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The LionStrike team, a collaboration between GM Defense, BAE Systems, and NP Aerospace, presented its light vehicle range in the UK for the first time at a VIP and media Ride and Drive event held at the Millbrook Proving Ground.
The vehicles demonstrated are being offered to meet the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Land Mobility Programme (LMP) requirements, specifically the anticipated lighter General Support Utility Platform (GSUP) and Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) needs, which are expected to be selected in 2026.
The demonstration included three proven Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) light and utility military vehicles:
GSUP: Based on the Chevrolet S10 Work Truck, this variant accommodates four crew members, offers flexible and modular cab/utility configurations, features a 207HP diesel engine, and has a payload capacity of 1,116 kg.
Silverado 1500 ZR2: A light-duty, more powerful variant for five crew members, also featuring flexible and modular cab/utility configurations, a 305HP diesel engine, and a payload of 705 kg.
Infantry Squad Vehicle- Utility (ISV-U): Built upon the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 platform, this model is designed for up to five crew, offering open-top utility and tactical configurations.
The LionStrike team was formed in September 2025, and the GM Defense GSUP vehicle was subsequently displayed statically at the UK DSEI exhibition. The Millbrook event was the first time guests and media had the opportunity to operate and inspect all three vehicle variants.
Team LionStrike aims to offer the UK MoD a mobility solution to rapidly modernize its wheeled vehicle fleet. The team is committed to delivering economic growth as part of the Land Industrial Strategy and significant export potential. It is focused on building a sustainable UK supply chain and delivery ecosystem, supported by GM’s UK team members, NP Aerospace, and BAE Systems, and anchored by GM’s worldwide parts distribution system.
J.D. Johnson, Vice President of GM Defense Government Solutions and Strategy, said it was an “honour” for GM Defense and its U.K.-based LionStrike team members to demonstrate their COTS-based platforms at Millbrook to invited guests.
Johnson stated, “I truly believe that what makes Team LionStrike different is the fact that GM, with our history and proven capability, is embedded into the procurement and support solutions offered here, as the vehicle Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).”
“Having the OEM so intimately involved provides capability, efficiencies and crucial assurance, confidence and support to the U.K. Armed Forces, through life. The company is very proud of what our Team LionStrike strategy and plan will bring to U.K. industry, U.K. economy and potentially, future U.K. exports.”
Johnson concluded by drawing a line from history to the present, “As we’ve prepared for this event we have been able to look back and note with pride the level of support and involvement Chevrolet and GMC trucks played in the British military campaigns dating back to World War II. That successful heritage firmly underpins what we’ve been demonstrating here today.”
