Is This What Will Replace the Long-Serving LAV-25?

Task & Purpose
Task & PurposeApr 29, 2026

Why It Matters

Replacing the aging LAV‑25 with the sensor‑rich ARV30 will boost the Marines’ amphibious strike capability and reduce lifecycle costs through modular variants.

Key Takeaways

  • General Dynamics unveils ARV30 to replace Marine LAV‑25 fleet.
  • ARV30 mounts 30mm cannon identical to amphibious combat vehicle.
  • 360° camera and sensor suite gives crew full situational awareness.
  • New trim vane deploys downward, improving water‑entry stability.
  • Three variants planned: ARV30, ARVC‑C4 UAS, and AERV‑L logistics.

Summary

The video showcases General Dynamics’ Advanced Recon Vehicle 30 (ARV30), the proposed successor to the Marine Corps’ long‑standing LAV‑25 armored vehicle.

The ARV30 carries the same 30 mm cannon used on the new Amphibious Combat Vehicle, while a 360‑degree camera and sensor array gives the crew full situational awareness. A novel trim‑vane folds down to improve stability during water entry, addressing a known limitation of legacy LAVs.

General Dynamics recently secured a contract to build prototypes of three variants – the baseline ARV30, the ARVC‑C4 UAS for command‑control and unmanned‑air‑system integration, and the AERV‑L logistics version for cargo transport. The presenter notes the award and highlights the vehicle’s “cool looking” design as a sign of progress for the LAV community.

If adopted, the ARV30 family would modernize the Marine Corps’ amphibious reconnaissance fleet, enhance survivability, and streamline logistics by consolidating combat, command, and transport roles into a single platform.

Original Description

This is the GDLS ARV-30, or Advanced Recon Vehicle, that is a candidate to replace the LAV-25.
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