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Mack Defense Highlights the Mack Pioneer at the 2025 AUSA Annual Meeting

Friday, October 10th, 2025

ALLENTOWN, PA (Oct. 8, 2025) – Mack Defense announced today that it will feature the Mack Pioneer model in its booth #8333 at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition, Oct. 13-15, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

“Mack Defense has long supported the U.S. military, providing equipment on the battlefield since World War I,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “We bring a unique capability to these customers with commercial innovation, internal investments and superior product offerings to help our warfighters win. The Mack Pioneer represents a breadth of commercial technology available to the U.S. military as they look to modernize their tactical wheeled vehicle fleet with militarized commercial solutions.”

Mack Defense is ready to incorporate advanced vehicle technologies into future fleets, and proven commercial platforms can provide rapid, cost-effective modernization. Integrated advanced technologies, like active safety features, enhance warfighter safety and efficiency while alternative propulsion solutions improve fuel economy. Drive-by-wire-enabled vehicles allow for autonomous kits of all levels to more easily be incorporated.

Hartzell continued, “Next-generation military vehicles require the superior mobility and versatility across all terrains and missions that Mack military trucks deliver. And now, more than ever, the U.S. Department of War needs trusted manufacturers it can rely on to deliver proven, low-risk solutions, backed by a comprehensive lifecycle support for sustained readiness.”

Mack Defense’s partnership with the U.S. Armed Forces provides tactical, logistics, commercial and specialty vehicles including armored and unarmored platforms. Most recently, the U.S. Army has awarded the company a contract for the M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck (HDT), which is built on the Mack® Granite® chassis and enhanced to meet the rigorous requirements of the military. Key modifications include all-wheel drive, heavier-duty rear axles, increased ride height and other ruggedized features for tactical use.

Leveraging a commercially proven platform like the Mack® Granite® allows the Army to benefit from American manufacturing, an established supply chain, proven durability and easier lifecycle support across a wide operational footprint with global support in more than 190 markets.

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

Mack Defense Receives Order for 86 Trucks for the US Army M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck Program

Wednesday, October 8th, 2025

ALLENTOWN, PA – October 7, 2025 – Mack Defense announced it has received an initial order for 86 M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs) from the U.S. Army as part of a new five-year contract awarded June 24, 2025, for up to 450 trucks with value up to $221.8 million. This order is the first under the new contract and follows the successful completion of Mack Defense’s original seven-year contract awarded in 2018.

Mack Defense announced it has received an initial order for 86 M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs) from the U.S. Army as part of a new five-year contract awarded June 24, 2025, for up to 450 trucks with value up to $221.8 million.

“We are proud to continue supporting the U.S. Army with proven, reliable vehicles tailored to the demands of military operations,” said Derik Beck, senior director of sales, business development and marketing at Mack Defense. “This new order and the new contract overall both reinforce the critical role the M917A3 plays in sustainment missions and reflect the trust the Army has placed in our team, our truck and our American manufacturing operations. Leveraging a commercially proven platform like the Mack® Granite®allows the Army to benefit from an established supply chain, proven durability and easier lifecycle support across a wide operational footprint.”

Funding for the 86 trucks comes from the 2025 Department of Defense Budget, a signal of continued federal support for tactical vehicle modernization and U.S. industrial base readiness.

The trucks will be used across a wide range of operational environments in support of critical infrastructure and construction efforts, including airfields, roadways, landing strips, supply facilities and motor pools.

The M917A3 HDT is based on the Mack Granite commercial platform, enhanced to meet the U.S. Army’s rigorous requirements. Key modifications include all-wheel drive, heavier-duty rear axles, increased ride height and other ruggedized features for tactical use. Each truck is also equipped with modern control systems, ABS and advanced safety technology, providing operators with improved handling, performance and mission flexibility.

All vehicles are assembled at the Mack Experience Center (MEC) in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where Mack Defense established a dedicated production line in 2021 following a $6.5 million investment. The facility has passed stringent government inspections and quality audits and represents a key component of Mack Defense’s support for the U.S. industrial base.

The M917A3 continues to serve as a core asset for the Army Engineer Regiment, delivering the durability, mobility and engineering capability needed to execute demanding missions across a broad range of environments.

Mack Defense remains committed to delivering high-performance, mission-ready equipment that supports the evolving needs of the U.S. military – today and into the future.

Production of the HDTs began in March of 2021. The productionline helps fulfill the M917A3 contract, while allowing Mack Defense to produce other vehicle variants.

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Scorpion Light Mobile Mortar Systems Set to Participate in U.S. Army’s Transformation in Contact 2.0

Tuesday, September 30th, 2025

TAMPA, FL – (30, September 2025) – Global Military Products has been invited to participate in the U.S. Army’s Transformation in Contact (TiC) 2.0 with its Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar system – under a Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) contract with the Product Manager for Artillery Mortars and Precision Systems (PdM AMPS). Equipped with government-furnished M253 barrels, soldiers will have the opportunity to experience the latest advancements in mobile mortar technology and contribute to the modernization efforts within the mortar community.

TiC 2.0 launches October 20th in Hawaii, where soldiers will first undergo five days of new equipment training from Global Military Products to achieve the operational knowledge and limited safety release required to live-fire the system. Soldiers will then participate in an additional 10 days of tactical scenarios and simulated combat operations with the Scorpion Light Systems. Training and experimentation will also include the Scorpion Light’s rapid-fire control system – designed to elevate operational efficiency with its ability to auto-lay and auto re-aim.

“Soldier touchpoints like the TiC 2.0 serve as an invaluable platform for government and industry to collaboratively review, assess and innovate with the latest technologies. Most importantly, they facilitate the utilization of soldier feedback to inform requirements and expedite the acquisition process for mortar modernization,” said James Knight, senior Manager, Defense Systems and Energetics, Global Military Products. “As a retired Army mortarman, I am intimately familiar with the Army’s requirements for mortar modernization and strongly support the TiC initiative to swiftly enhance the mobility, lethality, operator safety and air transportability of these assets.”

The Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar system can fire eight rounds and relocate in under two minutes, taking just 30 seconds to fire the first round and 30 seconds to displace after firing the last round. The unique, non-seating baseplate allows the system to emplace and displace rapidly and fire on nearly any surface. Its robust design, rugged construction, and resilient technologies make it a durable weapon that can withstand the rigors of combat, extreme temperatures, and harsh conditions, while remaining effective. The Scorpion Light on the IUV, has also been certified in the U.S. to be air-droppable and maintains internal air transportability within a CH-47, supporting expeditionary forces.

The Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar system and 72 mortar rounds will be fully integrated on two GM Defense Infantry Utility Vehicles (IUVs), a variant of the U.S. Army Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). The modularity of the system, however, is platform agnostic and allows for integration onto any vehicle platform. Integrations have already been completed on a G-Wagon and Polaris MRZR Alpha 4×4 and 6×6 platforms.

Global Ordnance is exhibiting at the 2025 AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. October 13-15 in booth #943. The display will include a Scorpion 120mm mobile mortar system integrated on a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV).

Posted in Advertiser, Army, Mobility, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Scorpion Light Mobile Mortar Systems Set to Participate in U.S. Army’s Transformation in Contact 2.0

SureFire Field Notes Ep 79: Field Diagnosing & Fixing Vehicles – Chris Komar of Team O’Neil Rally School

Friday, September 26th, 2025

Chris Komar is a veteran instructor at Team O’Neil Rally School and a rally technician for Subaru Rally Team USA. He has worked with the Subaru team to service Travis Pastrana’s rally car and is recognized as an expert in off-road driving techniques, offering advice on topics such as vehicle recovery and finding traction on difficult surfaces like gravel and snow.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Mobility | 1 Comment »

GM Defense Reveals New General Support Utility Platform (GSUP) for the First Time Globally

Wednesday, September 10th, 2025

LONDON – GM Defense, which formed Team LionStrike with BAE Systems and NP Aerospace to compete for the UK’s Light Mobility Vehicle Programme, is launching its new General Support Utility Platform (GSUP) at DSEI in London, to equip the armed forces with the most advanced technology.

The new General Support Utility Platform is a rugged, high-performance, multi-mission vehicle designed for rapid configuration and deployment across a range of operational scenarios – delivering mobility, payload, capacity and flexibility. It is equipped with STORM Vanguard’s modular Rapid Adapt and Deploy System (RADS) – a game-changing modular system offering – and features GVA comms integration with Ultra PCS.

The vehicle is backed by Team LionStrike, a new collaboration focused on offering the UK MoD a mobility solution to rapidly modernize its ground vehicle fleet. The team is working together in pursuit of the UK Ministry of Defence’s Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programme and will also address broader opportunities across NATO and allied nations. Team LionStrike will also deliver economic growth as part of the Land Industrial Strategy, and significant export growth potential.

Team LionStrike is building a sustainable supply chain and delivery ecosystem in the UK. The team will be supported by GM’s leading industry partners, NP Aerospace and BAE Systems and is also anchored by GM’s worldwide parts distribution system.

“Our objective with Team LionStrike is to support the UK Ministry of Defence’s goal of rapidly modernizing its ground vehicle fleet, providing soldiers the best tools to perform their mission,” said Steve duMont, President of GM Defense. “Vehicles like our General Support Utility Platform and our flagship Infantry Squad Vehicle are designed to deliver major advancements in operational capability and performance, along with unmatched safety and reliability.”

The new General Support Utility Platform is a high-performance, customizable multi-mission vehicle built on GM’s advanced technologies.

Key features include:

• GVW of 3500kg

• Payload of up to 1339kg

• Multi-variant solution

• Live 2,000 vehicle per month production line

• LHD and RHD options

Learn more about Team LionStrike and GM Defense’s strategic initiatives by visiting GM News.

Posted in DSEi, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on GM Defense Reveals New General Support Utility Platform (GSUP) for the First Time Globally

AM General Features Proven Protected Mobility at DSEI 2025 in Anticipation of the UK Ministry of Defence’s Land Mobility Programme Solicitation

Friday, September 5th, 2025

SOUTH BEND, Ind., Sept. 5, 2025 — Innovating today for tomorrow’s mission, leading global military mobility solutions provider, AMG General, will showcase the revolutionary HUMVEE Saber and the next generation Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV A2) protected mobility platforms at the Defence Security and Equipment International (DSEI) tradeshow held at the ExCel London Exhibition Centre September 09 – 12, 2025, booth S4-310 in the U.S. Pavilion. This comes as the Company prepares to finalize a partnership selection with a leading UK defense contractor in anticipation of the upcoming United Kingdom Land Mobility Programme (LMP) solicitation.

“We are extremely excited to attend DSEI this year as we announce our intent to participate in the UK’s LMP solicitation,” said Jim Cannon, AM General President and CEO. “We have the extraordinary opportunity to showcase our robust mobility portfolio and convey how AM General can support the UK’s defense readiness and operational safety for their troops. As we move to finalize our UK collaboration, we aim to demonstrate our commitment to long-term UK defense alignment through industrial, operational, and capability partnerships.”

On display will be the JLTV A2, a next generation light tactical vehicle that features over 200 improvements over the previous model, including better corrosion protection, significantly reduced exterior and interior operational noise, and a simplified electrical architecture for easier accessibility and maintenance. AM General will also showcase the Saber light tactical vehicle – built on the battle-proven HUMVEE platform that is transforming survivability with increased levels of protection from its patented cab design. The company’s proprietary technology allows the Saber to have 360-degree kinetic energy threat protection as well as blast threat protection with improved ride quality to excel in any terrain. Both vehicles along with the iconic and still-in-demand HUMVEE trucks will be a part of a demonstration for the UK MoD happening in October 2025.

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Rheinmetall at DSEI 2025: Digitalisation – Autonomy – Mobility – Firepower

Thursday, September 4th, 2025

The DSEI exhibition will take place in London from 9 to 12 September 2025. As a key partner to His Majesty’s Armed Forces, Rheinmetall will be present in the UK capital. Under the motto ‘’Freedom Needs Enablers’’, the technology group will present its latest innovations and provide updates on its products and activities. The main focus will be on digitalisation and autonomy, as well as mobility and firepower.

The following events are planned during the exhibition at the Rheinmetall stand S9-110:

Tuesday, 9 September 2025 (Day 1 of DSEI):
11:00 a.m.: World premiere of a new multi-platform combat vehicle system for countering a wide range of land and air threats – presented in cooperation with Lockheed Martin
1:00 p.m.: Collaboration with Mercedes Benz on light tactical off-road vehicles based on the G-Class
2:00 p.m.: Launch of MASS nova, the latest generation of the proven maritime decoy system

Thursday, 11 September 2025 (Day 3 of DSEI):
around 2:35 p.m.: The Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, and Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger will jointly launch the virtual groundbreaking ceremony of the UK Gun Hall in Telford. A dynamic audio-visual experience (a fly-through of the future facility with 3D renderings, an project timeline and transition to a fully operational Gun Hall) will demonstrate how the site will look once production is underway.

The following products will also be presented for the first time:

Lynx KF41 Skyranger 35, a highly mobile, modular and scalable ground-based air defence system, increasingly important for NATO’s collective defence.
CT-025: A crewless, remotely controlled turret designed for transport and armoured personnel carriers, equipped with a 25 mm KBA machine cannon
Mission Master CXT with Skyranger 762: An unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) in a light anti-aircraft configuration featuring the Skyranger 762 weapon station
SEOSS 400: Next-generation stabilised sensor system for heavy combat vehicles

We will also be providing information on the following topics at DSEI 2025:

Weapons and ammunition expertise:
Rheinmetall is one of the largest ammunition manufacturers in the Western world, with the UK playing a significant role. The construction of the UK Gun Hall in Telford marks a major step towards re-establishing large-calibre barrel manufacturing in Britain for the first time in decades. At its stand, Rheinmetall will present its full portfolio: from infantry weapons to medium-calibre ammunition, 120 mm and 130 mm smoothbore technology, 155 mm artillery ammunition, and rocket artillery.
Squad Support Weapon SSW40: The world’s first automatic, magazine-fed, shoulder-fired grenade launcher for 40 mm ammunition, with handling characteristics similar to an assault rifle
Digitalisation and networking:
Rheinmetall Battlesuite: A secure, interoperable military ecosystem of the future, connecting all domains and dimensions within a unified digital infrastructure
Gladius soldier system: Variants of the Gladius 2.0, also forming the basis of the German Armed Forces’ Future Soldier – Expanded System (IdZ-ES)
Autonomy and unmanned systems:
Path-A-Kit: Central to Rheinmetall’s autonomy strategy, winner of the ELROB 2024 competition in the Automated Convoy category. Rheinmetall will also establish a UK Advanced Land Autonomy Centre of Excellence. The Path-A-Kit is integrated into both the Mission Master CXT and the Ermine vehicle range.
Unmanned systems: A range of drones will be on display, including the Multi Mission Pod and FV-104 loitering munition, with demonstrations of their integration into the digital combat network.

Combat vehicles and tactical mobility:
Boxer MIV: The first British-built Boxer has rolled off the production line in Telford. Integration trials with the Javelin missile system have been successfully completed. A command post variant will be displayed in the DSEI Land Zone [N2-350], alongside a reconnaissance/heavy infantry weapon carrier version at the Rheinmetall stand.
Challenger 3: Initial mobility trials of the upgraded British main battle tank have been conducted. The Challenger 3 will also feature on the Static Display in the VIP area of the MOD Lounge.

Caracal: Developed in partnership with Mercedes-Benz and ACS Armoured Car Systems, the Caracal family offers a versatile, compact 4×4 platform for light forces, including airborne and special operations units.

Ermine tactical vehicle family: A next-generation mobility solution combining tactical transport with an integrated mobile energy source (microgrid) and designed for autonomous operation. Configurations include a UGV, side-by-side buggy, and quad. At DSEI 2025, a 4×4 quad bike and a 6×6 buggy variant will be displayed.

HX vehicle family: Renowned for outstanding mobility, versatility and optional high-level protection, this family supports a wide range of missions. A heavy HX 10×10 recovery vehicle will be on display.

We look forward to seeing you at our stand S9-110.

Posted in Digitization, DSEi, Mobility, Munitions, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Rheinmetall at DSEI 2025: Digitalisation – Autonomy – Mobility – Firepower

Polaris Government and Defense Awarded NSPA Framework Contract for MRZR D Tactical Off-Road Vehicles

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025

Minneapolis – September 2, 2025 – Polaris Government and Defense, a division of Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII), has been awarded a two-year framework contract by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) for the supply of MRZR D light tactical vehiclesvalued at hundreds of millions USD. Contract options could extend the agreement up to five years, enabling NATO members and partner nations to acquire the MRZR D to enhance mobility and mission readiness across a range of operational environments. This procurement approach fulfills competition requirements, streamlining the acquisition process and eliminating the need for additional, time-consuming and costly trials and competitions.

With this multi-year agreement, NATO member states and partner nations can call off MRZR D2 and D4 light tactical vehicles via the NSPA platform. MRZR Ds are currently fielded with more than 50military and security forces worldwide, supporting 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.

According to the NSPA, “Mobility and interoperability are key pillars of operational success in today’s multinational missions. Polaris’ MRZR D vehicles provide our allied forces with agile, mission-ready mobility to meet the evolving demands of modern operations. This contract further strengthens our ability to deliver critical capabilities to NATO and partner nations.”

In addition to bulk pricing benefits and expedited acquisition, NSPA enables interoperability, standardization and a reduced logistics footprint across NATO members and partners.

“Polaris Government and Defense has partnered with NSPA for several years, delivering tactical vehicles and mobility solutions to allied forces. The MRZR D has proven to be a highly adaptable and reliable platform for our NATO partners,” said Steve Canner, manager, EMEA, Polaris Government and Defense. “We are proud to continue our support of NATO missions with vehicles designed to perform in the world’s most demanding environments.”

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 Ospreyand 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, Mobility, NSPA, Press Release | 1 Comment »