The M1304 ICVVA1 Stryker Infantry Fighting Vehicle is a significant enhancement to the U.S. Army’s infantry divisions, especially with its introduction to the 7th Infantry Division. As the first active unit to receive these vehicles, the 1-17th Infantry Battalion of the 2-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) began fielding the M1304 on January 15, 2025. This new variant, previously known as XM1304, is equipped with advanced firepower and protection, improving the Army`s capabilities in direct-fire combat.

Key Features and Capabilities:

Armament: The M1304 integrates the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station – Javelin (CROWS-J), which allows for remote operation of weapons from within the vehicle, enhancing the crew’s safety. It is also armed with the XM813 Bushmaster chain gun, providing increased lethality.
Protection: One of the main upgrades of the M1304 over its predecessor, the M1296 Dragoon, is its hull design. The M1304 features a double V-hull (ICVVA1-30MM), which enhances its protection by addressing the vulnerabilities of flat-bottomed hulls and improving the configuration of ammunition storage. This makes it more resistant to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other ground threats.
Production and Fielding: Oshkosh Defense, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Pratt Miller Defense are responsible for the modernization program, under a contract worth $942.9 million. The Army plans to field 269 M1304 Strykers across three Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCTs) by the end of 2025, replacing older M1296 vehicles.
Testing and Feedback: Initial vehicles were delivered in 2022 for production verification testing, and updates have been made to incorporate operational feedback, ensuring that the final product meets the needs of the Army.
The M1304 ICVVA1 will be a critical asset for the U.S. Army, significantly increasing the direct-fire lethality and protection capabilities of infantry units while modernizing and replacing older variants within the Stryker fleet.

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 Stryker Infantry Fighting Vehicle is built on the Stryker Double V-Hull (DVH) platform, which is engineered to provide enhanced protection against blast forces. This design is crucial for safeguarding soldiers from IEDs and landmines. The hull is further reinforced with bolt-on ceramic armor, a Kevlar spall liner to mitigate secondary fragmentation, and blast-attenuating seats, making the vehicle capable of withstanding significant threats, including 14.5mm armor-piercing rounds, as per the STANAG Level 4 protection standard.

Key Features and Performance Enhancements:
Blast Protection: The DVH design is specifically tailored to deflect blast forces, offering significant protection for the crew. The added armor layers and the blast-attenuating seats contribute to a robust safety profile.

Engine and Drivetrain: Testing by the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) revealed key improvements in drivetrain performance. Notably, the M1304 shows a reduction in engine load when navigating steep grades, making it more efficient. Additionally, the vehicle`s turbocharger helps to improve acceleration beyond 50 meters, enhancing its maneuverability.

Driver and Ride Quality Enhancements: Soldiers participating in the testing reported improvements in driver situational awareness displays, providing clearer views and operational data for better decision-making in the field. Additionally, the ride quality over rough terrain has been enhanced, providing better comfort and stability, especially in challenging environments.

Evaluation of Design Modifications: The modifications to the Double V-Hull A1 (DVH A1) design have been rigorously tested to ensure that they do not introduce new vulnerabilities. Both live-fire and automatic fire extinguishing system evaluations have been conducted, confirming that the updates retain the vehicle`s protective capabilities.

Specialized Variants and Payload Accommodations:
The M1304 ICVVA1 platform serves as a base for a variety of specialized Stryker variants. These include:
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)
Medical Evacuation Vehicle (MEVV-A1)
A notable variant is the ICVV-A1 version with a scout Mission Equipment Package, which replaces the older reconnaissance vehicle variant, modernizing reconnaissance capabilities.

The DVH A1 platform`s flexibility allows it to support a heavier payload, which is essential to accommodate additional electronics, communication systems, and future network demands. This ensures the vehicle can stay relevant and capable as technology advances and operational needs evolve.

Overall Impact:
The M1304 ICVVA1 Stryker, with its advanced protection and drivetrain performance enhancements, will significantly enhance the mobility, lethality, and survivability of infantry units. The specialized variants offer versatility across different operational roles, and the platform`s ability to incorporate future technologies ensures its relevance for years to come.

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.

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