The Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contract, worth $1.14bn, is intended to provide more firepower for Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs).

Under the term of the contract, the company is responsible for the production and fielding of over 96 MPF vehicles.

The contract follows the Army’s move to transition from a MPF middle-tier acquisition, rapid-prototyping phase, to the Milestone C decision.

MPF is a mobile, direct-fire combat vehicle designed by General Dynamics Land Systems. With a four-person crew, the vehicle is capable of countering ground threats on the battlefield.

The vehicle is also equipped with a thermal viewer, a large-calibre cannon, a lightweight hull and turret, diesel engine, and a transmission and suspension system.

General Dynamics Land Systems vice-president and US operations general manager Gordon Stein said: “Our team worked tirelessly to deliver our prototypes in time to support the Army’s evaluation plan, and we incorporated soldier feedback into the final design.

“The MPF vehicle has been purpose-built for the IBCTs to give them decisive lethality, mobility, and survivability on current and future battlefields.”

As part of the low rate initial production phase, the Army will conduct production qualification testing of the MPF vehicles with regard to their lethality, mobility, survivability, live-fire, and reliability.

An operational test will also be conducted. The first equipped MPF unit is expected to be ready in 2025.

Assistant Secretary of the Army Acquisition, Logistics and Technology ground combat systems programme executive officer brigadier general Glenn Dean said: “The Army is committed to delivering the MPF capability to the infantry brigade on an accelerated schedule with incremental improvements over time.”