The M1126 Stryker is based on the GDLS Canada LAV III 8x8 light armored vehicle with the LAV III itself a version of the Piranha III built by Mowag of Switzerland and is a full-time four-wheel drive with selective eight-wheel drive armored vehicle weighing approximately 19t. The basic Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV), the subject of this kit provides armored protection for the two-man crew and a squad of nine infantry soldiers.

The armor provides integral 14.5mm protection against machine gun rounds, mortar and artillery fragments. In Iraq from January 2004, Stryker vehicles were outfitted with a 'cage' of slat armor which encircles the vehicle about 18in from the main body as protection against Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs).

The ICV has a remote weapons station which can mount either a .50cal M2 machine gun, MK19 40mm grenade launcher or MK240 7.62mm machine gun and also has four banks of four M6 smoke grenade launchers.