What is Stryker armoured infantry combat vehicles (ICVs)?

About Stryker armoured infantry combat vehicles (ICVs):

• The Stryker is a family of eight-wheel-drive combat armoured infantry combat vehicles (ICVs).
• It is jointly developed by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) Canada and the General Dynamics Land Systems Division in the United States.
• It was the first new military vehicle inducted into US Army service since the Abrams tank in the 1980s.
• The Stryker can formulate a quick response to insurgencies or war-like situations, moving much faster than tanks on paved roads, thereby getting infantry squads into the fight more swiftly.
• The Stryker vehicles have demonstrated a better chance of surviving against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) compared to other light military vehicles.
• The Strykers can be transported via Chinook helicopters, which the Indian Air Force uses. 
• Features:
  • It is a V-hull armoured infantry vehicle equipped with a 30 mm cannon and a 105 mm mobile gun.
  • The Stryker hull is constructed from high-hardness steel.
  • On top of this, the Stryker has a layer of ceramic tile armor, offering additional protection.
  • It is manned by a two-person crew and can carry a nine-man infantry squad.
  • It has a range of 483 kilometers and can reach a top speed of around 100 km/h.

Q1: What are improvised explosive devices (IEDs)?

An IED is a type of unconventional explosive weapon that can take any form and be activated in a variety of ways. IEDs are used by criminals, vandals, terrorists, suicide bombers, and insurgents. Because they are improvised, IEDs can come in many forms, ranging from a small pipe bomb to a sophisticated device capable of causing massive damage and loss of life. The extent of damage caused by an IED depends on its size, construction, and placement, and whether it incorporates a high explosive or propellant. The term IED came into common usage during the Iraq War that began in 2003.

Source: India-US advance talks on joint production of Stryker armoured combat vehicles