Industry Insights

The 2026 edition is here. 

Packed with the latest data, program updates, and funding insights, this year’s market report breaks down how the global armored vehicle market is evolving, and why factors like the war in Ukraine are accelerating change at pace.

But this isn’t just a report, it’s your insider preview of the biggest conversations shaping the industry right now. 

Inside, you’ll uncover key trends and challenges that will take center stage at Armored Vehicles USA (June 23–24, Ann Arbor, Michigan), where senior leaders from across the U.S. Army and DoW will share what’s next for combat vehicle development, sustainment, and future force design. 

Want to stay ahead of the curve? Download the report and get the insights everyone will be talking about.

As the U.S. Army works to modernize faster and more collaboratively, the Army Applications Lab (AAL) has emerged as a critical bridge between soldiers and innovative technology companies. In this exclusive interview, LTC Nick Rinaldi, Project Lead for xTech Overwatch, shares how AAL is accelerating the transition of cutting‑edge capabilities, particularly from small and non‑traditional businesses, to the battlefield.

During this interview, LTC Rinaldi shared:

• Insight into how the Army Applications Lab and xTech Overwatch are lowering barriers for small businesses and speeding the delivery of operationally relevant technology.
• A forward‑looking perspective on the technologies shaping armored vehicle effectiveness, including autonomy, layered protection, cognitive load reduction, and predictive maintenance.

The Army’s Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) program has taken a sharp turn. 
What began in 2019 as an ambitious plan for three robotic variants has since evolved, challenged by complexity, cost, and changing priorities. Now, it’s been reimagined as Unmanned Ground Commercial Robotic Vehicles (UGCRV), with a clear focus: faster delivery, lower cost, and real-world impact.

So what changed, and what happens next? 
This report breaks down the shift from RCV to UGCRV, what the Army is doing differently, and the latest progress shaping the future of unmanned ground combat. 

These are the same critical conversations driving the agenda at Armored Vehicles USA (June 23–24, Ann Arbor, Michigan), where Army leaders and industry will come together to explore what’s next, from UGCRV to acquisition reform and beyond.

Every year, the Armored Vehicle USA conference brings together the U.S. Army’s key commands, program offices, and innovators to discuss the latest in armored capability development, modernization, and operational readiness. This report provides a clear, accessible overview of the Army organizations shaping the future of armored warfare and what they will bring to this year’s event.

In this report, readers will gain:

• A breakdown of the major Army commands attending the conference and how each contributes to armored vehicle modernization, testing, acquisition, and sustainment.
• Insight into the Army’s restructuring and modernization initiatives, including the consolidation of AFC and TRADOC into T2COM, updated acquisition pathways, and evolving R&D priorities.
• A preview of the sessions and leadership perspectives that will shape discussions at Armored Vehicle USA, from maneuverability and lethality to innovation partnerships and industrial‑base readiness.
  

As armored warfare evolves, land forces around the world are rapidly adopting new technologies to improve survivability, lethality, power management, and operational flexibility. This report examines the most significant technology and capability developments shaping modern armored vehicles—from active protection and modular design to autonomy and human‑machine teaming.

In this report, readers will gain:

• A clear overview of the key technology trends influencing armored vehicles, including layered protection systems, hybrid power, and open architectures.
• Insight into how emerging capabilities like AI, autonomy, and modular platforms are moving from experimentation to operational use across U.S. and allied forces.

The operational environment for armored forces is changing rapidly as drones, electronic warfare, dense minefields, and constant surveillance redefine how ground combat is fought. This report examines the tactical lessons emerging from recent conflicts and how they are reshaping the role, survivability, and employment of armored vehicles within modern, networked forces.

Download the report to learn:

• Key insights from recent conflicts showing how drones, EW, and mine warfare are driving new survivability requirements and tactical adaptations for armored formations.
• An understanding of how armored vehicles are evolving from stand‑alone platforms into integrated, networked elements of combined‑arms and multinational operations.