For the first time, Marines’ body of the United States has operationally deploy its new amphibious combat vehicle (ACV) in the Indo-Pacific region, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of its amphibious assault capabilities. The 31st Marine Expedition Unit (MEU), was in Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan, integrated the stroke into its training regime during the exercise of the Marine Expeditionary Unit (Meuex), which took place from April 28 to May 9, 2025. This deployment reflects a broader modernization initiative aimed strategy, and the combination of the combination of the strategy and the combination of the strategy. Coastal operations.
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American Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, disembarking an amphibious combat vehicle of the US Marines Corps. Dod)
The 31st Meu is the only permanent marine expedition unit deployed in the US Marines Corps. UU. And it is a critical component of the Marine Expeditionary Force III (III MEF). As part of the crisis response of the Marines Corps and the rapid deployment forces, the 31 MEU is strategically based on the Western Pacific and serves as the tip of the spear for the Indo-Pacific Defense position of the United States. It works as an Air-Air-Airming task force (MAGTF), capable of executing amphibious operations, limited contingency missions and humanitarian assistance efforts. The integration of stroke into this highly agile and receptive unit improves its operational preparation and its ability to project force through vast maritime regions in support of the objects of the American Indo-Pacific Command (Indoopacom).
The stroke (amphibious combat vehicle), developed by BAE Systems in association with Iveco’s defense vehicles, is designed to replace the aging of the amphibious assault vehicle (AAV), which has been a pillar of amphibious operations of the Marines body since the 1970s. This transition was driven by the growing concerns about survival and the operational limitations of the AAV High threat modern environments. The ACV program aims to deliver 632 vehicles in several configurations to meet a range of mission requirements. These include the variant of ACV personnel (ACV-P), designed to transport 13 embarked marines and three crew members; the command and control LCA (stroke); ACV recovery (stroke); and the ACV-30, which will be equipped with a 30 mm cannon for a higher fire support.
From a technical point of view, stroke represents a quantum leap in amphibious capacity. It is designed for the launch and recovery of amphibious assault ships beyond the horizon and is capable of navigating Sea State 3, supporting wave heights up to 1.25 meters. Its advanced propulsion system transmitted by water, with dual water jets, allows stroke to travel more than 19 kilometers (12 miles) in open sea at speeds of up to 10 kilometers per hour (6 mph). This performance allows more flexible, scattered and survivors of ground ships, especially criticism during the initial stages of amphibious assaults where forces are more vulnerable.
On the ground, the stroke is driven by a six -cylinder diesel engine of 515 kW (700 HP) that drives the vehicle at speeds greater than 105 km/h (65 mph). It has a land range of more than 520 kilometers (325 miles), which allows it to support the operations extended inwards once a beach head has been secured. Its configuration with 8×8 wheels, together with an independent suspension, provides exceptional road performance and improves the comfort of the crew on the rough terrain.
Vehicle protection systems are equally robust. It has a V -shaped helmet for the deviation of the explosion, the advanced modular armor to resist the fragments of fire and shell of small weapons, and NBC defense capabilities (nuclear, biological and chemical). Integrated spall coverings and automatic fire suppression systems further improve survival. ACV is also designed taking into account the future battlefield: it has a built-in growth capacity to integrate additional capacities such as active protection systems, electronic war modules and counter-confirmed air systems (C-UA).
In terms of fire power, the ACV-P variant is equipped with a remote weapon station capable of mounting a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun or an automatic 40 mm grenade launcher. The next ACV-30 variant will significantly increase the lethality of combat with an MK44 Bushmaster II cannon stabilized of 30 mm, which will allow you to effectively involve fortified positions, light armored threats and provide direct support to the infantry units.
ACV also stands out in network war. It has an advanced command, control, communications, computers and intelligence suite (C4I), which allows the coordination of the battlefield in real time and the exchange of data in the dispersed units. This digital spine improves situational consciousness and the ability to respond to the command, ensuring that marine commanders can make informed decisions in rapidly evolving combat environments.
During Meuex 2025, the Marines used stroke in a variety of rigorous training scenarios, including mechanized raids and complex amphibious assaults. These exercises validated the performance of the stroke in various operational conditions and confirmed their value to improve the projection of strength and tactical agility. The perfect transition from the sea to Earth, along with its survival and combat systems, makes it a vital asset in the modern expeditionary war.
Lieutenant General Roger B. Turner, under the general of the Marina III expeditionary force, praised the operational impact of the stroke, pointing out that significantly improves the body’s capacity to carry out maritime denial and maritime operations. He emphasized that the deployment of the vehicle strengthens the disjion posture of the III MEF and its ability to respond decisively to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific.
The successful integration of the stroke in the structure of the strength of the 31a MEU marks a new chapter in the amphibious war of the Marines’ body. As the geopolitical tensions and the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific continue to grow, the stroke will play a central role in allowing fast, resistant and lethal response capabilities from the sea to the interior objectives. This deployment not only validates the design of the stroke, but also reinforces the commitment of Marines’ body to maintain an advanced and technologically advanced force ready for the 21st century challenges.
