M1296 Dragoon

The Stryker infantry carrier vehicle (ICV) was initially equipped with lighter armament, but efforts were made to enhance its firepower by integrating a remote turret with a 30 mm autocannon onto the Stryker ICV. This upgrade aimed to compensate for the reduced number of Mobile Gun System (MGS) vehicles per brigade by increasing the lethality of individual ICVs without compromising dismount capacity, as the remote turret does not occupy space within the hull.[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/09/20/army-looks-to-mount-30mm-cannons-on-strykers.html?ESRCtodayinmil.sm Army Looks to Mount 30mm Cannons on Strykers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124213032/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/09/20/army-looks-to-mount-30mm-cannons-on-strykers.html?ESRCtodayinmil.sm|date=24 November 2020}} – Military.com, 20 September 2013 The U.S. Army began testing stabilized 30 mm cannons in early 2014, including Kongsberg Protech Systems’ Medium Caliber Remote Weapons Station (MCRWS).[http://defensetech.org/2013/10/21/army-to-test-kongsbergs-new-gun-on-stryker/ Army to Test Kongsberg's New Gun on Stryker] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023224905/http://defensetech.org/2013/10/21/army-to-test-kongsbergs-new-gun-on-stryker/|date=23 October 2013}} – Defensetech.org, 21 October 2013 In 2015, the Army approved the upgrade of 81 Strykers in the 2nd Cavalry Regiment with this system, incorporating the Orbital ATK XM813 variant of the Mk44 Bushmaster II.[http://breakingdefense.com/2015/04/the-30-millimeter-solution-army-upgunning-strykers-vs-russia/ The 30 Millimeter Solution: Army Upgunning Strykers Vs. Russia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429162423/http://breakingdefense.com/2015/04/the-30-millimeter-solution-army-upgunning-strykers-vs-russia/|date=29 April 2015}} – Breakingdefense.com, 23 April 2015[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/04/27/us-troops-in-europe-request-bigger-guns-amid-tensions-russia.html US Troops in Europe Request Bigger Guns Amid Tensions With Russia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108123128/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/04/27/us-troops-in-europe-request-bigger-guns-amid-tensions-russia.html|date=8 November 2020}} – Military.com, 27 April 2015[http://www.militarytimes.com/story/defense/land/vehicles/2016/03/01/army-seeks-new-stryker-capability-beyond-bigger-gun/81144946/ US Army Seeks New Stryker Capability Beyond Bigger Gun] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220073338/http://www.militarytimes.com/story/defense/land/vehicles/2016/03/01/army-seeks-new-stryker-capability-beyond-bigger-gun/81144946/|date=20 December 2016}} – Militarytimes.com, 1 March 2016 The first upgraded Stryker, designated XM1296 Dragoon, was delivered for testing in October 2016.[https://www.armytimes.com/articles/army-receives-first-stryker-upgraded-with-30mm-cannon "Army receives first Stryker upgraded with 30mm cannon"]. Armytimes.com, 28 October 2016. After its adoption, the vehicle was redesignated M1296 ICVD, and the first vehicles were delivered to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Germany in December 2017.[https://www.dvidshub.net/news/257951/2cr-receives-first-30mm-stryker-europe 2CR Receives the First 30mm Stryker in Europe] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322081716/https://www.dvidshub.net/news/257951/2cr-receives-first-30mm-stryker-europe|date=22 March 2018}}. Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. 8 December 2017.

File:M1296_Stryker_Dragoon_Firing.webm

Modifications were made to the hull roof of the Stryker in order to install a Kongsberg unmanned turret with an XM813 30 mm cannon, which can engage targets out to {{convert|3000|m|mi|sp=us}}, with a rate of fire of 200 rounds per minute (RPM) or 100 RPM.{{Cite web |title=ODIN - OE Data Integration Network |url=https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/WEG/Asset/M1296_(Stryker)_American_Infantry_Carrier_Vehicle_Dragoon_(ICVD) |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250206145651/https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/exports/pdf/5aeedffd8104e1909a6a3cf4542b66d183a774fc.pdf |archive-date=2025-02-06 |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=odin.tradoc.army.mil}} This added around two tons of weight to the vehicle.{{Cite web |date=August 21, 2019 |title=Stryker 30mm Infantry Carrier Vehicle – Dragoon (ICV-D) |url=https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals/97/pub/reports/FY2018/army/2018strykericvd.pdf?ver=2019-08-21-155808-150 |access-date=June 1, 2024 |website=Director Operational Test and Evaluation}} The XM813 30 mm autocannon fires two types of service rounds, the Mk 238 high explosive incendiary – tracer (HEI-T) and the Mk 258 armor piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot – tracer (APFSDS-T).{{Cite web |last=U.S. Army |date=2018 |title=Stryker 30 mm Infantry Carrier Vehicle – Dragoon (ICV-D) |url=https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals/97/pub/reports/FY2018/army/2018strykericvd.pdf?ver=2019-08-21-155808-150#:~:text=The%20weapon%20fires%20two%20types%20of%20service,Practice%20Discarding%20Sabot%20%E2%80%93%20Tracer%20(TPDS%2DT)%20round). |access-date=3 February 2025}} The autocannon is fed by two magazines holding armor piercing and high explosive ammunition. Each carries 78 rounds for 156 rounds total, with more rounds stored in the hull.[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/08/17/strykers-now-armed-bigger-gun-new-missile-russian-threat.html Strykers Now Armed with Bigger Gun, New Missile for Russian Threat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817201755/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/08/17/strykers-now-armed-bigger-gun-new-missile-russian-threat.html|date=17 August 2017}} – Military.com, 17 August 2017{{Cite web |last=ESD |date=2020-02-07 |title=Striking Power for STRYKERs - The US Army Up-Guns its Mobile Striking Power in Europe - European Security & Defence |url=https://euro-sd.com/2020/02/articles/16057/striking-power-for-strykers-the-us-army-up-guns-its-mobile-striking-power-in-europe/ |access-date=2025-02-02 |language=en-US}} Additionally, the XM813 can fire Mk 310 air burst munition (ABM) rounds, a programmable high-explosive round designed to air burst at a specific range determined by the fire control system. This capability allows it to engage troops in trenches or defilade positions and destroy trucks, drones, and helicopters.{{Cite web |last=ESD |date=2020-02-07 |title=Striking Power for STRYKERs - The US Army Up-Guns its Mobile Striking Power in Europe - European Security & Defence |url=https://euro-sd.com/2020/02/articles/16057/striking-power-for-strykers-the-us-army-up-guns-its-mobile-striking-power-in-europe/ |access-date=2025-02-03 |language=en-US}} This armament provides greater range and lethality compared to the ICV's M2 .50 caliber machine gun or Mk-19 grenade launcher. The M1296 is also equipped with a 7.62 mm M240C coaxial machine gun, which has a cyclic rate of fire of 650–950 rounds per minute{{Cite web |title=FN® M240/C |url=https://fnamerica.com/products/machine-guns/fn-m240c/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=FN® Firearms |language=en-US}} and has 400 rounds ready to fire in the turret.

The Stryker ICVD's survivability is comparable to the legacy Stryker flat-bottom hull ICV equipped with the same protection kits. The hull armor is constructed from a high-hardness steel, which offers a basic level of protection against 14.5mm rounds on the frontal arc and all-around protection against 7.62mm ball ammunition. There is also appliqué armor, which is bolt-on ceramic armor that offers all-around protection against 14.5mm armor-piercing ammunition and artillery fragments from 152mm high-explosive rounds.

The M1296 Infantry Carrier Vehicle Dragoon (ICVD) is equipped advanced camera systems to enhance the crew's visibility in various conditions. The driver’s vision enhancer - wide (DVE-Wide) is a compact thermal camera that provides a 107-degree horizontal field of view.{{Cite web |title=Driver’s Vision Enhancer Wide (DVE Wide) |url=https://www.leonardodrs.com/what-we-do/products-and-services/driver-s-vision-enhancer-wide-dve-wide/ |access-date=2025-02-01 |website=Leonardo DRS |language=en-US}} These DVE-Wide cameras are mounted around the hull, collectively enabling a full 360-degree view for the crew, significantly improving situational awareness.{{Cite web |last=U.S. Army |date=2018 |title=Stryker 30 mm Infantry Carrier Vehicle – Dragoon (ICV-D) |url=https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals/97/pub/reports/FY2018/army/2018strykericvd.pdf?ver=2019-08-21-155808-150 |access-date=1 February 2025}}{{Cite web |last=McLeary |first=Paul |date=2018-10-10 |title=General Dynamics Upgrades The Upgunned Stryker For The Army |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2018/10/general-dynamics-upgrades-the-upgunned-stryker-for-the-army/ |access-date=2025-02-01 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}} This system features image stabilization to counteract shock and vibration, while its ruggedized display ensures reliability in demanding tactical environments.{{Cite web |last=U.S. Senate |date=5 September 2023 |title=CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE |url=https://www.congress.gov/118/crec/2023/09/05/169/142/CREC-2023-09-05-pt1-PgS3884.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250206145940/https://www.congress.gov/118/crec/2023/09/05/169/142/CREC-2023-09-05-pt1-PgS3884.pdf |archive-date=6 February 2025 |access-date=31 January 2025}}

The vehicle's commander has a Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) digital communications system that allows communication between vehicles through text messaging and a map network, as well as with the battalion. The map shows the position of all vehicles on the battlefield and the commander can mark the position of enemy forces on the map, which can then be seen by other commanders.

File:2nd Cavalry Regiment completes a gunnery qualification range (8900889).jpg|Close-up of the front facing DVE-Wide cameras

File:It takes Bulls! (7178338).jpg|M1296 equipped with DVE-Wide cameras on the front and sides

File:M1296 ICV-D.webm|M1296 dismounting troops and firing its XM813

The M1296 ICVD was first fielded by the U.S. Army's 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Europe in 2018. It comprises 50 percent of the regiment’s rifle and scout platoon vehicles, totaling 81 in service.{{Cite web |title=Punching Above Our Weight |url=https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/July-August-2020/Hulm-Punching-Above-Weight/ |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=Army University Press |language=en-US}} Its deployment aimed to enhance the regiment's combat capabilities in response to evolving threats in the region.

The M1296 Dragoon is set to be replaced by the M1304 ICVVA1-30mm. The U.S. Army plans to field 269 M1304s across three Stryker brigade combat teams (SBCTs). The first M1304s were delivered on January 15, 2025, to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, also known as the "Buffaloes".{{Cite web |last=Brahy |first=Jérôme |title=US Army enhances firepower of Infantry Divisions with new M1304 ICVVA1 Stryker Infantry Fighting Vehicles |url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/us-army-enhances-firepower-of-infantry-divisions-with-new-m1304-icvva1-stryker-infantry-fighting-vehicles |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=armyrecognition.com |language=en-gb}}

• {{Flag|United States}}
• U.S. Army: 2nd Cavalry Regiment

• {{flag|Bulgaria}} The US M1296 Stryker Dragoon is a very strong contender for Bulgaria's New IFV Program to replace the BMP-1 in the Bulgarian Land Forces. The U.S. State Department approved of a potential sale of 183 Stryker IFVs for US$1.5 billion.{{Cite web |date=1 September 2023 |title=Bulgaria – Stryker Vehicles |url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/bulgaria-stryker-vehicles |website=dsca.mil}}{{Cite web |author=Lalov |first=Nikola |date=30 May 2023 |title=Potential Acquisition of 150 M1296 Stryker Dragoon by Bulgaria |url=https://www.mediapool.bg/miliardnata-sdelka-za-bronirani-mashini-se-dvizhi-vse-po-uvereno-kam-sasht-news348128.html |website=Mediapool.bg |language=bg}}{{Cite web |date=13 September 2023 |title=Ген. Атанас Запрянов: Купуваме 198 машини "Страйкър" от САЩ |url=https://www.24chasa.bg/bulgaria/article/15495685 |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=www.24chasa.bg |language=bg}} On 9 November 2023, the Bulgarian National Assembly approved the purchase of 183 Strykers and 15 HEMTT trucks.{{Cite web |author=Nenov |first=Stoyan |date=9 November 2023 |title=Bulgarian parliament okays $1.5 billion purchase of Stryker fighting vehicles from US |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/bulgarian-parliament-okays-15-billion-purchase-stryker-fighting-vehicles-us-2023-11-09/ |website=Reuters.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |author=Ангелов |first=Георги |date=10 January 2024 |title=Оръдия Bushmaster, ракети Javelin и още броня. С какво ще са въоръжени новите "Страйкър" за армията |url=https://www.svobodnaevropa.bg/a/stryker-vaorazhenie/32765895.html |website=Svobodnaevropa.bg |language=bg}}

• Stryker
• M1126 infantry carrier vehicle
• M1128 mobile gun system
• XM813 30 mm cannon
• Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace

{{reflist}}

Category:Infantry fighting vehicles

Category:Armored fighting vehicles of the United States

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Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 2010s

Category:Military vehicles of the United States

Category:Eight-wheeled vehicles

Category:Post–Cold War armored fighting vehicles of the United States

Category:Armoured fighting vehicles

Category:Infantry fighting vehicles of the United States