Marine Corps completes LAV cyber testing

The Marine Corps conducted adversarial cyber testing last month against its Light Armored Vehicle at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA, according to a March 26 service statement.

On Feb. 9, Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity completed the testing, which focused on identifying cyber vulnerabilities in the platform. MCTSSA is a service laboratory that provides test and evaluation as well as engineering and deployed technical support to the Marine Corps.

"Vulnerabilities in vehicle systems can have a very immediate, very kinetic impact," said Capt. Brian Greunke, MCTSSA network test engineer. "This differs from historical computer system vulnerabilities, which may have delayed or abstract impacts."

The Office of Naval Research is moving forward on a science and technology effort focused on a fifth-generation LAV replacement, Inside the Navy reported last December. That effort is anticipated to span fiscal years 2018 through mid-FY-21, and ONR is expected to award contracts for the effort July 30.