Ford Returns to Defense Market! F-Series Pickup Transformed into U.S. Military Tactical Vehicle

Ford Motor Company (F-US) has announced its entry into the U.S. Army’s next-generation tactical truck competition, aiming to secure its largest military contract since the end of the Cold War. The pickup truck will not only rapidly transport troops across rugged terrain but also serve as a 'large mobile power station' on the battlefield, providing power for drones and command-and-control systems.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Monday (27th) that the U.S. Army plans to procure approximately 600 new tactical trucks and has awarded prototype development contracts to Ford, General Motors (GM-US), and off-road vehicle manufacturer BC Customs, with delivery and testing scheduled for next year.

Under the contract with the U.S. Department of Defense, Ford will develop three prototype tactical trucks based on its F-Series Super Duty heavy-duty pickup. Ford stated it is pleased to participate in the program and looks forward to delivering high-performance prototypes that demonstrate the value the company can provide to the U.S. Army and its soldiers.

Ford will directly compete with its Detroit rival, General Motors. GM has spent several years developing a heavy infantry squad vehicle called the 'ISV-Heavy,' based on the Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty pickup. The U.S. military has recently acquired several prototype units and is preparing for field testing.

The U.S. Army has not disclosed the estimated unit price for the new tactical trucks. For reference, GM’s smaller tactical vehicles cost approximately $330,000 per unit.

With Middle Eastern conflicts and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine depleting vast quantities of weapons and equipment, the U.S. military is actively inviting automakers and component suppliers to join defense production. The goal is to leverage the massive manufacturing capacity of carmakers to replenish military inventories and accelerate equipment modernization.

Ford CEO Jim Farley revealed this past spring that the company is discussing multiple defense initiatives with the Pentagon, with expectations that Ford will also participate in reshoring the production of critical minerals, semiconductors, and other essential components. Ford emphasized that its existing, commercially produced products already have the capability to meet some of the military’s needs.

While Ford is focusing on ground transportation and supply chain solutions, GM aims to expand further into heavy military equipment such as ammunition. GM has discussed producing weapon components with Lockheed Martin (LMT-US), and the two companies signed a cooperation agreement last month to jointly increase ammunition output.

GM’s defense subsidiary, established in 2017, recently secured a $1 billion contract to produce 10,000 smaller infantry squad vehicles for the U.S. military, though budget approval is still pending.

Ford previously supplied jeep-like tactical vehicles to the U.S. military during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. However, after selling Ford Aerospace—its division responsible for missiles, drones, and space programs—in 1990, the company effectively exited the defense industry. This bid marks Ford’s symbolic return after decades, signaling its intent to significantly expand its military business once again.