Mack Defense competing for $5.1B U.S. Army contract

Mack Defense has been awarded a three-prototype truck contract that could lead to a more extensive contract worth more than $5.1 billion. 

Mack is being asked to design, build, and deliver three trucks for the prototype and testing phase of the U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck (CTT) program.  

The trucks will be manufactured at the Mack Truck Lehigh Valley Operations. 

The Army will ultimately be using up to 7,000 prototype trucks that will be tested and evaluated to determine the final requirements for the next generation of trucks to ultimately begin modernization and replacement of the Army’s fleet of approximately 35,000 heavy tactical trucks which perform a wide range of combat logistics, support, and service support missions. 

The U.S. Army’s requirements for the CTT program dictate a modern, scalable commercial-based platform with advanced safety technologies, increased off-road mobility, advanced cybersecurity, open systems architecture, improved fuel efficiency and commonality across truck variants to promote enhanced sustainability. 

“We were confident in our ability to meet the needs outlined by the U.S. Army when we submitted our initial bid,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “Being chosen for the prototype phase of this program confirms that the Army recognizes Mack Defense has the experience in adapting our commercial based products, technologies and global value chain needed to meet the strict requirements outlined for the CTT.” 

He said Mack Defense will provide the first three prototype vehicles to the U.S. Army by January of 2024. 

 Those trucks will be tested by the Army in a variety of situations to evaluate the vehicles’ performance, efficiency, and durability.  

Jack Terefinko, CTT program manager at Mack Defense commented on the order. 

“The vehicles include an on-road tractor, an off-road tractor, and a load-handling system (LHS) truck each based off our commercial-based vehicle platforms and technologies modified to meet the strict requirements of CTT,” he said.  

After the prototype evaluations and testing are complete in 2025 the Army is expected to launch a separate competition which will lead to a production contract for the modernization of the heavy tactical vehicle fleet.   

The Army has stated that an initial production contract could be over 7,000 trucks valued at more than $5.1 billion.  

Mack Defense is currently performing two major defense programs of record, each with a scope that directly aligns with the CTT. Both projects use modified, commercial-based vehicles from the extensive global Volvo Group network.