GDLS begins assembling the first serial light tank for the U.S. Army in 40 years

In the United States the assembly of the first serial light tank of a new generation has started. Production began at the General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) plant.

Here's What We Know

GDLS won the tender last summer. The first tank is expected to be ready by the end of 2023. At the initial stage of launching mass production, the US can order 70 light tanks at a cost of more than 1 billion.

The American company earlier presented 12 prototypes as part of the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) program, which were handed over to the military. They are based on the British AJAX infantry fighting vehicle.

The U.S. Army is expected to allocate $6 billion to buy 504 light tanks. The total cost of the program over the life of the program will be $17 billion. The bulk of the purchases will be completed by the middle of the next decade. The tanks will be in service for at least 30 years.

Source: Defense News