GM Defense has formed a partnership with the British company NP Aerospace to present American platforms in the tender for the United Kingdom’s Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV). This initiative is part of the UK’s broader Land Mobility Program, which aims to replace three types of aging vehicles and streamline the British Army’s fleet.

The collaborative effort will feature GM’s Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) and its utility variant for the LMV segment. Both vehicles are built on the robust Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 platform.

In an interview with Defense News, Bradley Watters, the vice-president of international government solutions and strategy at GM Defense, expressed that this competition is seen as a strategic opportunity. He emphasized the significance of securing a win with a major military force and noted GM’s re-entry into the European market, which includes various operational aspects such as sales, maintenance, and distribution centers.

The UK Ministry of Defense published a Request for Information in January, indicating that the selection process would prioritize off-the-shelf solutions. GM reports that their ISV utilizes around 90% commercial-off-the-shelf parts, potentially giving them an advantage during selection.

For instance, the ISV features dynamic suspension spool valve dampers provided by Multimatic, a Canadian company. When questioned about the impact of tariffs from the Trump administration on the procurement of components, Watters stated there has been no negative effect. A GM Defense representative further noted the dynamic nature of the procurement environment and the company’s adaptability to changes over the past century.

GM Defense is also exploring the possibility of working with second-source suppliers in Europe to satisfy localization requirements, which are increasingly important to many nations.

In their bid, GM plans to leverage NP Aerospace’s facilities located in Coventry, U.K., and London, Ontario, which will aid in achieving localized and tailored designs. Furthermore, both companies aim to pursue opportunities within the Canadian Armed Forces’ Light Utility Vehicle and Light Forces Enhancement programs.

As of now, British authorities have not confirmed whether a remote weapon station will be integrated into the vehicle selected as part of the LMV tender.

Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo, the author, is a Europe correspondent for Defense News, focusing on military procurement and international security, with specialized reporting in the aviation sector. She is based in Milan, Italy.