To bolster the US Army's operational readiness, two defence firms, American Ordnance LLC of Middletown, Iowa, and General Dynamics OTS Inc. in Niceville, Florida, have emerged victorious in securing a contract valued at nearly $1bn.
The agreement pertains to preparing 155mm M1128 mobile gun systems (MGS), encompassing load, assembly, and packing protocols. This contract, awarded by the Army Contracting Command in Newark, New Jersey, signifies a step in ensuring the deployment of this artillery system.
The agreement is to advance the readiness and operational efficiency of the 155mm M1128 mobile gun system. The M1128 Mobile Gun System is an eight-wheeled assault gun of the Stryker armoured combat vehicle family, mounting a 105mm tank gun. Stryker variants include the M1126 infantry carrier vehicle (ICV) and the M1128 mobile gun system (MGS).
According to GlobalData's "US Defense Market 2022-2027" report, the US has seen 2,368 of its Stryker ICV Stryker Armoured Personnel Carriers enter the US Army fleet between 2005 and 2021.
Under the terms of this contract, American Ordnance and General Dynamics will compete to deliver preparations for the M1128 MGS. These preparations encompass the loading, assembling, and packing processes, each of which plays a role in ensuring the system's deployment and operational readiness.
A competition fuelled by load, assemble, and pack protocols
American Ordnance and General Dynamics will be vying to demonstrate their superiority in executing these preparatory measures.
The US Department of Defense pitted General Dynamics and American Ordnance LLC against each other to produce 155m rounds of ammo in February this year to supply Ukraine with ammunition.
In another 155M M1128 development, General Dynamics and IMT Defense were selected to compete for manufacturing, packaging, and delivering metal parts for the 155m M1128 artillery to the US Army in a $344.2m contract.
The M1128 MGS is a piece of artillery, and its effectiveness hinges on preparation. "Load" entails precisely positioning the M1128 MGS onto designated transport vehicles, ensuring stability and safety during transit. "Assemble" involves integrating various components and customising the system to meet specific mission requirements.
"Pack" outlines the protocols for storing or transporting the M1128 MGS when not in active use, safeguarding sensitive equipment and ensuring rapid deployment when the call to action arises.
A pathway to enhanced operational readiness
The impact of this contract represents a strategic investment in the preparedness and agility of the US Army. With American Ordnance and General Dynamics, this venture promises to deliver in load, assemble, and pack requirements for the M1128 mobile gun system.
With an estimated completion date set for September 26, 2028, this contract sets the stage for a transformative change in how the US Army prepares and deploys its M1128 MGS arsenal.
