---
title: "American Textron plant resumes production of MSFV armored vehicles for Ukraine"
description: "Textron Systems in Louisiana has launched production of 65 MSFV armored vehicles for Ukraine. The $163 million contract was signed in January 2026, with the first deliveries expected by the end of this year. This is the first resumption of production of this equipment in 7 years."
date: 2026-06-14T15:08:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/textron-resumes-production-of-msfv-armored-vehicles-for-ukraine
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# American Textron plant resumes production of MSFV armored vehicles for Ukraine

![Armored reconnaissance vehicle Textron MSFV in desert camouflage, ready for shipment to Ukraine after production resumed](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/14/textron-zapuskaet-proizvodstvo-bronemashin-msfv-dlya-ukrainy/textron-zapuskaet-proizvodstvo-bronemashin-msfv-dlya-ukrainy-1.webp)

The Textron Systems plant in Slidell, Louisiana, has officially launched a production line for 65 new MSFV-class armored vehicles for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine citing a statement from the manufacturer. The first batches of equipment are planned to be transferred to the Ukrainian side by the end of 2026.

### Revival of a legendary platform

The project involves a modification of the well-known COMMANDO Select platform. The Slidell plant is operating in a full-cycle mode: from hull welding to system integration and final testing. The company emphasized that the launch of production was the result of months of preparation and coordination. Specialists with decades of experience working with previous generations of COMMANDO vehicles have been involved in the work.

This event marks the resumption of production of these vehicles for the first time in seven years. Previously, production was discontinued around 2019 following the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. Initially, MSFVs were created specifically for the Afghan army: the first 18 vehicles were delivered in 2011, and by 2013, their number reached 634 units. Now the line has started up again exclusively for the Ukrainian contract.

### Contract details and financing

The agreement to supply 65 vehicles was signed in January 2026. The total value of the contract is $163.4 million. Financing is provided through the United States Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) via the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism.

The term of the agreement is three years. It covers not only the production of equipment but also the supply of a set of spare parts for one year of operation. All deliveries are planned to be completed by November 30, 2028.

### Specifications and equipment

The MSFV is a four-wheeled armored vehicle built on the M1117 Guardian chassis. Its key differences from the base version include an elongated hull, reinforced armor, and a V-shaped hull bottom, which ensures crew protection against mines and improvised explosive devices.

Key technical specifications:

    - Base version weight: approximately 13.4 tons.

    - Maximum speed: up to 101 km/h.

    - Base armament: 40mm Mk19 automatic grenade launcher and M2HB heavy machine gun.

The version intended for Ukraine will be equipped with encrypted digital communication systems. There is also an option to install remotely controlled weapon stations with 12.7mm or 30mm armament.

### Personnel training

An important part of the contract is the training program for Ukrainian crews and technical specialists. It includes operator instruction, training in field maintenance, and system diagnostics. Classes will be conducted both in the US and directly in Ukraine by mobile teams in coordination with the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine (SAG-U).

### Context of military aid

The launch of production takes place against the backdrop of a shift in the vector of military aid. Amidst a reduction in the volume of support from the US, European countries are rapidly increasing spending on Ukraine's defense. Only in March-April 2026, Germany allocated €4.2 billion, primarily for air defense systems and drones. Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is ready to purchase air defense systems and other weapons from the US worth between $30 and $50 billion, viewing these purchases as a form of long-term security guarantees.