USMC Orders Amphibious AFVs From BAE Systems
The United States Marine Corps have given a $211 million firm fixed priced modification contract to BAE Systems for more Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs) the deal also will see the USMC receive 40 FRP ACV Personnel vehicles from BAE, with the order also covering supporting costs and testing of the new ACVs. Gareth Lacaillade, Vice President of Amphibious Vehicles commented on the deal in a BAE press release:
“With this contract and alongside our strategic partner, Iveco Defence Vehicles, we are able to continue to offer the Marine Corps predictability, stability, and continuity with production and the supply chain to deliver ACVs on time and on budget… with more than 200 ACVs delivered to date, this program, which began full-rate production in December 2020, has matured to deliver this critical capability so that Marines can fulfill their missions around the world.”
The production of the new ACVs will take place in the UK as well as multiple locations in the United States including Virginia; San Jose, California; Sterling Heights, Michigan; Aiken, South Carolina; and, York, and Pennsylvania. The new vehicles are expected to be delivered in April 2025.
BAE Systems currently produces 3 variants of ACV. The ACV-C provides multiple workstations allowing its operators to work in the battle space, the ACV-30 allows its users to bring a 30mm cannon to bear in combat situations and the AVC-R is a recovery and field maintenance vehicle that is currently in development. The USMC previously awarded BAE Systems a $67 million deal for the development of ACVs in June 2019. BAE describes its 8×8 ACV platforms as true open-ocean capable vehicles that meet the demanding operational needs of the USMC.
BAE has over 75 years experience in the production and development of amphibious vehicles and has manufactured 30,000 amphibious armoured vehicles to date.