No ordinary UTV, the Marine Corps Systems Command has begun fielding the new Polaris Ultra Light Tactical Vehicle (ULTV), marking a significant milestone in the Corps’ Force Design 2030 modernization efforts. This state-of-the-art tactical vehicle is set to enhance infantry, reconnaissance and logistics mobility and sustainability, providing the modern warfighter with an advanced, lightweight solution tailored for operations in an anti-access/area denial environment.
“Fielding the ULTV serves as a signal that the Corps is keeping in stride with the ambitious roadmap laid out in Force Design 2030,” said Col. John Gutierrez, portfolio manager for Logistics Combat Element Systems. “This new capability will ultimately help forge a more agile and resilient Corps—one which is empowered to overcome the evolving complexities of modern warfare.”
“We are honored to play a part in the U.S. Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 modernization and their fielding of our Polaris MRZR Alpha, the new Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicle (ULTV)," adds Nick Francis, Vice President, Polaris Government and Defense. “Innovation is a constant at Polaris and we leverage our company’s broader expertise to benefit our military customers, as we did with the development of the MRZR Alpha – the most capable MRZR to date,” adds Nick Francis, Vice President, Polaris Government and Defense. “Our expertise in off-road vehicle development, engineering and manufacturing provides exceptional value and capability to our military customers…The U.S. Marine Corps has always been at the forefront of air-transportable ultra-light tactical mobility and we are privileged to work with them.”
The ULTV, a modular, off-road utility vehicle, is currently replacing the Utility Task Vehicle, or UTV, which has reached the end of its lifecycle. With its ability to be rapidly configured, the ULTV supports diverse infantry needs, ranging from logistical support and casualty evacuation to command and control and electronic warfare missions. It can be internally transported in the MV-22 and CH-53E/K, further facilitating rapid deployment.
“The ULTV is more than just a tactical vehicle; it enhances our capabilities across the board, ensuring the success of our mission and the safety of our Marines,” explains USMC Program Manager for Light Tactical Vehicles, Jennifer Moore. “The ability to rapidly configure the ULTV to suit diverse mission needs-- from logistical support to electronic warfare-- enhances our capabilities in previously unimagined ways.”
The First Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Pendleton, California, are the first frontline troops to get the new Polaris product. In fact, the first ULTVs have already arrived at I MEF, with 1st Battalion, 5th Marines receiving the initial vehicle set. An ongoing, structured roll-out will continue throughout the MEF, culminating in August, followed by additional fielding events across the Marine Corps.
Images courtesy Ashley Calingo, Office of Public Affairs Communication