LAV PIP

The Light Armored Vehicle Product Improvement Program (LAV PIP) is a critical initiative by the Navy to ensure the operational readiness and effectiveness of Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs) originally built in 1983. The primary objective is to maintain and enhance these vehicles through various modifications and sustainment actions, extending their service life until the projected sunset date of FY 2035. This involves managing obsolescence in C4ISR and jammer equipment, implementing safety modifications, and sustaining support equipment and tools.

A significant goal of the LAV PIP is to address the Tactical Communication Modernization (TCM) requirements mandated by the National Security Administration (NSA). By December 2024, all LAVs must be equipped with NSA-compliant radios to maintain their Authority to Operate (ATO). The program aims to complete the procurement and fielding of 167 TCM vehicle radio sets by FY 2025, ensuring compliance with cryptographic modernization requirements outlined in Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Notice (CJCSN) 6510.

Additionally, the LAV PIP encompasses various engineering change proposals and system modifications. These include upgrades to intercom systems, electrical systems, and slip rings for LAV-25 variants. The program also supports refurbishments, installations, and warehousing activities necessary for fleet sustainment. Through these efforts, the LAV PIP seeks to enhance communication capabilities, improve vehicle safety, and ensure that all modifications align with current technological standards.

The LAV PIP represents a comprehensive approach to lifecycle management for the Marine Corps' tracked combat vehicles. By focusing on both immediate upgrades and long-term sustainment strategies, this program ensures that the fleet remains capable of meeting modern operational demands while adhering to stringent security requirements.