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Mack Defense Receives Additional Order for 115 Heavy Dump Trucks Under US Army’s M917A3 Program

Saturday, July 18th, 2026

ALLENTOWN, PA (July 14, 2026) – Mack Defense today announced that the U.S. Army has placed an additional order for 115 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs) as part of its M917A3 HDT program for the National Guard.

This latest order, combined with the 91 trucks ordered last month from the U.S. Army funded with the $47 million secured in the 2026 National Defense Appropriations Act, brings the total to 208 trucks with a combined value of more than $84 million. These recent orders are part of the new five-year contract awarded in June 2025 to Mack Defense for up to 450 trucks, with a total contract value of up to $221.8 million.

Based on the commercially available Mack®Granite® model, the M917A3 HDTs are manufactured at Mack Defense’s dedicated production line at the Mack Experience Center (MEC) in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

“We are deeply appreciative of the U.S. Army and Army National Guard’s continued trust in Mack Defense and the M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck program,” said Derik Beck, senior director of sales and marketing for Mack Defense. “This latest order reinforces the critical value and importance of our long-standing partnership with the U.S. Army. These rugged, mission-ready Granite-based HDTs directly support the warfighter by enabling essential construction, infrastructure maintenance and disaster relief operations worldwide. We are truly thankful for this vote of confidence and remain fully committed to delivering the highest-performing heavy dump trucks that our soldiers and guardsmen rely upon.”

The order enables continued production of the vitally important M917A3 HDTs that support the U.S. military’s construction and infrastructure maintenance capabilities. The HDTs are essential to building and maintaining airfields, roadways, landing strips, supply facilities and motor pools, and they provide critical support during disaster?relief efforts in areas impacted by severe weather.

Spec’d with heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, increased suspension ride height and other ruggedized features to meet the unique requirements of the U.S. military, the M917A3 HDTs also feature advanced technology including ABS, modern control interfaces and active safety systems.

Mack Defense’s production facility at the Mack Experience Center has been in operation since 2021 following a $6.5 million investment to create a dedicated HDT production line, which leverages the capabilities and production work force of Mack’s main Lehigh Valley Operations (LVO), Macungie, Pennsylvania.

Mack Defense, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mack Trucks, is responsible for the sale of heavy-duty trucks to federal- and ministerial-level customers globally. For more information, please visit www.mackdefense.com.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Mobility, Press Release | No Comments »

Belgium Places First Order of Polaris MRZR D Tactical Off-Road Vehicles Through NATO Contract

Tuesday, July 14th, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS – July 13, 2026 – Polaris Government and Defense, a division of Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII), has secured an order for MRZR D4 vehicles from the Belgium Ministry of Defence, leveraging the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract. The contract is valued at $10.6 million and is the first call order from the NSPA framework contract, which was first awarded to Polaris in September 2025. This procurement approach fulfills competition requirements, streamlines the acquisition process and eliminates the need for additional, time-consuming and costly trials and competitions. In addition to bulk pricing benefits and expedited acquisition, NSPA enables interoperability, standardization and a reduced logistics footprint across NATO members and partners.

“The Belgium Ministry of Defence helped establish the MRZR D on the framework contract, with additional partner countries including the United Kingdom,” said Steve Canner, senior manager, EMEIA, Polaris Government and Defense. “The vehicle’s capabilities and commonality with other NATO nations will serve Belgium forces very well and we’re proud to support them.”

The Belgium MoD managed the acquisition of Polaris ATVs through the NATO Logistics Stock Exchange (NLSE) platform, considered as a secured, web-based marketplace application allowing the users to directly explore and order the purchase of systems and mission related configurable items. The NLSE platform provides NATO National Ministries of Defence access to validated and quality assured products easily, including cargo and transportation kits, parts and service kits and maintenance and operator training courses.

“With these new vehicles, we are significantly increasing our mobility and operational capabilities,” said Colonel Kristof Van Poecke, Commander, Belgium Special Operations Regiment. “They enable our operators to respond more quickly and flexibly in challenging conditions, where speed and manoeuvrability make the difference. This is an important step to maintain our operational capacity at the highest level.”

Belgium joins more than 50 other military and security forces worldwide who field MRZR D tactical off-road vehicles from Polaris to support expeditionary, rapid response and special operations missions. The MRZR D’s modular payload design, diesel powertrain, air and sea transportability make it a trusted platform for tactical mobility in complex terrain and contested zones. The acquisition of the MRZR D4 will support the replacement of Belgium’s aging Groundhog vehicle fleet which have been in service since 2009.

Polaris first introduced the MRZR platform in 2012 and has continued to enhance the vehicle to meet the mission demands of the U.S. military, delivering gas and diesel variants to more than 50 allied forces worldwide. MRZRs feature a mission-flexible modular design, collapsible roll cage for internal tactical air transport, one meter fording capability, greater payload and extended range over commercial platforms. The MRZR D is combat-proven and transportable inside AW101 Merlin, CH-47 Chinook, V-22 Osprey and most in-service fixed wing aircraft, as well as maritime vessels, enabling rapid deployment and dispersal of forces from aircraft or ship-to-shore platforms into theater. It is a highly configurable platform that supports personnel transport, casualty evacuation, command and control and light cargo roles — all with a focus on speed, versatility and off-road capability.

Since their introduction, MRZRs have been outfitted with counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), weapons and high-energy laser systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, expeditionary command and control systems, autonomy packages, litters for medical and casualty evacuation, aircraft refueling systems and communication equipment.

The MRZR D is part of Polaris Government and Defense’s broader portfolio of off-road mobility solutions that include the MRZR Alpha, MV 850, DAGOR and militarized snowmobiles.

Posted in Contracts, International, Mobility, NSPA, Press Release | No Comments »

BAE Systems Delivers first Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicles to Army National Guard and Other US Military Units

Monday, July 6th, 2026

BAE Systems has completed the delivery of 19 Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicles (CATV) to the U.S. military, including the Vermont National Guard (VTNG) Army Mountain Warfare School (AMWS).

This marks the first time the VTNG AMWS has received CATVs, representing a significant milestone in the service’s and state’s military modernization efforts.

The CATV is a rugged, ready-made platform designed to tackle the toughest winter conditions with exceptional mobility and versatility. These vehicles will enhance the VTNG’s ability to operate in extreme cold, while also supporting training missions. In addition, military personnel will also receive hands-on training for vehicle operation and maintenance to ensure seamless integration.

This latest delivery also includes vehicles for the Arctic Region Test Center (ARTC) in Alaska and the 11th Airborne Division. The CATV program has seen significant growth since its inception, with BAE Systems continuing to build and deliver toward the Army’s goal of producing 487 vehicles.

“As we continue to deliver on our commitment to the U.S. military, we’re looking forward to seeing the impact of our CATVs in the field,” said Dean Medland, Combat Mission Systems’ vice president of sustainment and international. “The CATV’s unique capabilities will be a game-changer for the Vermont National Guard, Arctic Region Test Center and the 11th Airborne Division, enabling them to operate more effectively in challenging cold-weather environments.”

This delivery of 19 vehicles brings the total number of CATVs delivered to date to 58, and Hagglunds continues working to deliver the additional 97 vehicles currently on order.

Work on the CATVs takes place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Fort Wainwright, the ARTC and the VTNG.

Posted in Arctic, Mobility, Press Release | No Comments »

US Marine Corps Places First Polaris MRZR Alpha Order on New ULTV Contract

Friday, June 26th, 2026

Minneapolis – June 24, 2026 – The United States Marine Corps (USMC) has placed its first delivery order to Polaris Government and Defense on the new Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicle (ULTV) contract, ordering more than 70 MRZR Alphas and numerous accessories vital to mission success. More than half the vehicles ordered were the new 5kW export power variant and the remaining were the standard, 1kW version – all are green, four-seat vehicles.

Polaris accessories included in the order have been commonly incorporated on MRZR Alpha ULTVs for the Marines and include:

Roof Kit – reversible roof kit with multicam-patterned camouflage on one side and olive drab on the other for mission planning flexibility while protecting occupants from exposure to the elements.

Road March Kit – turn signals, horn, rear view and side mirrors to provide operators enhanced auditory and visual situation awareness during off-road administrative movements.

Modular Cargo System – siderails and tailgate enclose the rear deck to contain cargo and provide many attachment points for securing gear and other vehicle accessories. The heavy-duty tailgate can also drop down for additional cargo space in the down position. Aircraft rails are built in for optional accessories, like integration of litter mounts.

Fire Extinguisher – Class 5-BC fire extinguisher can be mounted to the roll cage in various spots, using a vinyl mount secured by two heavy duty Velcro straps with special rubber attached to ensure mount is securely fastened.

Towbar Mount – specifically designed clamps mount a towbar provision for storage during non-use.

“Polaris engineering and development efforts resulted in expanded accessories developed specifically for MRZR Alpha customers, like the Marines,” said Erin Telander, Defense program manager, Polaris Government and Defense. “That includes the ability to export 5kW of power directly from the vehicle itself, which the Marines will be able to leverage with their latest order.”

The MRZR Alpha is Polaris’ most advanced light tactical vehicle, engineered to meet the evolving demands of expeditionary forces. Designed for enhanced payload capacity, tactical air transport and off-road performance, the MRZR Alpha enables rapid unit deployment and exceptional maneuverability across difficult terrain while reducing logistical demand due to the vehicle’s superior durability.

The indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract was awarded May 22, 2026, through Program Acquisition Executive Marine Corps (PAE-MC) and has a ceiling of up to $98M, with an order period of up to five years. This contract reinforces the value that Polaris brings to the warfighter – a responsive and engaged team with off-road engineering expertise, world-class manufacturing and a built-in global support network.

Commercial platforms like the Polaris MRZR Alpha have been instrumental in accelerating delivery of highly mobile systems to the field. Polaris provides global parts availability through its existing worldwide network of dealers and distributors, empowering greater self-sufficiency for distributed forces.

Posted in Contracts, Mobility, USMC | No Comments »

Rheinmetall’s Caracal 6×6: Modular Mobility Platform for Demanding Airborne Operations

Wednesday, June 24th, 2026

Airborne and special forces are among the first units to be deployed in crisis and conflict scenarios. They require systems that combine strategic deployability, high mobility, and maximum operational flexibility. With the new Caracal 6×6, Rheinmetall is expanding its family of air-mobile vehicles with a high-performance platform for demanding mission profiles. On the ground, they also rely on high-mobility, rapid maneuverability, and flexible operational capability.

During Eurosatory, Rheinmetall unveiled a new 6×6 version of the Caracal airborne vehicle for the first time. Developed in close collaboration with Mercedes-Benz and MAGNA International, the Caracal 6×6 expands the proven W464 chassis with a third axle and a modular flatbed concept.

Designed for modern airborne operations

The Caracal is a highly mobile and modular airborne platform designed for rapid deployment and maximum operational flexibility. Based on the battle-proven architecture of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and optimized by Rheinmetall’s leading expertise in military integration, the system combines strategic mobility, high payload capacity, and operational flexibility in a lightweight airborne platform.

The Caracal 6×6 is designed for rapid strategic deployment in airborne and air assault operations. The system is air-loadable in the A400M and the heavy transport helicopters CH-47F Chinook and CH-53, and can also be carried as an external load by other helicopters.

Maximum operational flexibility

With a payload of up to 3,200 kilograms, the Caracal 6×6 combines exceptional air mobility with the ability to carry extensive mission equipment and munitions.

The modular flatbed architecture enables the rapid integration of various mission modules and payloads depending on operational requirements. The modular concept enables rapid adaptation to different operational scenarios, from airborne operations and reconnaissance missions to fire support and c-UAS missions, as well as special forces and logistics operations.

The Caracal 6×6 shares significant logistical commonality with the smaller Caracal 4×4. There are also major similarities regarding training.

With the Caracal 6×6, Rheinmetall presents a new generation of air-transportable platforms that combines strategic deployability, high payload, and maximum mission flexibility in a single system.

Under the existing framework agreement, Germany has various procurement options to expand the CARACAL fleet with 6×6 vehicles in the roles of group transport vehicle and material transport vehicle. This lays the foundation for a needs-based and phased expansion of air-mobile capabilities based on a platform that has already been introduced and proven its worth.

www.rheinmetall.com/en/products/tactical-wheeled-vehicles/caracal-air-assault-vehicle

Posted in International, Mobility, Parachuting | No Comments »

INEOS Grenadier Delivers for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD)

Thursday, June 18th, 2026

We have joined forces with military vehicle specialists SMT Defence and New Military Solutions to form Team Grenadier, a UK-anchored industrial collaboration. The partnership delivers on the core requirements of the MOD’s Light Mobility Vehicle programme, by combining a world-leading 4X4 vehicle platform with deep-rooted special operations and systems integration expertise.

At the heart of the programme is the Grenadier — a purpose-built, highly durable vehicle designed for exceptional reliability and off-road performance. Its ladder-frame chassis, permanent four-wheel drive, beam axles and high payload capacity provide a robust foundation for military adaptation across multiple roles and operating environments.

The Grenadier Multi-Role Light Vehicle is one of nine applications showcasing the versatility of the platform, which is already supporting fire, police and rescue services in highly demanding conditions around the world.

Engineered to be robust, adaptable and easy to maintain, it’s a vehicle designed to keep working when it matters most.

Built to adapt. Built to work. Built for more.

ineosgrenadier.com

Posted in International, Mobility, Press Release | No Comments »

GM Defence Appoints ISTEC as Preferred Mission Kit Supplier for UK and Wider EU/NATO Programmes

Tuesday, May 26th, 2026

GM Defence has appointed the UK company ISTEC Services Limited as its preferred mission kit supplier for UK and wider EU/NATO programmes. The agreement places ISTEC as the exclusive supplier to GM Defence for all UK opportunities and as a preferred supplier for all other EU/NATO or worldwide markets. This appointment reinforces GM Defence’s UK-based supply chain expansion strategy and is aligned with their wider UK-based development plans, thus supporting the sustainment and creation of UK jobs and increasing UK defence export potential.

ISTEC Services Ltd is a British company with 37 years of operationally proven experience in the design, manufacture and supply of complex weapon integration solutions for military platforms.

Under this agreement, ISTEC will supply GM Defence with weapons mounts, weapon and ammunition stowage, smoke dischargers and all relevant in-service support including spares, publications and training. The agreement reaches across GM Defence’s light vehicle range including all variants of the ISV, S10 and Silverado platforms, currently being offered to meet the UK’s requirements, but also across a number of wider NATO/EU opportunities.

This collaboration agreement is a clear demonstration of GM Defence’s commitment to supporting UK MoD programmes and, in particular, establishes an exclusive partnership with a well-respected UK-based supplier who has a long pedigree of providing the UK MoD with operationally proven, robust and high-quality products. Remaining OEM agnostic, ISTEC has recently signed a number of high-profile collaboration agreements proving that they are the partner of choice to support many OEMs with battle-proven mission system design, integration, manufacturing and support solutions.

Gilbert Nelson, Vice President for International Sales and Marketing at GM Defence said: “We’re pleased to announce this agreement today that places ISTEC as a tier one supplier to GM Defence. ISTEC is a trusted and proven supplier to the UK MoD so bringing them into our team increases confidence and reduces risk across all of our regional programmes. We are currently developing a robust UK-based supply chain and this appointment is a key part of that strategy, creating and sustaining UK jobs and strengthening UK defence exports.”

Anne Quelch, Director at ISTEC said, “This appointment by GM Defence is a major milestone for the company. We have been working closely and very successfully with GM Defence for some time now and we believe that this exclusive agreement for the UK programmes is a resounding endorsement of our reputation and the proven quality of our products. We are also extremely pleased to have been awarded preferred supplier status by GM Defence for EU/NATO and other worldwide opportunities where GM Defence is ideally placed to succeed.”

Posted in Industry, International, Mobility, Press Release | No Comments »

US Marine Corps Issues New, Sole-Source Contract to Polaris Government and Defense for MRZR Alpha Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicles (ULTVs)

Saturday, May 23rd, 2026

Minneapolis – May 22, 2026 – The United States Marine Corps (USMC) has awarded Polaris Government and Defense a sole-source contract to continue production and delivery of the MRZR Alpha Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicle (ULTV). The indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract awarded through Program Acquisition Executive Marine Corps (PAE-MC) is valued at up to $98M, with an order period of up to five years. The MRZR Alpha is Polaris’ most advanced light tactical vehicle, engineered to meet the evolving demands of expeditionary forces. Designed for enhanced payload capacity, tactical air transport and off-road performance, the MRZR Alpha enables rapid unit deployment and exceptional maneuverability across difficult terrain while reducing logistical demand due to the vehicle’s superior durability.

This new contract also includes the MRZR Alpha 5kW exportable power variant for the first time, along with funding for continued support from Polaris engineering and logistics teams. The availability of 5kW of exportable power at 24v – while stationary or on-the-move – addresses the ever-increasing demand from power-hungry systems, including tactical edge computing and air defense systems. It also provides the ability to power external loads like a forward operating tactical grid, which are critical enablers of littoral operations in contested environments. Integration of the additional export power does not compromise the vehicle’s original purpose, maintaining the capability to haul two litters and other mission critical supplies while eliminating the need for a generator and freeing up critical cargo space.

This latest award reinforces the USMC’s commitment to its Force Design modernization efforts, with the MRZR Alpha ULTV providing critical off-road mobility for infantry, reconnaissance and logistics units. To date, U.S. Marines have more than 500 MRZR Alphas. Marines continue to deploy, train and test the platform in a variety of roles, including logistics platform, infantry maneuver, MEDEVAC, counter-drone, communications command and control and ground refueling for aircraft. As part of a broader wheeled vehicle fleet, MRZR Alpha ULTVs support the Marine Corps’ mission readiness, operational flexibility and distributed operations strategy.

“The ULTV is a highly capable and configurable platform that enhances Marine Corps readiness across the board,” said Jennifer Moore, program manager, Program Acquisition Executive Marine Corps (PAE MC). “We’ve worked closely with the engineering team at Polaris to expand on its capabilities even further, including the introduction of the high-power variant, which opens new possibilities for communications and systems integration.”

Engineered for rapid deployment, the MRZR Alpha ULTV is an internally transportable vehicle (ITV) capable of being carried inside MV-22 and CH-53 helicopters. This “fly-and-drive” capability allows Marine Expeditionary Units to maintain high mobility in contested or anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments.

“Marines are known for adapting quickly – Any Clime and Place – and expect the same level of performance from the MRZR Alpha ULTV. This new contract enables us to continue leveraging our off-road engineering expertise to meet their evolving operational needs, whether that’s an increase in exportable power, towing capacity or payload,” said Erin Telander, Defense program manager, Polaris Government and Defense. “Polaris has been solving mobility challenges for its military customers worldwide for decades – with a significant number of those advancements made in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps over the last 10 years.”

Expeditionary warfighters operating worldwide in austere terrain require modular platforms that can adjust to multiple environments and modes of transport – tactical air, fixed wing plane and surface shipping – now more than ever. A single MRZR Alpha can be transformed into multiple configurations for varying missions, serving as a force multiplier for Marines.

The Marine Corps originally purchased MRZR Alpha light tactical vehicles using a GSA contract awarded from USSOCOM’s Program Manager for Family of Special Operations Vehicles (PM-FOSOV). That contract ceiling was raised from $109M to $130M and the additional contract extensions were exercised in July of 2025. Each of these contracts reinforce the ultimate value that Polaris brings to the warfighter – a responsive and engaged team with off-road engineering expertise, world-class manufacturing and a built-in global support network.

Photos via USMC.

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