Polaris’ ‘Dune Buggy’ For U.S. Special Forces Spied For The First Time

On the same day that GM Defense announced it won a $214.3 million U.S. Army contract to build the new Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), a new Polaris military vehicle prototype was spotted in Michigan.

More specifically, our photographers caught the prototype near the Roush test facility in Dearborn, where it was joined by another military vehicle, the trophy truck-inspired Polaris Dagor A1 ultra-light combat vehicle. The timing is probably a coincidence but an official announcement from June 4 sheds light on Polaris’ new military vehicle.

A month ago, the U.S. company announced a new seven-year, $109 million contract with the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to supply a Light Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (LTATV).

The new light tactical vehicle is called Polaris MRZR Alpha and we believe it’s the vehicle you see in the photos. We say that because it shares many elements of the ultra-light tactical construction of the existing Polaris MRZR. However, it has a longer wheelbase and a more generous rear section which could be configured for more gear or extra occupants.

The MRZR Alpha will be Polaris’ 11th military vehicle in 12 years. According to the company’s June 4 release, the LTATV specification calls for a two-passenger and four-passenger base vehicle, and seven variants or “packages”. The prototype spotted in Michigan appears to have a four-seat configuration, though the rear seats are not mounted yet.

Polaris says the MRZR Alpha is “an entirely new breed of light tactical vehicle” as it is designed on an all-new chassis which promises a “revolutionary new capability”. The company says its “advances in chassis, driveline, suspension, and other technologies have allowed the company to provide a new level of durability, performance, and payload in the MRZR Alpha”.

Furthermore, the new light tactical vehicle’s architecture has been designed to be compatible with near-future innovation. Since their introduction, MRZRs have been outfitted with counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), weapons and high-energy laser systems, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems.

Other features present on MRZR models include expeditionary command and control systems, autonomy packages, litters for medical and casualty evacuation, and communication equipment. Obviously, Polaris Government & Defense‘s MRZR Alpha will feature all these and more.