New General Dynamics Contract for "Chargers"

General Dynamics Land Systems has recently concluded a $77 Million contract for 169 armoured vehicles called "Chargers," or "RG-31 Mk5 Mine Protected Vehicles". These are separate from the Stryker contract; Chargers appear to be something of a super-armoured, weaponized jeep. We currently don't have any information on whether there is a connection with UWO Engineering Department research here – but the fact that the selling point of these vehicles is their enhanced armour makes it look very much as if they are benefiting from the research of UWO engineers. As with the Stryker contract, the vast majority of these new vehicles will be supplied to the US army (with a small portion going to the Canadian Army). Strykers are currently part of the Bush Administration's new troop "surge" in Iraq and will be deployed in Baghdad.

For more details, read the GDLS press release here.

Further information on the Charger, including previous Charger contracts between US armed forces and General Dynamics Land Systems, is available here.