The U.S. Marine Corps plans to begin development on the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) Increment 2 in 2029. This next phase will produce three distinct variants: a counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) variant, a recovery variant, and one configured for precision fires.
The program represents a strategic shift in Marine Corps reconnaissance capabilities, integrating electronic warfare and long-range strike assets into a single tracked platform. By pairing C-UAS protection with precision fires, the ARV Increment 2 aims to support distributed maritime operations in contested environments.
No allied or adversary responses have been reported yet, but the timeline suggests alignment with the Marine Corps' Force Design 2030 modernization plan. Rival militaries—particularly those with advanced drone swarms—may view the C-UAS variant as a direct countermeasure.
Specific contract value or budget allocation for the Increment 2 effort has not been disclosed. The 2029 start date indicates a deliberate, phased procurement approach, following Increment 1 fielding expected in the mid-2020s.
Some defense analysts caution that lengthy development cycles risk fielding systems that lag behind rapidly evolving drone threats. The five-year gap from Increment 1 may also create integration challenges across the ARV family.