Team LionStrike Possible UK LMV Candidates ~ Part One

LionStrike ISV-U tackling Millbrook's 'mortar craters' obstacle used for testing battlefield mobility of much larger armoured vehicles such as BOXER 8x8 [© Bob Morrison]

The basic vehicle models being offered by Team LionStrike as possible candidates for the pending UK MoD LMV contract have been revealed, reports Bob Morrison.

On Thursday 13 November 2025, Team LionStrike unveiled the three GM (General Motors) vehicle models they believe would make the best replacements for the UK MoD fleet of ageing ATL Pinzgauers and Land Rover ‘Wolf’ Defenders. Currently called the LMV or Light Military Vehicle programme by UK MoD, the slow process of acquiring new ‘General Support Utility Platform’ vehicles is inching gradually forwards and it is believed that having processed the January 2025 Request for Information responses the procurement team may be about to announce within the week more precise specification requirements and quantities needed.

LionStrike ISV-U has a 1450kg payload and can carry four troops [© Bob Morrison]

Background: First entering service way back in 1994 and 1997 respectively, as part of the TUL/TUM replacement programme for earlier military Land Rover fleets which commenced just after the First Gulf War, at time of order Pinzgauer and ‘Wolf’ had projected in-service lives of 15 years. It is testament to the longevity of both vehicle types that their OSD (Out of Service Date) has been repeatedly extended through to 2030, though with neither vehicle type having been manufactured for many years and most OEM spare parts now being almost as rare as rocking horse manure, replacements are desperately required.

Team LionStrike GSUP off-road at Millbrook Proving Ground [© Bob Morrison]

Team LionStrike believe that working in partnership they can not only supply the UK Armed Forces with best vehicles for the job, but also support the user at home and abroad throughout the required lifespan of what based on past experience are likely to be very well used platforms required to outperform their civilian equivalents while carrying more and running longer. A consortium formally announced at DSEI 2025 in September, LionStrike’s three main partner companies are GM Defense, BAE Systems, and NP Aerospace. As explained to us during Thursday’s briefing, each brings something unique to the party:-

GM Defense or GMD provides proven products, backed by technology investment and a world-wide network of manufacturing, sales and sustainment.
- Affordable, scalable, and with on-time delivery
- Technology infusion of autonomy and electric solutions
BAE delivers accessible UK surge capacity with expertise on mission system integration.
- Sensors and weapons system integration experience
- RHD conversions
NP Aerospace is the engineering and design authority for UK MOD protected mobility and light utility vehicles.
- Proven capability of delivering full lifecycle support and complex vehicle upgrades
- Responsible for over 50% of the UK’s ground fleet platforms

Team LionStrike Silverado on the 1-in-1 slope at Millbrook Proving Ground [© Bob Morrison]

At Thursday’s Media Day, held at the UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, not only did the team provide a briefing on their three possible UK LMV contenders but they also allowed defence journalists a driving experience. It was mid-afternoon, as had been anticipated, by the time that the VIP party had vacated the proving ground and the media was allowed in. So, having had previous ride experience of all three base vehicles, I spent most of my time before the light failed out on Millbrook’s off-road tracks watching and photographing them in typical UK mid-November conditions. I did, however, accept the offer of an off-road ride in the UK-specific GSUP demonstrator as prior to Thursday I had only seen this version when static.

LionStrike ISV-U with inclement weather kit fitted [© Bob Morrison]

Excuse the repetition, but the three types displayed were:-

GSUP or General Service Utility Platform: based on the Chevrolet S10 Work Truck, delivering capacity for four crew, flexible and modular cab/utility configurations, 207HP diesel, and a payload of 1116 kg.
Silverado 1500 ZR2: a light duty, more powerful variant delivering capacity for five crew, flexible and modular cab/utility configurations, 305HP diesel, and payload of 705kg.
ISV-U or Infantry Squad Vehicle-Utility: based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 platform, delivering capacity for up to five crew, open-top utility and tactical configurations.

LionStrike ISV-U has coil suspension at the front and leaf springs at the rear [© Bob Morrison]

In simple terms, GSUP is probably closest in concept to the current Wolf 110 role, albeit with forward-facing seating for four rather than two, and it is geared more towards rear echelon use. ISV-U, which shares mechanical and parts commonality with the Chevy S10 on which GSUP is based, is more of a tactical platform primarily aimed at forward deployments and rapid response user units. The Silverado is the big brother of GSUP and, although in basic form it can transport less payload than GSUP, it can be mechanically upgraded to carry much more and offers greater scope for specialist role conversions.

LionStrike ISV-U with 105mm Light Gun coupled to illustrate towing capability [© Team LionStrike]

One major advantage which Team LionStrike has over some of the other potential UK MoD LMV contenders is that the OEM (i.e. the original equipment manufacturer) is directly involved in the programme, with GMD both being fully supported by parent company General Motors and able to draw directly from its wealth of engineering and design experience. A second advantage is that Coventry-based NP Aerospace is currently the UK MoD’s PMETS (Protected Mobility Engineering & Technical Support) and CVSSP (Conventional Vehicle Systems Spares and Post Design Services) prime contractor for post-design and through-life support. The third partner, Sheffield-based BAE Systems, intends setting up a Mission Kit Installation production line and taking on an estimated 100 new employees at its South Yorkshire Defence Hub if LionStrike wins the forthcoming replacement vehicle contract.

101st Airborne troops mounted patrol on an ISV (Infantry Squad Vehicle) at Hohenfels Training Area in Germany, 19 October 2025 [US Army: Maj. Brian Sutherland]

Over the last ten to fifteen years across NATO, for both cost reasons and compliance with evolving civilian road traffic regulations, militarised versions of commercial 4×4 Pick-Up and SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) trucks have become more common than light tactical trucks designed purely for military use, and it is a fair bet that UK MoD will opt for a modified pick-up for the bulk of its Wolf Land Rover fleet. However, just like the WMIK or Weapons Mount Installation Kit conversion to a percentage of the late 1990’s TUM (Truck Utility Medium) fleet procurement, a need still exists on simple logistics grounds for a smaller number of more utilitarian vehicles sharing parts commonality with the standard utility truck. This is where the GMD ISV-U joins the equation. Already in service with US and Canadian Forces, including those deployed to Europe on NATO forward presence roles in response to Russian expansionism into Ukraine, the ISV is now a proven concept.

Footnote: I intend delving a little bit deeper into the Team LionStrike subject in the not too distant future, but as Milipol Paris is immovable and its dates have been in my diary for the last two years I’m afraid covering this expo has to take priority over penning Part Two.

¤ Some further reading on the UK Forces Truck Utility Medium or TUM replacement saga:-