The U.S. Department of State has awarded GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors, a 10-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) full-rate production contract to deliver the next-generation heavy-duty armored Sport Utility Vehicle (HD SUV) in support of the Department’s Diplomatic Security Service.

Under the contracted agreement with a maximum value of $300 million, GM Defense is set to supply fully integrated HD SUVs as OEM.

The initial task order, valued at around $25 million, encompasses vehicles, training, and engineering services within the framework of the IDIQ contract.

This contract follows the 2021 award for a development and validation contract, which produced prototype vehicles for comprehensive testing and evaluation.

GM Defense Integrates Armor in New HD SUV Design

The recently engineered GM Defense HD SUV incorporates protective armor directly into the original design and manufacturing process.

This approach not only enhances vehicle performance but also streamlines the build and lead-time processes, resulting in expedited delivery to end users.

GM Defense also offers a manufacturer’s warranty and an extended vehicle lifespan, offering advantages over the current multi-stage aftermarket armoring procedures.

“This is a very important program for GM Defense as it showcases our ability to leverage the proven commercial platforms and world-class engineering and manufacturing processes of GM to provide a first-of-its-kind vehicle for the Department of State,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “Everyone on our team has committed to partnering with the State Department to ensure we deliver the best vehicles to support their mission. We look forward to continuing this partnership and bringing this exciting new platform to other U.S. government and allied defense and security customers around the world.”

GM Defense's HD SUV Showcases Commercial-Off-The-Shelf Integration

GM Defense's HD SUV solution incorporates a significant proportion of commercial-off-the-shelf components, encompassing:The body.

• Exterior.

• Propulsion.

• Interior.

• Brakes.

Featuring a novel body-on-frame chassis and suspension, specifically tailored to accommodate heightened vehicle weight and performance criteria, the vehicle introduces a fresh and distinctive design.

Advanced manufacturing tools and techniques will persist in facilitating low-volume production of the innovative chassis and frame, ensuring compliance with all customer specifications.

In July, GM Defense welcomed leaders from the Department of State to the Summit Point Training Facility in West Virginia for an enlightening half-day session comprising briefings and demonstrations of the newly devised HD SUV prototype.

The interactive engagement encompassed high-performance driving demonstrations, highlighting the vehicle's remarkable handling and maneuverability.