a CC BY-SA 4.0 photograph of a Stryker infantry carrier vehicle. | Accessed: 2026-06-30