Overview
The M1296 Dragoon, officially designated the Infantry Carrier Vehicle – Dragoon (ICV-D), is an upgraded variant of the Stryker family of eight-wheeled armored fighting vehicles used by the United States Army. It is primarily distinguished by its significantly enhanced firepower, featuring an unmanned turret equipped with a 30 mm automatic cannon. The Dragoon was developed as part of the Stryker Lethality Upgrade Program to address concerns about the original Stryker ICV's relatively light armament and to provide increased lethality against modern threats.Development
The M1296 Dragoon program was initiated by the U.S. Army in response to an urgent operational need identified by units stationed in Europe, specifically the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. The regiment required a vehicle with greater firepower to deter and, if necessary, engage increasingly sophisticated adversaries. The existing Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) was typically armed with a .50 caliber M2 heavy machine gun or a 40 mm Mk 19 grenade launcher, which was deemed insufficient for certain operational environments.General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) was awarded the contract to integrate a new medium-caliber weapon system onto the Stryker platform. The chosen solution was a remotely operated turret system, the Kongsberg Protector MCT-30 (Medium Caliber Turret), housing the Orbital ATK (now Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems) XM813 Bushmaster chain gun, a derivative of the Mk44 Bushmaster II. The first prototypes were delivered for testing in 2017.
Features
The key features of the M1296 Dragoon include:- Main Armament: An unmanned, externally mounted Protector MCT-30 turret, armed with a 30 mm XM813 Bushmaster chain gun. This provides a substantial increase in lethality compared to previous Stryker ICV variants, capable of firing various types of ammunition, including airburst rounds.
- Secondary Armament: A co-axial 7.62 mm machine gun.
- Protection: Retains the high level of protection common to the Stryker family, including ceramic armor appliqué kits, slat armor for protection against rocket-propelled grenades, and an integrated V-hull for improved mine protection. Future upgrades may include active protection systems.
- Mobility: As an 8x8 wheeled vehicle, it offers high tactical and strategic mobility, capable of speeds up to 62 mph (100 km/h) on road. It also offers good cross-country performance.
- Crew: Typically operates with a crew of three (commander, gunner, driver) and can transport a squad of infantry.
- Digitized Systems: Features advanced digital battle management systems, communications suites, and improved optics for enhanced situational awareness and target acquisition.
Operational History
The M1296 Dragoon entered service with the U.S. Army in late 2017, with the first vehicles delivered to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Germany. Its deployment marked a significant upgrade in firepower for Stryker brigades operating in Europe, enhancing their ability to conduct reconnaissance, security, and direct-action missions against peer and near-peer adversaries. The Dragoon has been a central component of the U.S. Army's efforts to modernize its forces and ensure they remain capable in complex operational environments.Operators
- United States: U.S. Army