GM Defense has joined forces with UK-based NP Aerospace to propose American-built vehicles for the United Kingdom’s Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) program. This initiative is part of the broader Land Mobility Program, which aims to replace three categories of outdated vehicles and streamline the British Army’s fleet.
The partnership will offer GM’s flagship Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) and its utility variant for the LMV competition. Both vehicles are derived from the durable Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 platform. In an interview with Defense News, Bradley Watters, vice president of international government solutions and strategy at GM Defense, described the program as a strategically significant opportunity.
“It’s about securing that first major win with a key military force and reestablishing our presence in Europe. GM is returning to the European market in multiple areas, from sales to maintenance and distribution,” Watters stated.
The Request for Information (RFI) issued by the UK Ministry of Defense in January emphasized the importance of off-the-shelf solutions in the evaluation process. GM highlights that around 90% of the ISV’s components are commercial off-the-shelf parts, which could give the vehicle a competitive edge. For example, the ISV is equipped with advanced suspension spool valve dampers supplied by the Canadian company Multimatic. When asked about the impact of tariffs introduced under the Trump administration on component procurement, Watters confirmed there has been no adverse effect.
“The reality is that the global environment is constantly shifting – GM has adapted to various administrations and policy changes for over a century, and we continue to do so,” a GM Defense spokesperson added.
The company is also assessing opportunities to leverage European second-source suppliers to fulfill localization requirements that many nations now prioritize. As part of its LMV bid, GM Defense plans to utilize NP Aerospace’s existing facilities in Coventry, UK, and London, Ontario, to support customized and locally integrated designs. Additionally, the partnership is targeting upcoming programs for the Canadian Armed Forces, including the Light Utility Vehicle and Light Forces Enhancement projects.
At this stage, British defense officials have not confirmed whether a remote weapon station will be included in the final LMV vehicle configuration.
