Maneuver Support Vessel (MSV)
Abstract
This project line supports the family of Maneuver Support Vessels (MSV) which enable Dynamic Force Repositioning (DFR) by providing the Combatant, Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) and Joint All Domain Operations (JADO) Commanders with the ability to access multiple entry points via littorals and inland waterways (waterborne corridor) IOT sustain forces within an anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) bubble. The family of MSV include the Maneuver Support Vessel (Light), Maneuver Support Vessel (Heavy), and other systems and enablers which support INDOPACOM operational plans and Army Title 10 requirements to prepare for land combat and provide watercraft support in a theater of operations in support of Geographic Combatant Commands (GCC). MSV connectors will provide Surge, Precision and Dispersed Logistics to move and maneuver tailored forces, combat ready troops, platforms, equipment, and supply bulk fuel and water across the full spectrum of operations. MSV connectors mitigate A2/AD threats by providing access to shallow coastal waters, rivers, in narrow inland waterways in support of dispersed force elements in austere environments and where mature ports or road networks are unavailable. The MSV(L) provides upgraded capabilities such as higher operational speed, reduced draft and increased payload to support expeditionary movement and maneuver of tailored forces and combat power to mitigate the Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) operational environment. Capable of delivering a combat configured Abrams, Stryker or Bradley Fighting Vehicles along with critical sustainment missions including delivery of food, water, fuel, and ammunition. MSV(L) is the first new development program which will displace the Army's aging Landing Craft Mechanized-8 (LCM-8) class of vessels. The LCM-8 does not have the speed, functional draft (shallow water capability), interoperability, or maneuver capability to move today's Army Maneuver Platforms. The MSV(L) prototype will undergo contractor and government testing in FY23-25. Following prototype testing the prototype vessel may be used as a test bench for future modifications and or a training asset. The MSV(H) represents a new development of maritime transport, adding new capabilities to meet the joint formation's future operational and tactical movement and maneuver requirements. MSV(H) is in line with future joint and Army Operational Concepts stating that Army forces must conduct expeditionary movement over strategic distances and transition rapidly to cross-domain maneuver of sufficient scale and duration to accomplish operational objectives. This heavy lift capability enables intra-theater movement and maneuver of combat loaded, ready-to-fight forces (personnel, equipment, and supplies) in support of CCMDs. MSV(H) is interoperable with future joint sea basing concepts and designed with the right range, speed, and cargo capacity to employ combat power to multiple dispersed locations and project sustainment from intermediate staging bases or the sea base. The strategically dispersed and forward deployed MSV(H) fleet enables rapid and responsive theater employment of combat loaded, ready-to-fight forces (personnel, equipment, and accompanying supplies) in support of CCMDs, employ them at the point of need, provide tactical maneuver support during operations, and sustain them over the duration of operations. MSV(H) capabilities are a critical enabler in combatting A2/AD environment threats made more difficult by operating in the littoral operating space physically defined by natural choke points along rivers, in shallows, jutting peninsulas, offshore islands, bays, estuaries, coastlines and vessel-congested shipping areas. The family of MSV will also include interim capabilities and enablers to facilitate the range of pulsed operations in the littorals. FY25 RDTE dollars in the amount of $15.030 million support the family of Maneuver Support Vessels requirements development process and MSV(L) testing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- EJ9_0604804A_5_2040_PB_2025
Related Documents
- Root: Logistics and Engineer Equipment - Eng Dev
- Child Accomplishment: Program Management / Systems Engineering
- Child Accomplishment: Maneuver Support Vessel Affordability and Feasibility Studies
- Child Accomplishment: MSV(H) Requirements Development
- Child Accomplishment: MSV(L) EMD Closeout
- Child Accomplishment: MSV Testing
- Child Cost Item: 4a60d05359f40d66c5c4a5bfdbc23087
- Child Cost Item: a06ddbb4a790090f43d4efeccf4bbe7b
- Child Cost Item: 5fd84aa92ba69ff20696641a9724da34
- Child Cost Item: bc19f317f0910b0265b559279975d535
- Child Cost Item: d5c32991a141377c24c868472ceb51b0