25 of the Coolest Military Vehicles Ever Made

When it comes to gear, our military doesn’t mess around. They’ve got a garage full of rides that could put any action movie to shame.

We’re talking about beasts that can plow through a battlefield, recon vehicles sneaky enough to ghost behind enemy lines, and aircraft that bring the thunder.

Here are 25 of the coolest military vehicles that keep our forces moving, protected, and one step ahead.

M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle

The M2 Bradley is the modern answer to the M3 Half-Track, minus the wheels up front and with a whole lot more tech. Named after the legendary General Omar Bradley, this troop carrier is amphibious, armed to the teeth with a 25mm chain gun and TOW missiles, and sports a powerful 600-horsepower engine.

It’s designed to keep pace with the Abrams tanks, proving that sometimes, the best offense is a good ride.

Marauder

You might remember the Marauder from that explosive Top Gear episode. Built in South Africa, this beast is pretty much a mobile fortress. With a six-cylinder diesel engine under the hood, it’s armored to the teeth.

The double-skinned armor can laugh off explosions like it’s nothing—up to 8kg of TNT under the hull and 14kg under the wheels. Richard Hammond tried to blow one up and barely made a dent. This is the ride you want when things get real.

MRAP Vehicle

The MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle is all about keeping troops safe. Born from a Defense Department initiative in 2007, over 24,000 of these have been built to shield American and allied forces.

The Cougar 6X6 variant is a standout, fitting a crew and eight troops, and can hit speeds up to 65 mph. Its design is a lifesaver against mines and ambushes, making it a fortress on wheels with a solid track record of protecting lives.

M3 Half-Track

If you’ve ever caught a World War II flick, you’ve probably spotted an M3 Half-Track cruising around. This beast, with a mix of wheels up front and tracks in the back, rolled out over 40,000 times from the White Motor Company.

Its light armor could shield the crew from the small stuff, while its .30 to .50-caliber machine gun made sure enemies kept their distance. Plus, its track design meant it could handle pretty much any rough patch Mother Nature threw its way.

Fennek

Meet the Fennek: sleek, low-slung, and named after the nimble fennec fox. This armored scout is a go-to for the German and Dutch forces, decked out with everything from machine guns to anti-tank missiles.

It’s got the looks and the firepower, making it a standout on the modern battlefield.

M1 Abrams Tank

Talk tanks, and the M1 Abrams is bound to roll into the conversation. Born for Cold War showdowns in Europe, it became a household name during the Persian Gulf conflict. Pushing 70 tons at speeds up to 45 mph, this General Dynamics masterpiece isn’t just fast; it’s a fortress on wheels.

Just don’t plan on cross-country road trips—it’s thirsty, with a range of about 280 miles.

Volkswagen Schwimmwagen

Sure, it might not scream “tough,” but the Volkswagen Schwimmwagen is too cool to ignore. Picture this: a car that swims, thanks to a propeller linked to its engine, cruising through WWII Europe.

With over 14,000 made, it’s the most produced amphibious car to date. Not all military might is about firepower; sometimes, it’s about cruising through rivers in style.

M1126 Stryker

The M1126 Stryker is the speed demon of armored personnel carriers. Ditching tracks for an eight-wheel setup, it boasts a 350-horsepower engine that propels it up to 62 mph.

Weighing in at 19 tons, it’s a lightweight compared to the Abrams and Bradley, giving it the agility to rush troops and gear where they’re needed, fast. This speedster doesn’t just move quickly; it’s a critical asset for rapid deployments.

Cougar 6×6

The Cougar 6×6 is a monster against IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), thanks to its V-shaped hull that deflects explosion forces away. Serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan, it’s a proven survivor.

The image of a Cougar surviving a massive IED blast and its occupants walking away the next day speaks volumes. It’s a rolling testament to engineering designed to keep soldiers safe from one of the deadliest threats on modern battlefields.

M60A1 Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge

Ever think tanks could build bridges? The M60 AVLB, based on the M60 Patton tank, does just that. With a 60-foot bridge on its back, it’s been clearing paths for troops since 1967. This engineering marvel unfolds its bridge in minutes, letting heavy machinery cross over trenches and rivers.

Updated to the M60A1 version in the ’80s, it’s been a reliable workhorse for the military, proving that sometimes the best offense is a good way to get across.

Volvo TP21

When the Swedish military needed a tough off-road vehicle, they turned to a taxi—seriously. The Volvo TP21, built from the sturdy PV800 taxi series, became a rugged communications rig from 1953 to 1958.

It’s the kind of ride that laughs at bad roads and keeps on trucking, proving that sometimes the best military machines start life in the most civilian ways.

Amphibious Assault Vehicle

The Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) is the Marines’ go-to for hitting beaches fast and hard. Fully tracked and ready to roll from ship to shore, it’s been the backbone of amphibious attacks for nearly 50 years.

Despite plans to retire it, the AAV’s track record of storming beaches and delivering troops where they’re needed most is unmatched. It’s a classic piece of military hardware that embodies the Marines’ “first to fight” spirit.

BvS 10 ‘Viking’

The BvS 10 Viking, with its unique two-part body, is a beast that can tackle any terrain. Built by BAE Systems in Sweden, this vehicle doesn’t just drive over rough ground—it conquers it.

Fully amphibious, it can transition from land to water without breaking a sweat, making it a key asset for forces needing flexibility in their operations. It’s the kind of machine you want when the path ahead is anything but clear.

M88 Hercules Recovery Vehicle

The M88 Hercules is the muscle of the battlefield, designed to tow, lift, and repair under fire. Using the same platform as the M60 tank, it’s got the power to pull 35 tons with its boom.

Beyond its brute strength, it’s also been known for some unconventional tasks, like pulling down statues. In the heat of battle, the M88 is the unsung hero that keeps the fight moving forward.

Humvee

The Humvee (HMMWV): a name synonymous with military mobility for over three decades. Though it’s nearing retirement, its legacy is untouchable, with over 280,000 units built.

This vehicle’s versatility made it a staple in the U.S. military, and recent law changes mean you can even own a piece of this history. It’s the end of an era for a vehicle that’s done it all, from combat missions to peacekeeping.

LAV-25 Light Armored Vehicle

The LAV-25 is the sprinter of the armored world, trusted by the Marines, Army, and Canadian forces for its quickness and punch. This eight-wheeler can hit 62 mph on land and 6 mph in water, making it perfect for recon and assault.

Its 25 mm chain gun and 7.62 mm machine gun mean it’s no slouch in a fight, either. The LAV-25 proves that when it comes to modern warfare, being fast and flexible can make all the difference.

Willys Jeep

The Willys Jeep is the original go-anywhere, do-anything military ride. With nearly 360,000 made by Willys and another 277,000 by Ford, this vehicle was everywhere in WWII.

Its simple, rugged design influenced not just military vehicles but the civilian ones that followed. The iconic grille, developed by Ford, is a design still celebrated today.

Assault Breacher Vehicle

The Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV) is a battlefield bulldozer, based on the M1A1 Abrams tank chassis and designed to clear minefields and obstacles. Equipped with a full-width plow and line charges, it makes a path where there wasn’t one.

Beyond brute force, it’s also tech-savvy, capable of remote operations and marking safe lanes through danger zones. The ABV is the unsung hero that paves the way for the troops to follow.

M9 Armored Combat Earthmover

The M9 Armored Combat Earthmover is like the Swiss Army knife of military engineering. Air-transportable and versatile, it’s at the heart of both offensive and defensive operations. Whether it’s grading roads, clearing obstacles, or digging defensive positions, the M9 gets the job done.

Its ability to do a bit of everything, from winching to dozing, makes it indispensable on the battlefield, proving that sometimes the most powerful weapon is a good piece of heavy machinery.

iRobot R-Gator

The iRobot R-Gator takes the concept of unmanned vehicles to the ground. Born from a partnership between John Deere and iRobot, this autonomous vehicle can scout, guard perimeters, and transport supplies without a human driver. It’s a glimpse into the future of warfare, where robots and drones take on roles that keep soldiers out of harm’s way.

The R-Gator shows that innovation isn’t just about firepower; it’s also about finding smart ways to support troops on the ground.

LVT-4 Water Buffalo

The LVT-4 Water Buffalo was the nightmare of Axis forces in WWII, designed to hit the beach and keep going. This fourth version of the Landing Vehicle, Tracked, brought major upgrades, including a better landing ramp.

Armored and armed, it could deliver up to 30 Marines to the fight. The Water Buffalo played a crucial role in amphibious assaults, proving that the right vehicle can turn the tide of battle.

A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog)

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, known affectionately as the Warthog, is the tank buster of the sky. With a GAU-8 Avenger 30mm Gatling gun on its nose, it’s designed to deliver serious pain with depleted uranium and high-explosive rounds. It’s a master of low-altitude support, able to maneuver nimbly and strike with precision.

The Warthog shines in ground attack missions against tanks and fortifications, making it a beloved asset for troops needing close air support during night or day operations.

Boeing AH-64 Apache

The AH-64 Apache is a flying fortress, a staple in the U.S. Army’s helicopter fleet, and slated to remain in service into the 2060s. The Apache stands out for its advanced tech and firepower, including a deadly M230 chain gun and the capacity to carry missiles and rocket pods.

Its tandem cockpit houses two crew members, ready to bring its lethal agility into any conflict zone. The AH-64E variant, with 22 units in the Indian Air Force, showcases the latest in Apache’s long line of battlefield dominance.

M109A7 Paladin

The M109A7 Paladin upgrades the artillery game with a self-propelled 155-mm howitzer capable of hitting targets up to 15 miles away, and even further with guided shells. This beast brings a new level of firepower with an automated loader system, allowing a sustained fire rate of 4 rounds per minute.

For defense, it’s equipped with a remote-controlled 12.7-mm machine gun, which can be swapped for a 40-mm grenade launcher. The Paladin stands as a formidable blend of firepower and technology on the modern battlefield.

M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS)

The M142 HIMARS brings rapid mobility to rocket artillery, mounted on a 6×6 truck for swift deployment. Standard loadout includes six 227-mm rockets, each packing a punch at 675 lbs, capable of striking targets well beyond 38 miles. Alternatively, it can launch an MGM-140 tactical missile, hitting over 100 miles away.

HIMARS exemplifies the power of quick-strike capability and versatility, offering a strategic advantage in rapidly evolving combat scenarios.