Mack Defense has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army to design, build, and deliver prototypes of new tactical military trucks.

Mack Defense, part of the Mack Trucks global truck brand that assembles heavy-duty trucks for the North American market at its plant in the Lehigh Valley, has been awarded a contract by the United States Army to design, build, and deliver prototypes of new tactical trucks.

The prototypes will be tested and evaluated to determine final requirements for the Army’s next generation of trucks. The Army is modernizing its fleet of about 35,000 heavy tactical trucks that are used for a wide range of combat logistics, support, and service support missions.

“Being chosen for the prototype phase of this program confirms that the Army recognizes Mack Defense as the experience in adapting our commercial-based products, technologies, and global value chain needed to meet the strict requirements outlined for the Common Tactical Truck program,” said David Hartzell, Mack Defense president.

The Army’s requirements dictate a modern, scalable, commercial-based platform with advanced safety technologies, off-road mobility, advanced cybersecurity and improved fuel efficiency.

Mack Defense will provide three prototype trucks by January 2024 for testing by the Army. They include an on-road tractor, and off-road tractor, and a load-handling system truck that will be based on Mack Trucks’ commercial vehicle platforms.

When testing of the prototypes is completed in 2025, the Army is expected to request proposals for a production contract that could be valued at more than $5 billion.

Mack Trucks is one of the Lehigh Valley’s largest employers and recently completed an $84 million expansion project at its assembly plant. The company employs more than 2,500 people in the region.