The contract award, from the Marine Corps Systems Command, is for General Dynamics to produce 773 of the company's RG-31 Mk5E category I MRAP vehicles as part of a U.S. Defense Department initiative to offer soldiers greater protections from improvised explosive devices, among other threats in combat zones.

Officials say the RG-31 Mk5E contract is worth $552 million. Production on the deal will take place at General Dynamics' facilities in Alabama and Michigan with support work from South Africa-based BAE OMC.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to once again play a role in protecting the lives of U.S. soldiers," Sridhar Sridharan, General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada senior vice president, said in a statement.

"A repeat order such as this, in combination with the positive feedback we have received from soldiers in theater, is the best testament to the effectiveness of the RG-31 Mk5 vehicles."