The US Army has contracted American Rheinmetall to supply M1 Abrams main battle tank tracks.
The $107.5-million, five-year contract finalizes an order the company received for T-158 military tracks in August 2024, which allowed for the commencement of production.
This expedited timing underlines the US Army’s urgent need to maintain readiness amid evolving global challenges.
“Securing $107.5 million worth of orders for the first year of this pivotal contract demonstrates American Rheinmetall’s dedication to supporting the US Army’s modernization goals,” American Rheinmetall CEO Matt Warnick said.
“This achievement underscores our commitment to equipping the men and women in uniform with reliable, high-performance systems that enable mission success.”
T-158 Military Tracks
The T-158 is an integral part of the tank’s mobility, featuring a heavy-duty design and replaceable track pads for the most demanding conditions.
American Rheinmetall produces six types of tracks, including the T-158 and T-161 military track system, which is designed for medium-sized tracked vehicles such as the armored multi-purpose vehicle, Bradley, M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System, and M109A7 howitzer.
To meet the contract’s high demand, the manufacturer has carried out significant enhancements in its production facilities, including ramping up machining capabilities at its Plymouth facility and reactivating processes at its Saint Marys, Ohio facility.
The Plymouth facility’s enhancement is geared up for the production of track shoes and metal pins, while the Saint Marys ramp-up is to handle rubber preparation, curing, and assembly.
“Winning and executing this substantial contract marks a major milestone for American Rheinmetall as a US-based OEM (original equipment manufacturer) of mission-critical equipment,” American Rheinmetall’s senior vice president of sales and marketing Jim Schirmer said.
“Our team’s focus on quality and performance ensures that the US Army’s track systems are built to withstand the rigors of modern warfare.”
