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SMARTSHOOTER Receives New Order from U.S. Marine Corps for SMASH 2000L Fire Control Systems

Monday, July 14th, 2025

This latest order represents the next step toward broader fielding of the SMASH fire control systems across the Marine Corps

[July 14, 2025] – SMARTSHOOTER, a world-class designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems, is proud to announce that its U.S. subsidiary, SMARTSHOOTER Inc., has received a new order from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) for its SMASH 2000L fire control systems.

The Marine Corps is procuring SMASH 2000L as an interim capability to address its urgent requirement for dismounted Counter-small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) solutions. The USMC gained hands-on experience with the system through earlier testing, and this latest order represents the next step towards full adoption across the entire Marine Corps.

SMASH 2000L—SMARTSHOOTER’s lightest handheld-operated fire control system—leverages artificial intelligence, computer vision, and advanced tracking algorithms to enable dismounted forces to detect, track, and precisely eliminate aerial and ground threats. Especially effective against drones and sUAS, SMASH 2000L provides a reliable and combat-proven hard-kill solution to an evolving and urgent battlefield threat.

Initially tested and selected by the U.S. Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO) and the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) (formally known as the Counter-Terrorism Technical Support Office) as the kinetic solution for squad-level counter-drone missions, the SMASH system continues to gain traction across multiple branches of the U.S. military. It has already been fielded by U.S. Special Forces, the Marine Corps, and several NATO allies.

Michal Mor, CEO of SMARTSHOOTER, said:

“With SMASH 2000L, dismounted Marines are equipped with an effective, combat-proven solution against the growing threat of drones on the battlefield. This new order is an important step toward potential adoption of the SMASH fire control systems at the squad level, and we remain committed to supporting the Marine Corps with cutting-edge, operationally proven kinetic capabilities.”

Combat-proven and deployed by defense and security forces in the U.S., Israel, the U.K., NATO, and other allied nations, SMARTSHOOTER’s SMASH family of Fire Control Systems enhances precision, situational awareness, and lethality—ensuring every shot counts.

For more information, visit www.smart-shooter.com

Posted in Contracts, Optics, Press Release, USMC | 1 Comment »

MARADMIN 237/25 – Marine Corps Policy on the Wear and Purchase of Body Armor and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Monday, July 14th, 2025

Published in late May, the US Marine Corps guidance for the wear of PPE, restricting it to only issued items which have undergone testing and are on approved use lists. This ends the use of private purchase and commercial off the shelf items unless on the approved lists detailed in the message.

Below is the message followed by a video explaining the policy. We have redacted the email addresses and phone numbers of the POCs but they are easily found via Google search for this message.

R 201307Z MAY 25
MARADMIN 237/25
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC PPO POF WASHINGTON DC/FOO2//
SUBJ/MARINE CORPS POLICY ON THE WEAR AND PURCHASE OF BODY ARMOR AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)//
REF/A/MSGID: MSG/CMC WASHINGTON DC PPO/YMD: 20070417//
REF/B/MSGID: GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC PPO: 20090416//
REF/C/MSGID: GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC PPO: 20090710//
REF/D/MSGID: GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC PPO: 20170327//
REF/E/MSGID: GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC PPO: 20181127//
REF/F/MSGID: GENADMIN/COMMMARCORSYSCOM: 20240509//
REF/G/MSGID: GENADMIN/COMMMARCORSYSCOM: 20240807//
REF/H/MCO 6260.3A SD: 20160926//
NARR/REF A IS MARADMIN 262/07, Marine Corps Policy on the Wear and Purchase of Body Armor and Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE). Ref b is MARADMIN 254/09, Marine Corps Policy on the Wear of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Ref c is MARADMIN 415/09, Establishment of Body Armor Protection Levels.
Ref d is MARADMIN 151/17, change 1 to Marine Corps Policy on the Wear and Purchase of Body Armor and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Ref e is MARADMIN 667/18 Marine Corps Policy on the Wear and Purchase of Body Armor and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Ref f is the Safety of Use Message for the Enhanced Combat Helmet and High Cut Enhanced Combat Helmet Suspension Systems. Ref g is the Safety of Use Message for the Enhanced Combat Helmet with Hearing Enhancement Device. Ref h is the Marine Corps Hearing and Conservation Program.//
POC/E.T. Clark/COL/PPO POF/Branch Head/
POC/E.A. Benson/CIV/PPO POF/Dep Branch Head/
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. The Commandant of the Marine Corps directs the following policy for Marines and Sailors assigned to USMC and joint commands, on the wear and purchase of body armor and PPE. This MARADMIN supersedes references (a, b, c, d, and e). PPE refers to Marine Corps approved body armor, helmets, goggles, gloves, clothing, and other gear designed to protect the wearer’s body from battlefield injuries. The equipment and
training information for service-approved PPE systems can be found at https://app.mcboss.usmc.mil searching via program office: PMM-154.3 and via Marine Net course # mcsppe0306 – Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment
2. Individual Marines/Sailors may not use commercial PPE in lieu of government tested, approved, and issued PPE as outlined in the product information sheets referenced in paragraph 1.
Commanders are not authorized to utilize unit funds to purchase commercial PPE items that have not been approved for use by Marine Corps Systems Command.
3. Ballistic spectacles and goggles authorized for use are listed on the authorized protective eyewear list (APEL) and are compatible with the universal prescription lens carrier. While the Marine Corps will continue to issue a single spectacle and a single goggle, units may purchase other authorized ballistic eyewear on the APEL through the defense logistics agency or the post-exchange. The latest APEL can be found at:
https://www.peosoldier.army.mil/equipment/
approved-eyewear-qpl/
4. All forms of hearing protection devices are considered PPE, and the Marine Corps issues Hearing Enhancement Devices (HED) (TAMCN C01142F) and High Noise Hearing Enhancement Devices (HN-HED) (TAMCN C00142F). Commanders must ensure Marines comply with ref (f) or ref (g) for helmet configuration and ref (h) guidelines to select appropriate hearing protection devices.
HEDS shall be evaluated at least twice per year for appropriate use and to replace any worn/deteriorated seals per ref (h).
Commanders will consult navy medicine occupational audiologists or industrial hygienists to determine from sound pressure measurements appropriate hearing protective devices for their operational needs, ensuring Marines have the correct single or dual hearing protection when necessary. Per ref (h), the safety objective is to protect Marines’ exposure to any steady-state noise having an 8-hour time-weighted average noise level greater than or equal to 85 decibels: or a single exposure to impulse and/or impact noise of 140 decibels peak or greater, regardless of duration.
5. Marine Corps Body Armor Protection Levels (APLS).
5.a. A service-level policy defining specific armor protection levels has been established with the intent of standardizing APLS, enabling commanders to tailor armor protection based on their estimate of the situation or based on guidance from service/joint/theater combatant commanders. Higher APLS provide increased ballistic protection through the addition of modular armor components, increasing the areas of coverage and/or ballistic protection. Higher APLS correspond to greater weight, increased thermal loading, and reduced mobility, thus degrading individual and unit performance over extended periods of time.
5.b. The following APLS are established and apply to all Marine Corps-issued armor systems. Read in two columns:
APL Description
Level 0 No body armor worn
Level 1 Marine Corps-issued plate carrier with soft armor only (defeats handgun and fragmentation threats)
Level 2 Marine Corps-issued plate carrier with soft armor, and front and back hard armor plates (defeats rifle and fragmentation threats)
Level 3 Marine Corps-issued plate carrier with soft armor, front and back hard armor plates, and side hard armor plates (defeats rifle and fragmentation threats).
Removal of the soft armor from the plate carrier compromises the ballistic protection of the issued armor systems. Soft armor must be worn in conjunction with ballistic plates in the issued plate carrier – failure to do so may result in severe bodily injury or death. There are currently two variants of ballistic plates fielded to the Fleet Marine Force: the Enhanced Small Arms Plate Insert (ESAPI) (TAMCN C30202E) and the Lightweight Plate (LWP) (TAMCN C01342F). Commanders may choose to utilize either variant based on the threat.
5.c. The Marine Corps-issued helmets authorized for operations include the Enhanced Combat Vehicle Crewman Helmet (ECVCH) (TAMCN C49942F), Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH) (TAMCN C01202E), High Cut Enhanced Combat Helmet (HC ECH) (TAMCN C02222F), and the Integrated Helmet System (IHS) (TAMCN C02222F) which were designed to provide both ballistic and blunt impact protection across the full spectrum of operational environments. The helmets consist of a shell, a suspension system (pads), a retention system (chinstrap), and include other accessories such as a night vision device mounting bracket and rail systems.
The ballistic protection of these systems is provided by the construction and materials of the shell. The blunt impact protection is provided by the construction, materials, and configuration of the suspension system. The suspension system must have pads in an approved configuration. In accordance with ref (f) or ref (g) the issued suspension system cannot be replaced with commercial pads. The screws in the helmet support the ballistic integrity and shall not be replaced with commercial screws. Unit leaders will ensure initial training is conducted for Marines upon issue of the helmet. Commanders shall ensure approved helmets are worn in an approved configuration.
5.d. Diving life preserver and buoyancy compensator listed in the authorized for navy use (ANU) are not authorized for ballistic protection until the configuration has been certified and approved by Marine Corps Systems Command. Commanders interested in requesting diving life preserver and buoyancy compensator for certification must follow the universal needs
process. Information can be found at: https://www.cdi.marines.mil/units/cdd/universal-needs-process/
5.e. Protective attachments may be worn with
Marine Corps-issued body armor. It is impractical to establish APLS that incorporate every possible configuration in which these attachments may be worn. Commanders will designate the wear of Marine Corps approved helmets; ballistic eyewear; and groin, neck, and throat protection as required by their units’ mission, the threat, and local environmental considerations.
5.f. The lightweight helmet (TAMCN C32152E) and the small arms protective body armor (stocklist-3 item of TAMCN C35012E) are only authorized for use by training command.
5.g. Ballistic protection vendor samples are not authorized for use without Marine Corps Systems Command oversight and approved safety releases for limited user evaluations.
6. Authority
6.a. Operating force commanders at the Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) level or higher are authorized to determine the required level of PPE (or APL when established) for wear by assigned personnel within the Marine Corps Systems Command approved systems. This determination will be made based on mission(including during training), unit type, threat, and environmental factors.
6.b. Combatant, Joint Task Force (JTF), and service component commanders retain the authority to prescribe the level of protection worn by all assigned personnel. In cases where combatant, JTF, and/ or service component commanders have established a required level of PPE that is more restrictive than that set by Marine Unit Commanders, Marines will adhere to the highest level. In cases where the APL is not designated, the Marine Corps service policy places the authority to designate the APL on commanders, Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) and higher.
6.c. Based on their unique mission requirements, Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) personnel may, within published MARSOC policies and subject to their commanders’ approval, wear special operations command-approved special purpose body armor.
6.d. Installation commanders are authorized to use government funds to purchase commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) body armor and PPE only for use by Military Police performing law enforcement duties aboard Marine Corps installations. COTS body armor must, at a minimum, meet National Institute of Justice (NIJ)-certified level RF2 as listed on the NIJ website.
https://www.nij.gov/topics/technology/body-armor/pages/compliant-ballistic-armor.aspx. COTS body armor purchased for installation law enforcement duty will not be worn by Marines as a substitute for Marine Corps approved body armor and PPE in a combat zone or theater of operation.
7. Marine Corps organizations that do not receive class II PPE materiel support from the Logistics Command should direct all materiel requirements to DC, IL, IP.
8. Release authorized by MajGen J. L. Morris, Assistant Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations.//

Posted in Armor, Eyepro, Handwear, Helmets, USMC | 20 Comments »

BFG Wins DLA Contract for its VCAS Sling

Monday, July 7th, 2025

POOLER, GA. – Blue Force Gear, Inc. (“BFG”), the world leader in load carriage equipment innovation, is honored to announce they were the sole awardee of a Defense Logistics Agency contract for their legendary Vickers Sling, in support of the U.S. Marine Corps.

The competitively awarded contract recognizes Blue Force Gear’s proven track record of delivering superior equipment that meets the demanding requirements of military operations. The patented Vickers Combat Applications Sling (VCAS) has been extensively tested and validated by military personnel, establishing itself once again as the gold standard for weapon retention and a crucial accoutrement for small arms.

“We are honored to be Competitively Selected as the sole awardee for a contract with Defense Logistics Agency in support of the U.S. Marine Corps,” said Ashley Burnsed, CEO of Blue Force Gear. “We want to put the best products in the hands of our fine Marines, Soldiers, and Airmen that we trust to protect us. Our VCAS Sling has proven itself downrange countless times, and we’re proud to continue supporting those who serve our nation with unwavering dedication.”

Blue Force Gear was founded in 2004 with a commitment to serve the U.S. Armed Forces with domestically produced material and products manufactured on American soil. BFG has maintained an “Always Made In America” standard, ensuring that every product meets the highest quality?requirements while supporting American workers and manufacturing.

The Vickers Sling revolutionized the way automatic rifles are carried. Developed with former 1st SFOD-Delta operational member Larry Vickers, the VCAS Sling is a two-point quick adjust, tailless sling that bridges the gap between transporting and fighting in all fields of fire. When sized properly, the VCAS Sling becomes another point of contact, creating a more stable and reliable shooting position. The VCAS Sling has been in service for over a decade?with every branch of the U.S. military as well as many allies worldwide.

Standard Issue Vickers Sling™

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MARCORSYSCOM Leaders Chart Future of Marine Readiness at Future Soldier Technology USA conference

Monday, June 30th, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. — As the character of warfare shifts and threats evolve, so does the demand for new approaches to equipping the dismounted warfighter.

At this year’s Future Soldier Technology USA conference, hosted by SAE Media Group, defense leaders from across the globe gathered to discuss what it takes to make the dismounted Soldier and Marine faster, more lethal, more resilient, and better protected—all while preparing for a future fight that may look very different from the last.

For Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), their panels emphasized readiness through relevance. At the event, several leaders from the organization highlighted efforts to modernize gear, training, and acquisition with urgency and precision.

“We’re focused on staying relevant within the battlespace,” said John Mithun, program manager for Tactical Communications and Electromagnetic Warfare. “It’s about getting tomorrow’s technology into the hands of Marines today.”

Lt. Col. Patrick Heiny, product manager for Infantry Weapons, addressed future proofing through open systems.

“We went by the old adage that ‘we own the night,’ when in reality we probably rented it,” he said. “Especially in today’s tech environment, having that future proofing and being able to adapt to threats is absolutely crucial. Modern systems demand interconnected systems.”

Christopher Woodburn, deputy for Maneuver Branch, underscored modularity as a cornerstone of adaptability.

“In terms of going from renting the night to owning the night… having a helmet that provides improved modularity is key,” he said.

During a multinational panel, discussion focused on reducing burdens for the dismounted warfighter while maintaining operational advantage.

Col. Marcus Reynolds, program manager for Training Systems, offered a clear challenge. “You can’t take it all. Ships only fit so much; Marines can only carry so much… How do you reduce the weight of a system and keep Marines lethal?”

He added, “My number one job in the Marine Corps is to make Marines more lethal.”

Lt. Col. Ian Wilson, British Army, addressed the risks of overloading the individual warfighter.

“Before you know it, you’re carrying your body weight on your back, and you take enemy contact and you’re really slow,” he said. His proposed approach: “Just enough, just in time.”

The culminating event for the conference involved a Gruntworks facility walk through at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., which included a behind-the-scenes look for registered attendees at how the Marine Corps and U.S. Army evaluates and enhances their equipment.

The tour, co-hosted by the Corps’ Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad and Human Systems Integration team, and the U.S. Army’s Soldier Integration Facility team with Program Executive Office Soldier, provided valuable insight into future capability needs.

“You got to get the right crew for the right task,” said Mark Richter, team lead for Gruntworks. “You got to think outside the box. How do we get the data that makes the difference? You must have the data before you put it into a model. If not, it’s just an assumption.”

Richter also discussed how MARCORSYSCOM’s presence underscored a central theme: innovation must be practical, scalable, and rooted in the needs of the individual warfighter.

With open systems, accelerated acquisition, and data-backed design, the Marine Corps continues to build a force ready for whatever fight comes next.

Story by Joel Rivera Camacho

Photo by Kristofer Hutsell

Marine Corps Systems Command

Posted in Guest Post, MARCORSYSCOM, USMC | Comments Off on MARCORSYSCOM Leaders Chart Future of Marine Readiness at Future Soldier Technology USA conference

Space Force Supports III MEF with Tactical Space Integration

Thursday, June 19th, 2025

OKINAWA, Japan — U.S. Space Force Maj. Ben Pearce and Capt. Hannah Garcia-Park, both with Mission Delta-11 (Space Ranges, Aggressors, Tactics and Exercises), conducted tactical level space operations for the first time in history June 9, 2025, at III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), Okinawa, Japan.

The Guardians injected critical tactical subject matter expertise directly supporting III MEF’s mission, while also delivering realistic and challenging space aggressor training enhancing the lethality and combat power of the entire joint force.

U.S. Space Force Maj. Ben Pearce, left, and Capt. Hannah Garcia-Park, right, with Space Training and Readiness Command, Mission Delta-11, pose for a photo with U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen Roger B. Turner, left-center, commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Sgt Maj. Christopher J. Adams, right-center, sergeant major of III MEF, on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 10, 2025. Pearce and Garcia-Park received challenge coins for their efforts during training with III MEF. The Guardians provided subject-matter expertise directly supporting III MEF training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alexander Canal)

“Incorporating Guardians into our formation provides an increase in combat effectiveness,” said Col Brian Greene, operations officer for III MEF. “Their ability to seamlessly integrate space-based assets directly into the battlespace, increasing our lethality, provides III MEF and our partners with a decisive tactical advantage.”

“My experience with III MEF as a Guardian showed me how space is integrated tactically, reinforcing our mission’s importance,” said Park. “Commitment as a Guardian means we ask questions, gain insights, and seek ways to enhance support for the joint warfighter while defending our space domain.”

Mission Delta-11 is a subordinate unit of Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) and delivers realistic, threat-informed test and training environments through the provision of live, virtual, and constructive range and combat replication capability in order to prepare USSF, joint, and allied forces to prevail in a Contested, Degraded, and Operationally Limited environment.

From III Marine Expeditionary Force

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USMC Affirms Confidence in Modular Handgun System

Monday, June 2nd, 2025

Back in April a reader posted a link to this 2023 USMC incident report regarding a negligent discharge of an M18 Modular Handgun System pistol by a foreign national gate guard on Okinawa, to the comments section of SSD. I read it and wondered why I hadn’t heard about it. Current hysteria over the P320 aside, Modular Handgun System pistols are equipped with a manual safety. If one did indeed discharge all by itself while “safe and secure in the holster”, as alleged in this indecent report, there are significant concerns over the safety of our service members regarding the over 400,000 pistols in service.

You can download the report here.

As you can imagine, the report began to circulate as confirmation bias that the M18 pistol which is based on SIG SAUER’s popular P320, is doing this or that. Unfortunately, getting to the bottom of the issue takes awhile, particularly with a vigorous travel schedule and when going back and forth with the government. Despite this, I dug in.

Considering the pistol has a manual safety and was in a holster and claims that nothing impacting the trigger, something seemed off. I asked around about the report and heard that there was more to the story and it would be best if I made a formal inquiry. Consequently, I approached the DoD Program office for MHS, Product Manager Soldier Weapons (PdM SW), which is subordinate to Project Manager Soldier Lethality at Picatinny Arsenal. They stepped right up and looked into the issue as they weren’t familiar with the mishap despite the conclusion of the incident report which was to “recommend that an engineering review of the M18 be conducted.”

I asked for a statement from PdM SW but they informed me that, as the incident had occurred in the Marine Corps, I should pursue further inquiries with Marine Corps Installation Command Pacific. I sent them an email inquiry and finally heard back after this story was published. They offered a simple statement, standing by the report.

Next, I went to Marine Corps Systems Command. Their PAO interfaced with the command and offered this statement based on my initial inquiry regarding the incident report.

The incident was appropriately reported to the Naval Safety Command, which is where the provided pdf of the incident report was sourced from in response to a FOIA request. All factual information was released in accordance with FOIA. Deliberative portions of the safety investigations are subject to executive privilege, and they will not be released to any person or entity, except within the Department of Defense, for mishap and loss prevention purposes.

I had obviously asked the wrong command, the wrong question. They didn’t investigate it. Since my main concern was whether the weapon was safe for use, that’s what I ended up asking.

Late last week, the Marine Corps Systems Command Public Affairs Office provided this statement on behalf of the command:

The M18 was rigorously tested to DoD standards before being selected for use by our Marines, and we have not seen any evidence that indicates design or manufacturing issues are present. In addition to the initial testing, each lot of weapons produced for the U.S. Government is subject to extensive lot acceptance testing with oversight by the Defense Contract Management Agency and the Service from which the order was placed (Army/Marine Corps).

The Marine Corps has full confidence in the quality, performance, and safety of the M18 handgun. The MHS is designed, built, and tested to military standards to ensure safe and effective employment during training and combat.

At least one other website reported this incident and only used the incident report as the basis of their post. They never bothered to contact the military. While we may never know what actually happened in this instance, the reality is that the Marine Corps (and Army) stand behind the safety of the MHS program. Here we are, over two years later and the pistols remain in service.

That is the ultimate concern, that service members can maintain faith and confidence in their equipment, particularly those items that they must depend their lives on, such as PPE and weapons. It was my goal to determine whether or not this was the case and the Army and Marine Corps have asserted their position that MHS is safe.

– By Eric Graves

Posted in Advertiser, USMC, weapons | 2 Comments »

GA Integrates Software for USMC Common Intelligence Picture WTI Course

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 19 May 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has successfully integrated the advanced Optix software—developed by General Atomics Integrated Intelligence, Inc. (GA-i3)—into the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Common Intelligence Picture (CIP) for a multi-service Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course.

This milestone marks a significant enhancement in the USMC’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, delivering a unified operational view critical to the training of future aviation leaders. For the USMC, this integration directly supports the deployment and effectiveness of the GA-ASI-supplied MQ-9A Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aircraft System within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF).

Achieved through close collaboration with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) and Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1), the integration brought together engineers from GA-ASI and GA-i3 alongside USMC unmanned aviation operations experts. Their combined efforts enabled the seamless deployment of the Optix software during the rigorous WTI 2-25 training cycle.

USMC MQ-9A operations during the exercise took place at Yuma, Arizona, and the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field (SELF) at Twenty-Nine Palms, California—the Marine Corps’ only expeditionary runway in the U.S. The live-fire training environment provided an invaluable opportunity to evaluate the MQ-9A’s role in complex combat scenarios.

By introducing Optix into this high-demand setting, Marines gained access to real-time data fusion, a shared operational picture, and enhanced collaborative decision-making—tools critical for modern battlefield success.

“The integration of Optix software represents a key step toward the effective deployment of the MQ-9A MUX MALE platform within the MAGTF and joint operations,” said Doug Brouwer, Senior Director for USMC Programs at GA-ASI. “It enables near real-time situational awareness and improves the decision-making process across the battlespace.”

Andrew Majchrowicz, Project Manager for Department of Defense Programs at GA-i3, added: “Equipping Marines with advanced ISR tools like Optix enhances the common intelligence picture and operational readiness in live-fire environments. This is a critical milestone in our shared goal of enabling joint-force effectiveness and full operational integration of the MQ-9A.”

The successful deployment of Optix within the WTI course underscores General Atomics’ continued commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower the U.S. military with unmatched intelligence and operational capabilities for future multi-domain operations.

Posted in Industry, ISR, Press Release, USMC | Comments Off on GA Integrates Software for USMC Common Intelligence Picture WTI Course

Mack Defense Wins Prototype Phase of Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) Development for U.S. Marine Corps

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

ALLENTOWN, PA (May 19, 2025) – Following the initial development contract awarded last year, Mack Defense today announced they won the contract to produce two prototype vehicles for the next phase in the Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) program with the U.S. Marine Corps. The new family of vehicles will replace the Marine Corps’ Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement fleet (MTVR), which includes cargo, dump, wrecker, tractor and re-supply trucks supporting air-ground task force combat support missions.

The Marine Corps’ initial development requirements for the MTT fleet focused on cargo variants consisting of 10-, 15- and 20-foot cargo bed configurations with hybrid-electric technology for reduced fuel consumption, extended range and reduced noise for silent watch capabilities. A 70% off-road and 30% on-road mission profile will be supported by a 60-inch fording capability to traverse through deep water typically encountered during Marine Corps missions.

The prototype phase includes the development of two variants: a 4×4 configuration featuring a 10-foot cargo bed and a 6×6 configuration with a 20-foot cargo bed. The trucks share DNA with the Mack® Granite® but are specially designed to meet the specific requirements of the U.S. Marine Corps. The MTT prototypes incorporate significant technological advancements in driver safety and operational capability. These include advanced driver assistance features such as collision avoidance, blind-spot detection and vehicle dynamic control systems incorporating enhanced traction control and anti-lock brakes. The vehicles also feature hybrid-electric technology delivering improved fuel efficiency while enabling critical tactical advantages such as silent watch capabilities using extensive onboard power storage and generation and exportable power for other military systems.

“These prototypes represent the next generation of purpose-built, specialty vehicles for the Marine Corps,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “By leveraging our commercial vehicle technology expertise and adapting it for military applications, we’re delivering a highly capable platform that can perform in the most challenging terrains, while incorporating advanced safety features and hybrid propulsion systems that meet the Marine Corps’ rigorous mission requirements.”

The MTT program emphasizes enhanced off-road mobility with vehicles designed for cross-country operation while maintaining optimal weight for improved fuel efficiency and payload capacity. The purpose-built design incorporates an open systems architecture that enables future autonomous capabilities and technology integration.

Construction of the prototypes will begin in the second half of 2025, with completion targeted for early fall. Following assembly, the vehicles will undergo comprehensive contractor performance testing at the Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC) in the first half of 2026 before delivery to the Marine Corps.

Following the initial development contract awarded last year, Mack Defense today announced the production of two prototype vehicles for the next phase in the Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) program with the U.S. Marine Corps.

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 Contracts, Mobility, Press Release, USMC | Comments Off on Mack Defense Wins Prototype Phase of Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) Development for U.S. Marine Corps