Driving Innovation: Propelling the U.S. Department of Defense’s Acquisition of Hybrid-ElectricTactical Vehicles to Win the Wars of Tomorrow

This white paper analyzes the U.S. Army’s vehicle electrification strategy within the defense acquisition framework, examining the intersection of electric vehicle technologies with military operational requirements. The document explores the Army’s Hybrid Electric (HE) Strategy implementation, addressing critical acquisition frameworks including the Defense Acquisition System (DAS), contracting strategies, and the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) for enhanced system flexibility and reduced lifecycle costs.

The paper identifies key challenges in military vehicle electrification, including data rights management, intellectual property considerations, and balancing commercial solutions with military-specific requirements. It examines persistent shortfalls in Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs)—cost overruns, schedule delays, and design shortfalls—while analyzing systemic issues underlying these failures.

Drawing from the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act and current Program Executive Office initiatives, the document evaluates multiple acquisition pathways (urgent capability, middle-tier, and software acquisition) supporting electrification goals. It addresses political and procedural challenges, including budgetary priorities and misconceptions linking hybrid-electric drive (HED) acquisitions to climate policy rather than operational advantages.

The analysis emphasizes how modular design principles and open systems architecture facilitate technology insertion throughout vehicle lifecycles. The paper concludes with recommendations for optimizing acquisition strategies to accelerate electric and hybrid-electric technology adoption while maintaining operational readiness and fiscal responsibility, serving as a resource for defense acquisition professionals, policymakers, and industry partners engaged in military ground vehicle modernization.