Meet the Griffin, America’s New Light Tank

General Dynamics Wins the Mobile Protected Firepower Program

Recently, it was announced that General Dynamics won the US Army’s Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) program with their Griffin I&II “Light Tanks”.

Based on the ASCOD family of fighting vehicles, the Griffin comes equipped with either a 105mm XM35 gun or a more powerful 120mm XM360 for the “Tank Destroyer” variant. According to reports, General Dynamics will deliver 26 vehicles initially, but the contract allows the Army to purchase 70 more during the low-rate initial production phase. The first unit is expected to be delivered to the US Army in 19 months’ time.

Potential for Acquisition by the U.S. Marine Corps

While the Griffin was developed primarily for the Army, there is speculation that the U.S. Marine Corps may acquire them as a replacement for their Abrams tanks. The Griffin was designed with the intent to improve mobility, protection, and direct-fire capabilities for Infantry Brigade Combat Teams, making it a potentially perfect fit for the Marine Corps as well.