US Marine Corps order 33 ACVs
BAE Systems Land & Armaments has received an around $170 million contract modification on 23 December from US Marine Corps (USMC) Systems Command under the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) programme.
This modification provides for the exercise of options for the procurement of 33 ACVs and associated production as well as fielding and support costs.
The total value of the agreement, if all options are exercised, is $3.354 billion, and the work is expected to be completed in April 2023.
BAE Systems has received the initial $1.1 billion contract to produce 204 ACVs in June 2018. In total, the USMC has a requirement for 579 ACVs.
This platform will replace the legacy Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV7), which was first fielded in 1972 and upgraded to the A1 standard in the mid-1980s.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the ACV has a blast-resistant hull that provides mine, IED, ballistic and overhead protection. Its survivability is improved by blast-resistant seats and an automatic fire suppression system.
The USMC requires several variants of the ACV to meet its requirements comprising a standard personnel carrier (ACV-P), a command and control vehicle (ACV-C), a recovery and maintenance vehicle (ACV-R) and a turreted version armed with a 30 mm cannon (ACV-30).
In February 2021, BAE Systems has provided the first command variant for tests with the USMC.
More from Land Warfare
-
Oshkosh bets on hybrid electric capabilities
After employing hybrid-electric technology for the US military on heavy and medium-duty tactical vehicles, the company unveiled the hybrid-electric JLTV.
-
France receives CILAS ground laser target designators
France acquires laser target designators under the Taranis programme to equip conventional and special forces.
-
Czechs donate artillery ammo to Ukraine in show of solidarity
The Czech Republic is sending more than 4,000 rounds of 152mm ammunition to Ukraine, and Prague is open to holding discussions with Kiev on extending defence cooperation.
-
US Army orders M240L machine guns
US Army contracts FN America to provide lightweight machine guns.