Defense Vehicle Programs
Commercial Value Meets Military Readiness
Mack Defense, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mack Trucks and part of the Volvo group, is responsible for the sale of heavy-duty trucks to federal and ministerial-level customers globally. Mack Defense is focused on production of medium to heavy-duty tactical wheeled vehicle solutions for U.S. military customers in support of combat support and logistics missions worldwide. This includes such programs as the successful M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck program. Mack Defense provides products via contracts with the General Services Administration and the Defense Logistics Agency Heavy Equipment Procurement Program. Military applications are not limited to but include the following: Cargo trucks, water/fuel tankers, wrecker/recovery platforms, heavy haul tractors and refuse trucks plus. Bringing commercial automotive technologies to tactical applications, Mack Defense is positioned as the preferred wheeled vehicle OEM in the government and military market segments. Explore our current programs below.
M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck Program (HDT)
Common Tactical Truck Program (CTT)
Medium Tactical Truck Program (MTT)
Canadian MSVS-SMP
Program
M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck Program (HDT)
Contract #W56HZV-18-D-0042
In 2018, the U.S. Army awarded Mack Defense a seven-year, $296.4 million contract for up to 683 M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks.
Built on the proven Mack Granite® Class 8 chassis, the M917A3 was engineered and modified to meet or exceed all U.S. Army tactical vehicle requirements.
Engineering & Design Enhancements
Starting with a commercial Mack Granite® truck, Mack Defense implemented extensive design, development, and integration work to meet military needs, including:
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Transfer case and front drive axle added.
- Replaceable Armor Cab: Scalable force protection for varying threat levels.
- Lift & Tie Downs: Designed for tactical transport and deployment.
- C4ISR Integration: Advanced communications inside the cab.
- Upgraded Suspension: Increased ride height for higher mobility and fording capability.
- Military Features: Black-out lighting and mission-specific protection systems.
Testing & Validation
Mack Defense built two early prototypes as an internal R&D project:
- One for durability and performance testing.
- One for protection validation.
Following the contract award, 12 prototype trucks were produced and tested at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG).
After two years of rigorous testing, the M917A3 achieved full validation and entered full-rate production in 2021.
Production & Deliveries
Serial production began in 2021.
As of November 2024, a total of 549 M917A3 HDTs have been ordered toward the contract maximum of 683.
New 2025 Contract Award
On June 24, 2025, Mack Defense was awarded a new five-year IDIQ contract valued at $221.8 million for up to 450 additional M917A3 trucks.
Contract #: W912CH-25-D-0049
Press Links
- Mack Defense Secures A New Five-Year Contract For M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks With U.S. Army
- David Hartzell On SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking To Discuss Strengthening Defense Logistics Through Mack’s Legacy
- Mack Defense Reaches Milestone With 500th U.S. Army M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck
- Mack Defense Featured On WFMZ-TV 69 News Celebrating 500th Dump Truck Produced For US Army
- Mack Defense Receives Order For The U.S. Army M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck Program
- SnowRunner Season 10 Game Features the Mack Defense M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck
- Mack Defense Is Featured In Mack Bulldog Magazine
- Mack Defense Receives Order for 135 Additional Trucks For The U.S. Army M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck Program
- The American Company Mack Defense Presents The Production Version Of Its M917A3 HDT At AUSA 2022
- David Hartzell, President & CEO of Mack Defense, Talks About The Latest Generation M917A3 At AUSA 2022
- Mack Defense - Check Out Our M917A3 HDT Milestones Video!
- Mack Defense to Showcase Production M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck at AUSA
- Mack Defense Receives Order for 144 Additional Trucks for the U.S. Army M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck Program
- Michigan Engineer Company One Of First National Guard Units To Test Mack Truck In Field
- Mack Defense’s M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck Aired On WDAM7 For Army’s Newest Delivery
- Inside Defense Highlights Mack Defense’s HDT Order
- Fort Stewart Public Affairs Office Published M917A3 HDT Soldier Feedback
- Mack Defense Partners With TenCate Advanced Armor USA In Developing Armored Cab
- Transport Topics News Features The Mack Defense M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck
- Mack Defense M917A3 HDT Featured On Construction Equipment
- M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck Production Line Ceremony 9.23.21
- M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck Featured In Snowrunner Game
- AUSA 2021: Mack Defense Seeks To Expand Military Activities
- Mack Defense M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck Featured In Fleet Equipment Magazine
- Mack Defense Presents First Production M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks To U.S. Army
- Mack Defense Starts M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck Production At Mack Experience Center
- U.S. Army Orders 99 Heavy Dump Trucks from Mack Defense
- Mack Defense M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck Ready for the Harsh Cold
- Mack Defense Partners With XPER For Spare Tire Carrier and Transparent Armor On M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck
Common Tactical Truck Program (CTT)
In January 2023, Mack Defense was awarded a contract to design, build, and deliver trucks for the prototype and testing phase of the U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck (CTT) program.
- The U.S. Army is modernizing and replacing ~35,000 heavy tactical trucks.
- These vehicles perform a wide range of combat logistics, support, and service missions.
- Mack Defense was chosen to develop prototypes to help define the Army’s next-generation truck requirements.
Mack Defense Solution
Our CTT prototypes are built on a modern, scalable, commercial-based platform with enhancements to meet Army requirements:
- Advanced safety technologies
- Increased off-road mobility 6×4
- Enhanced cybersecurity
- Open systems architecture for upgrades
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Commonality across variants for easier sustainment
Prototype Vehicles
Mack Defense delivered three prototype trucks for Army evaluation at Aberdeen Proving Ground:
- On-Road Tractor
- Off-Road Tractor
- Load-Handling System (LHS) Truck
Each prototype was based on proven commercial vehicle platforms and adapted to meet strict CTT requirements.
Hybrid Electric Technology
All three prototypes included high-voltage hybrid electric systems.
Evaluated for:
- Exportable power capability
- Fuel demand reduction
Testing & Validation
- Vehicles tested for performance, efficiency, and durability.
- Prototype phase reaffirms Mack Defense’s proven ability to adapt commercial products and technologies to meet demanding military standards.
Contract Information
This effort was sponsored by the U.S. Government under Other Transaction Authority number W15QKN-17-9-1025
with the National Advanced Mobility Consortium.
Press Links
- David Hartzell On SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking To Discuss Strengthening Defense Logistics Through Mack’s Legacy
- Mack Defense Begins Vehicle Testing Phase of U.S. Army Common Tactical Truck (CTT) Program
- National Defense Writes Article For Army Taking Mack Defense’s Tactical Truck Prototype Out For A Spin
- Mack Defense Chooses BAE Systems for Alternative Propulsion System on U.S. Army Common Tactical Truck Prototypes
- Mack Defense Combines Technical Edge With A Century Of Military Service For CTT Program
- Mack Defense Awarded A Contract For The Prototype And Testing Phase Of U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck (CTT) Program
- U.S. Army Selects Four Companies To Build New Tactical Truck Prototypes
- National Defense Article – Army Dump Truck Supplier Submits Bid for CTT Program
Medium Tactical Truck Program (MTT)
The Marine Corps’ initial development requirements for the MTT fleet focused on cargo variants consisting of 10-, 15- and 20-foot cargo bed configurations with hybrid electric technology for reduced fuel consumption, extended range and reduced noise for silent watch capabilities. A 70% off-road and 30% on-road mission profile will be supported by a 60-inch fording capability to traverse through deep water typically encountered during Marine Corps missions.
In January 2024, Mack Defense was awarded a contract to participate in Phase I of the Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) Program. This pivotal phase—spanning 12 months—included submitting innovative design concepts and a comprehensive project plan. In December 2024, Mack Defense successfully passed the USMC’s Critical Design Review (CDR), positioning the MTT as the future replacement for the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) fleet.
The program will ultimately cover multiple mission variants, with the Cargo Variant as the initial focus.
In March 2024, Mack Defense was awarded the prototype phase which includes the development of two variants: a 4×4 configuration featuring a 10-foot cargo bed and a 6×6 configuration with a 20-foot cargo bed. The trucks share DNA with the Mack® Granite® but are specially designed to meet the specific requirements of the U.S. Marine Corps. The MTT prototypes incorporate significant technological advancements in driver safety and operational capability. These include advanced driver assistance features such as collision avoidance, blindspot detection and vehicle dynamic control systems incorporating enhanced traction control and anti-lock brakes. The vehicles also feature hybrid-electric technology delivering improved fuel efficiency while enabling critical tactical advantages such as silent watch capabilities using extensive onboard power storage and generation and exportable power for other military systems.
Key Requirements & Capabilities
Cargo Variants: Configurations include 10 ft, 15 ft, and 20 ft cargo beds.
Hybrid Electric Technologies: Reduced fuel consumption, extended range, and silent watch capability.
Onboard & Export Power: 10 kW onboard power and scalable exportable power up to 30 kW.
Mobility: Designed for a 70% off-road / 30% on-road mission profile with 60” water fording capability (USMC-specific).
Safety & Stability: Advanced stability control, open systems architecture, and modular mission flexibility.
Armor System: Modular, scalable armor designed for easy upgrades, installation, and maintenance.
Maintenance & Reliability: Condition-based maintenance systems, corrosion prevention, and increased durability.
Next Steps: Phase II
Award: Mack Defense awarded for Phase II of the MTT program.
Prototype Development: Two prototypes (10 ft Cargo and 20 ft Cargo) planned and testing
Timeline: Prototype build and testing scheduled for Q3 2025 – Q2 2027.
Press Links
Medium Support Vehicle System – Standard Military Pattern (MSVS-SMP)
Mack Defense was awarded the contract to deliver 1587 vehicles for the MSVS-SMP program for the Canadian
Department of National Defence (DND).
Using the Renault Kerax Class 8 truck as the base platform, Mack Defense modified and engineered the design to
meet Canada’s demanding requirements for the base common commercial chassis—creating a family of vehicles that support a wide range of military operations.
Prototyping & Testing
To meet DND’s mission needs, Mack Defense incorporated:
- Pre-Contract Phase: Built two vehicles and one trailer as an IRAD project to validate mobility, automotive performance, and extreme cold-weather operation.
- Prototype Phase: Delivered three prototype vehicles to the Canadian DND for testing and evaluation.
Engineering & Design Enhancements
To meet DND’s mission needs, Mack Defense incorporated:
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Added two driving front axles.
- Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS): Enhanced off-road mobility.
- Cold Weather Kit: Reliable operation down to -52°F.
- Armored Cab System: Replaceable, scalable protection options.
- Modular Cargo Systems: Integration with crane, LHS, and trailer equipment.
Prototyping & Testing
To meet DND’s mission needs, Mack Defense incorporated:
- Pre-Contract Phase: Built two vehicles and one trailer as an IRAD project to validate mobility, automotive performance, and extreme cold-weather operation.
- Prototype Phase: Delivered three prototype vehicles to the Canadian DND for testing and evaluation.
Production & Delivery
Upon successful testing, Mack Defense delivered:
- 1,587 vehicles
- 300 trailers
- 160 armored kits
All production was completed within a two-year delivery schedule
Sustainment
Mack Defense is currently in year three of the sustainment contract, ensuring long-term readiness and lifecycle support for the MSVS fleet.
Fleet Breakdown
- 1603 Cargo Trucks
- 50 Material Handling Crane (MHC) Trucks
- 37 Gun Tractors (GT)
- 742 Load Handling System (LHS) Trucks 155 Mobile Repair Team (MRT) Trucks
Global Reach & Partnerships
At Mack Defense, we specialize in delivering heavy-duty, mission-ready vehicles engineered to support the world’s toughest military and governmental operations. From tactical trucks and heavy dump vehicles to prototype development and multi-mission platforms, our programs are built on a legacy of performance, durability, and innovation. With a global footprint and partnerships with key U.S. and international agencies, Mack Defense is proud to serve those who serve—on every terrain, in every mission.
Our vehicles serve missions across continents, built to operate in diverse environments.
Countries Served:
- Armenia (MFO)
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Bavaria
- Burkina Faso
- Canada
- Cameroon
- Columbia
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Germany
- Greece
- India
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Israel
- Italy
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Latvia
- Liberia
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Qatar UAB
- Rwanda
- Senega
- Somalia
- Spain
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Ukraine
Federal & Government Agencies:
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- U.S. National Park Service
- U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
- U.S. Department of Energy
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- U.S. Department of Agriculture- Forest Service
- U.S. Department of Energy
- Army and Air Force Exchange Service
- U.S. Bureau of Prisons
- Bureau of Indian Affairs
- Western Area Power Administration
- U.S. Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Air Force
- U.S. Marine Corps