The M1296 Dragoon is a well protected and well armed Armored Personnel Carrier (APC). However it lacks the protection for a true wheeled IFV. Even so, its protection is better than that of many other contemporary armored personnel carriers, including Russian and Chinese designs.
The fore bow withstands hits from 14.5 mm heavy machine gun rounds. All-round protection against 7.62 mm NATO ball rounds. Ceramic add-on armor can be fitted to provide all-round protection against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. The vehicle interior is covered with a Kevlar coating to protect the crew and passengers from spalling. This vehicle is designed to survive mine explosions.
It is claimed that the Stryker series vehicles are superior to other armored personnel carriers in terms of resistance to mines and improvised explosive devices. The fuel tanks are mounted externally and are designed to fly away from the hull in the event of an explosion. Vehicle is equipped with an automatic fire suppression and NBC protection system. Vehicles used in combat zones can be equipped with steel cages, called slat armor, which provide protection against rockets and anti-tank missiles
