These Are the Most Expensive Military Vehicles in Service Today
14. Interim Fast Attack Vehicle – USA
Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz Magna Steyr
Main Users: U.S. Marine Force Recon and Expeditionary Units
Unit Cost: $209,000*
Program Cost: $32.8 million*
Although manufactured in Austria for the German corporation Mercedes-Benz, this vehicle is utilized by the U.S. Marines. The Marines have opted for an armored G-Wagon-style vehicle as a preferred alternative to the Interim Fast Attack Vehicle (IFAV), which gained popularity among the SEALs and is often referred to as a "black dune buggy."
The choice of the G-Wagon reflects the Marines' need for enhanced protection and versatility in various operational environments, making it a valuable asset in their fleet.
The Interim Fast Attack Vehicle (IFAV) was the "it" military vehicle of the 1990s but has since been replaced by the ITV-LSV (Improved Tactical Vehicle - Light Strike Vehicle). The development of the IFAV arose from the U.S. Marines' realization that they needed a more capable vehicle than the traditional Jeep, which had been in service prior to the IFAV's introduction.
The total cost to procure over 150 IFAVs for the Marines was approximately $209,000 per unit, reflecting the investment made to enhance the Marines' operational capabilities during that era.
