Future cost, use of Marine Corps ACVs scrutinized in congressional report

A Congressional Research Service report released October 6 questions the Marine Corps' Amphibious Combat Vehicle survivability against drones and guided weapons, and whether proposed force growth would require additional vehicles. The current acquisition plan totals 608 ACVs, including 389 troop carriers, 33 command vehicles, 152 cannon-equipped ACV-30s and 34 recovery variants. The Marines recently contracted for Anduril's Pulsar-L sensor-and-jammer system against small radio-controlled drones, while requesting $237 million for fiscal 2027 upgrades. The review also addresses vehicle weight and saltwater corrosion, following earlier surf-operation restrictions and ongoing efforts to reduce mass.