General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), which was selected in June for the construction of the light tank, started to assemble the US Army’s Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) system last November. The MPF system aims to improve mobility, protection and direct fire capability on the battlefield.

First production of the MPF is scheduled for late 2023. The contract provides for the military to be allowed to purchase up to 70 more during early production for a total of more than $1.1 billion. The military plans to purchase 504 vehicles that are intended to be in the service’s inventory for at least 30 years. Most of the procurement is expected to be completed by 2035.

Kevin Vernagus, GDLS Director of the MPF system, said that the turret is new, but also works like an Abrams tank to preserve the interior and controls.

According to DefenseNews, approximately $6 billion is expected to be spent during the procurement process of MPF. Estimates suggest that the total lifecycle cost of the program will be around $17 billion.