Ford Aims for Major Military Contract with New Tactical Truck
Ford Motor Co. is looking to secure what may be its most significant military contract in many years, potentially involving the development of a new tactical truck for the U.S. military.
The company has received a contract from the Department of the Army to create three prototypes based on its F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks, as reported by the Wall Street Journal this past Monday.
This initiative arises as the Pentagon seeks assistance from automakers to renew and upgrade military supplies that have been worn down by ongoing global conflicts.
In a statement, a Ford representative expressed enthusiasm about this Army undertaking, highlighting their commitment to delivering high-performance vehicles that will add substantial value for both the Army and its personnel.
According to the spokesperson, Ford’s Super Duty trucks are engineered for exceptional durability, so they’re well-suited for military use. The company also mentioned offering technology designed to enhance vehicle availability and comprehensive global service support.
Moreover, Ford emphasized that its readily available solutions provide unmatched capacity, advanced technology, and strong capabilities to meet governmental and military demands effectively, much like they do for their civilian customers.
This development puts Ford in direct competition with General Motors, which is also working on a similar tactical truck. Reports indicate that GM plans to showcase its prototype in 2024, with military testing already underway.
The Army has also partnered with BC Customs LLC, an off-road vehicle manufacturer based in Utah, for additional prototype development.
Industry insights suggest this contract could be Ford’s biggest military opportunity since the Cold War era.
Recently, Ford mentioned its dialogue with various governments in North America and Europe regarding the use of its commercial vehicles and software for defense-related purposes. Some governments are reportedly already utilizing Ford vehicles for military logistics and security tasks.
The Department of the Army, when asked for comment, directed inquiries to the U.S. Army, but no immediate response was forthcoming.
