GM Defense Triumphs in Summer Trials for UAE Armed Forces!
GM Defense LLC, a division of General Motors (GM), declared that its Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) has successfully completed the 2023 UAE Armed Forces Summer Trials organized by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) General Maintenance Corps. Conducted over several days, the Summer Trials assess if vehicles can fulfill the technical and tactical requirements of the UAE Armed Forces and neighboring nations. The UAE continues to conduct evaluations after the vehicle exercise to officially affirm completion status. The ISV was granted certification of completion, indicating that the vehicle successfully navigated Summer Trials after both evaluation phases.
GM Defense’s ISV accomplished all stages of the Summer Trials, covering nearly 2,000 kilometers across freeways, sand dunes, soft sandy paths, and rocky terrain. The stages, which comprise continuous driving under full payload conditions, are structured to evaluate vehicle performance under demanding combat scenarios, including severe climates and varied landscapes. Alongside the mobility trials, the ISV undertook the Maintenance Trial, which incorporated two days of field repairs testing, and an evaluation of maintenance and recovery capabilities to assist potential clients in understanding repair efficiency and sustainability.
“This marks GM Defense’s inaugural participation with a vehicle in UAE Summer Trials, and our successful outcome is a testament to the durability of our ISV and the expertise of our dedicated team,” stated Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “By accomplishing all phases, we have showcased our ability to harness the innovative technologies of our parent company, General Motors, to produce a highly efficient off-road vehicle that meets the demands of defense and governmental clients in the UAE and across the region. Our achievements during the Summer Trials are a significant milestone in our planned expansion within the area as we strive to present the ISV and its variants to this vital customer segment.”
“Our successful completion of the Summer Trials represents an incredible achievement for the ISV initiative and will instill great confidence in defense and government clients in the region regarding the capabilities that GM Defense can provide to satisfy mission requirements,” remarked Bradley Watters, vice president of International Business Development. “I was present on-site with other ISV team members, assisting the vehicle as it navigated through deep soft sand, hard-packed surfaces, and over rocky obstacles, successfully concluding eight consecutive days of testing in extreme temperatures (132 degrees Fahrenheit/56 degrees Celsius). Finishing all phases of the mobility and maintenance trial will facilitate new growth opportunities in the Emirates.”
The conclusion of the UAE Summer Trials follows GM Defense’s announcement of a signed collaborative agreement with Tawazun Council at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference in February 2023. This agreement promotes business endeavors with the mutual goal of delivering innovative and advanced solutions to military, security, and governmental clients from the UAE and throughout the region in crucial technology sectors such as integrated vehicles; power and propulsion—including fuel cells and power generation; as well as autonomy and connectivity.
