Washington, D.C., June 25, 2026 — The U.S. Marine Corps has placed its first delivery order under a newly awarded indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract with Polaris Government and Defense, acquiring more than 70 MRZR Alpha ultra-light tactical vehicles (ULTVs) along with a package of mission-specific accessories. More than half of the vehicles ordered are equipped with a 5-kilowatt exportable power system, enabling them to supply electrical power directly to military equipment in the field.
The order follows the award of a new IDIQ contract on May 22, 2026, through the Program Executive Office for the Marine Corps. Valued at up to $98 million over a five-year ordering period, the contract allows the Marine Corps to procure vehicles as operational requirements evolve. The first delivery order was placed on June 24.
Air-Transportable Tactical Vehicle
Built by Polaris Government and Defense, the MRZR Alpha is powered by a 1.5-liter common-rail turbo-diesel engine producing 118 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle has a top speed of more than 60 mph and an operational range of 225 to 300 miles.
The four-seat configuration offers a payload capacity of up to 2,000 pounds and a towing capacity of 2,500 pounds. Its dimensions allow internal transport aboard MV-22B Osprey tiltrotors and CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters, supporting rapid deployment into remote and austere environments.
5-kW Exportable Power System
More than half of the vehicles ordered feature the 5-kilowatt exportable power variant, while the remainder use the standard 1-kilowatt configuration.
The 5-kW system enables the vehicle to function as a mobile 24-volt power source capable of operating communications equipment, tactical edge computing systems, sensors, air defense systems, and other electronic equipment without requiring a separate generator.
Mission Equipment Package
The delivery order includes a range of mission-specific accessories developed to improve operational flexibility. These include a reversible roof kit with multicam camouflage on one side and olive drab on the other, a road march kit with turn signals, mirrors and a horn, and a modular cargo system featuring side rails, a heavy-duty tailgate and aircraft-compatible rails for casualty evacuation litter mounts.
Additional equipment includes a roll-cage-mounted Class 5-BC fire extinguisher and a dedicated towbar mounting system.
The modular configuration allows the same vehicle to support reconnaissance, logistics, casualty evacuation, counter-drone operations and aircraft refueling missions by changing accessory packages.
Supporting Marine Corps Modernization
The Marine Corps currently operates more than 500 MRZR Alpha vehicles across multiple operational theaters, including Norway and the Middle East. The platform also benefits from Polaris' commercial dealer network, improving parts availability and sustainment for deployed units.
The procurement supports the Marine Corps' Force Design modernization strategy, which emphasizes lighter, highly mobile expeditionary forces operating in contested maritime and littoral environments. Additional deliveries are expected under the five-year, $98 million contract as future requirements are issued.
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