The United States recently pledged 90 Stryker infantry carriers to Ukraine. That’s a significant number, enough to equip an entire battalion of 1,000 troops.
As a former US Army infantryman deployed to Iraq in a Stryker Brigade Combat Team, I have firsthand experience with this vehicle’s tactics, capabilities, logistical needs, training, and, yes, even its controversial weaknesses.
Let’s analyze how these vehicles might be used in Ukraine’s upcoming offensive and defensive operations, examining the tough decisions the Ukrainian Armed Forces will face when deploying them.
Defensive Deployment: Shoring Up Ukraine’s Defenses
One potential use for the Stryker is reinforcing defensive positions. Ukraine could deploy these vehicles to areas where defenses need bolstering or where tactical withdrawals are anticipated.
Stryker in the desert
Image: A Stryker infantry carrier vehicle maneuvers through the desert during a training exercise. The Stryker’s speed and agility make it a valuable asset for rapid deployments and defensive maneuvers.
Recent reports highlight increased Russian counterattacks across the eastern front lines, taking advantage of the winter lull to regain the initiative. The pressure on Bakhmut and Soledar makes it challenging for Ukraine to launch its planned counteroffensive.
The Stryker could effectively reinforce a single location as a defensive asset, repelling Russian advances and freeing up heavier Western armor like Leopards, Challengers, and Bradleys for separate offensive maneuvers.
A Conversation With a Fellow Stryker Veteran
To gain further insight, I reached out to Jason Dufresne, a former Sergeant from my Stryker platoon in the 28th ID. Jason, an experienced Stryker commander, led training missions in the Baltic states. He emphasizes the Stryker’s intended role:
“The Stryker isn’t designed to support tanks. It’s designed to move infantry on the battlefield, getting them to critical points with critical mass. If there’s a breakthrough, you can move infantry quickly forward to consolidate gains.”
The Stryker’s Strengths: Speed and Troop Capacity
The Stryker is a fast-moving, eight-wheeled vehicle with light armor. It can carry a nine-soldier squad, though, in our experience, we often squeezed in up to 11, getting “real cozy,” especially when transporting casualties or high-ranking officers.
Stryker Interior
Image: Inside a Stryker infantry carrier vehicle, soldiers prepare for deployment. The cramped interior highlights the Stryker’s focus on troop transport rather than individual comfort.
With 90 Strykers, the Ukrainian Armed Forces could potentially transport an entire battalion, leveraging the vehicle’s impressive speed of 60 mph (and sometimes even faster). This speed, combined with a surprisingly smooth ride, makes it invaluable for medical evacuations, a role my Stryker often filled in Iraq.
Protection from Artillery and a Mobile Platform
The Stryker’s armor, designed to protect against 152mm airburst artillery fire and overpressure, could be a lifesaver in Bakhmut, where artillery fire remains a constant threat. The vehicle’s speed and agility also make it suitable for defending supply lines, a crucial task I performed in Iraq.
The US Army Field Manual 8390 details the Stryker’s defensive capabilities: “Combat vehicles provide defending forces with the capability to maneuver to delay the advance of a strong enemy force and then immediately change from a dynamic to a static defense or counter-attack.”
Offensive Potential: A Need for Careful Planning
While not its primary role, the Stryker could be useful in offensive maneuvers, albeit with meticulous planning.
Ninety Strykers could quickly transport 1,000 troops to an objective, potentially returning for reinforcements. However, the Stryker’s limited firepower necessitates integration with heavier vehicles for support.
Firepower Limitations and the Autocannon Debate
One significant drawback is the Stryker’s firepower. Unlike its LAV predecessors, the US Stryker version lacks an autocannon, equipped instead with a .50 caliber machine gun or a Mk 19 40mm grenade launcher.
Stryker firing
Image: A Stryker fires its .50 caliber machine gun during a live-fire exercise. The Stryker’s firepower, while effective against infantry and light vehicles, is limited when facing heavier armor.
While the .50 cal and grenade launcher have their uses, the lack of a larger caliber weapon limits its effectiveness against armored targets. However, the newer M903 SLAP .50 caliber ammunition, capable of penetrating up to 13mm of steel armor, might offer some capability against lighter Russian armor like BTRs.
The Origins of the Stryker: A “Goldilocks” Solution
To understand the Stryker’s design choices, we must look back to its origins. In 1999, General Eric Shinseki, then US Army Chief of Staff, envisioned a “lighter” force, deployable by C-130 cargo aircraft yet potent enough to handle non-peer adversaries. The Stryker was born from this vision, a “Goldilocks” solution – not too heavy, not too light.
C-130 with Stryker
Image: A C-130 Hercules aircraft prepares to transport a Stryker infantry carrier vehicle. While designed for air transport, the Stryker’s weight and size often necessitate alternative transportation methods.
The Stryker was a cornerstone of the “Objective Force” concept, transforming the US Army from large, heavily armored divisions into smaller, high-tech Brigade Combat Teams. But the emphasis on air transportability came with tradeoffs in armor and firepower.
Addressing the Stryker’s Vulnerabilities
The Stryker’s light armor, vulnerable to anything beyond 14.5mm rounds, has been a point of contention. While the vehicle has proven resilient, with many returning to base despite significant damage, additional armor is often necessary.
During my deployment, sandbags and Kevlar blankets were standard protection against landmines. Later upgrades included slat armor, cage armor, and underbelly plating, though these additions came at the cost of mobility, especially in muddy terrain.
Visibility and Communication: Challenges and Solutions
Visibility from within the Stryker, particularly for dismounted troops, is virtually nonexistent. The driver and gunner’s field of view is also limited, requiring soldiers to provide additional “eyes on” from outside the vehicle.
Communication within the Stryker relies on a headset system, generally reliable but prone to the occasional embarrassing open mic situation (trust me on this one).
Maintenance: A Logistical Hurdle
Maintenance on the Stryker can be a logistical nightmare. Its reliance on complex systems, while technologically advanced, presents challenges, especially considering the language barrier and the need for specialized parts.
The establishment of Battle Damage Repair facilities (BDRs) in theater, like the one in Qatar during the Iraq War, proved crucial in maintaining operational readiness rates above 90%. Similar facilities in Poland or nearby countries will be essential for the Stryker’s long-term effectiveness in Ukraine.
Conclusion: A Valuable Asset with Limitations
The Stryker, while a valuable asset for transporting troops and providing fire support, is not a cure-all solution. Its effectiveness in Ukraine will depend on strategic deployment, recognizing both its strengths and limitations.
Used defensively, the Stryker can bolster Ukrainian lines and facilitate tactical withdrawals. Offensively, its role should be carefully considered, leveraging its speed and maneuverability while mitigating its firepower limitations.
The Stryker is ultimately a tool. The Ukrainian Armed Forces, known for their adaptability and battlefield ingenuity, will need to adapt their tactics and utilize this new tool effectively to maximize its impact against Russian forces.
