The company General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) began to establish the first mass production of the newest light tank for the US Army. According to Defense News, the production process began in November. In June, the company was selected as the winner of the competition organized under the Mobile Protected Firepower program. It was announced in the summer of 2018. It is assumed that the first serial MPF light tank will be delivered to the army at the end of 2023.

However, the publication emphasizes that the current contract with the US military allows the military to purchase up to 70 more such light tanks at the initial stage of mass production deployment for a total amount of more than $ 1.1 billion. The US Army is expected to spend approximately $6 billion on the MPF procurement process.

According to estimates, the total cost of the life cycle of the newest tanks entering service will be about $ 17 billion. GDLS has delivered 12 light tank prototypes to the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division for consideration. The manufacturing company is currently collaborating with the military to resolve some of the overheating issues that arose during testing of the MPF prototype at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.

General Dynamics has developed a light tank based on the British AJAX infantry fighting vehicle. The combat vehicle received updated communications systems and the same control mechanisms as the M1 Abrams main battle tank. BAE Systems also participated in the tender, presenting the army with a modernized version of the M8 Buford light tank. According to the conditions of the competition, the new light tanks must be suitable for transport with the C-130 Super Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft. The US Army leadership plans to purchase 504 light tanks, which should be in service for at least 30 years. Most acquisitions should be completed by 2035.