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Ukraine to Get Rare Textron MSFVs—A Stronger, Deadlier Spin on the M1117 Guardian

Ukraine to Get Rare Textron MSFVs—A Stronger, Deadlier Spin on the M1117 Guardian

The United States is reportedly preparing to restart production of a once-Afghanistan-exclusive armored vehicle, this time for Ukraine. The Pentagon plans to order 65 Textron-built Mobile Strike Force Vehicles (MSFVs)—a heavily modified variant of the M1117 armored car—under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

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Photo of Vlad Litnarovych
Vlad Litnarovych
News Writer

Ukraine is set to receive a new batch of American-made armored vehicles once tailored for the Afghan battlefield, defense media outlet The War Zone reported on September 2.

The Pentagon is preparing to restart production of the Mobile Strike Force Vehicle (MSFV), a Textron-built upgrade of the M1117 Armored Security Vehicle.

The US Army Contracting Command in Detroit announced plans for a three-year sole-source contract with Textron to manufacture 65 MSFVs, along with a full year’s supply of spare parts.

The deal will be funded through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), a program designed to equip Kyiv with advanced weaponry, training, and support.

Built for Afghanistan, reborn for Ukraine

Ukrainian defense media Defense Express notes that the MSFV first rolled off Textron’s production line in 2011 for the Afghan National Army. Designed to survive roadside bombs and ambushes, the vehicle features extended armor, larger wheels for better mine resistance, and a stretched hull for improved protection.

Variants included turreted troop carriers, lighter open-gun configurations, and even armored ambulances.

Why it matters on the battlefield

Defense Express analysts note that while the US Army’s latest notice does not specify which version Ukraine will receive, requirements point to the heavily armed turreted model.

The vehicles are expected to mount Mk19 grenade launchers, M2 heavy machine guns, and additional M240 and M249 machine guns, providing significantly more firepower than the standard M1117s currently in Ukrainian service.

Upgrades over the standard M1117

Ukraine already fields dozens of M1117 Guardians transferred from US stocks, though their deliveries stretched over two years. The MSFV, by comparison, offers enhanced survivability and better performance against mines—capabilities urgently needed on Ukraine’s front lines.

“Compared to the baseline M1117, the MSFV delivers superior crew protection and combat resilience,” Defense Express wrote, adding that the vehicle’s larger frame can carry up to 10 personnel in certain variants.

If the contract proceeds, Ukraine could see the first deliveries within three years, marking the revival of an armored vehicle once tied to America’s Afghan war effort.

Earlier, reports emerged that Ukraine could buy the US-made Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV).

While the Pentagon is canceling or downsizing several major programs once central to its armored vehicle fleet. Among them are the M10 Booker light tank, the ongoing competition for a new self-propelled howitzer, and further procurement of Stryker vehicles, Humvees, and JLTVs.

But the “AMPV production will be reduced to a minimum sustainment rate, but mitigated by Ukraine buyback,” the letter says.

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