GM Defense Unveils Silverado 3500HD-Based Autonomous Logistics Truck

At the AUSA 2026 Annual Meeting on October 12, GM Defense unveiled an autonomous logistics vehicle concept based on the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD. Alongside the presentation of the unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), the company highlighted a major expansion of the Army's Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) procurement program, which has grown nearly twentyfold from an initial target of 649 units to approximately 12,000 vehicles.

The UGV concept adapts the heavy-duty Silverado 3500HD platform into a dual-rear-wheel skateboard architecture. Stripped down to drive-by-wire controls, onboard power, and exportable electricity, the vehicle features open interfaces designed to support modular mission packages. Intended for silent resupply missions and casualty evacuation rather than direct combat, the truck incorporates a 100-kWh rechargeable energy-storage system and offers a maximum payload rating of 8,000 pounds. Autonomous operation is managed by Scout AI's Gx Ground Agent system. During the exhibition, the platform was showcased with integrated defensive equipment, including a LOCUST X3 counter-drone laser weapon and a Squarehead Discovair G2+ acoustic drone-detection sensor. GM Defense plans to ready an operational technology demonstrator for Army evaluation by June 2027.

Simultaneously, GM Defense is expanding its crewed tactical vehicle lineup. The standard Infantry Squad Vehicle utilizes underpinnings from the commercial Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. GM Defense self-funded an ISV-Utility derivative, delivering seven prototypes to the Army free of charge; the five-soldier variant is slated for deployment across 39 active-duty and National Guard mobile brigades as production accelerates.

Competition is also heating up for the heavier ISV-Heavy requirement. In late June 2026, the Army awarded prototype contracts to GM Defense, Ford, and BC Customs. Each manufacturer is required to supply three prototypes by March 30, 2027, ahead of evaluations for an anticipated purchase of around 606 vehicles. Steve duMont, president of GM Defense, emphasized that leveraging commercial automotive platforms enables rapid scaling and advanced tactical capabilities.