BAE Systems Secures $754 Million Contract to Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle Production for U.S. Army
Defense News ,U.S :- BAE Systems, a leading defense contractor, has clinched a substantial USD 754 million contract to propel the production of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) family for the U.S. Army. This contract marks the commencement of the second phase of full-rate production, spanning from March 2026 to February 2027.
The AMPV fleet, designed for multi-mission readiness, is poised to replace the aging vehicles from the Army’s M113 family, originally deployed during the Vietnam War. By introducing critical upgrades in survivability, mobility, and interoperability to the Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), the AMPV project aims to modernize the Army's combat capabilities.
Bill Sheehy, the AMPV program director at BAE Systems, emphasized the significance of swiftly replacing the M113s to ensure soldiers remain unparalleled on the contemporary battlefield. He affirmed BAE Systems' unwavering commitment to collaborating with the Army to deliver top-notch AMPVs at an accelerated and sustained pace. This endeavor aligns with the broader objective of furnishing the ABCT with a versatile combat platform capable of accomplishing present and future missions while maneuvering adeptly across diverse terrains.
The AMPV lineup presently comprises five variants, catering to diverse operational needs such as General Purpose, Mortar Carrier, Medical Evacuation, Medical Treatment, and Mission Command. These variants, with adaptable hulls, lay the groundwork for seamless integration of forthcoming mission roles and technological advancements.
BAE Systems continues to invest in enhancing the AMPV platform, ensuring soldiers maintain their edge on the battlefield. Ongoing investments aim to develop a more modular chassis facilitating swift integration of next-generation technologies, thus catering to potential future requirements of customers.
The journey of the AMPV project commenced in 2014 when BAE Systems secured the engineering and manufacturing development contract from the Army, followed by a low-rate initial production contract in 2018. The recent contract milestone underscores the program's evolution into full-rate production, achieved in August 2023.
In a strategic move to bolster AMPV production capabilities, BAE Systems announced substantial investments in expanding its production line located in York, Pennsylvania, last year. These investments not only enhance the company's capacity but also fortify the combat vehicle industrial base, enabling faster delivery of capabilities to the U.S. government. Notably, the recent installation of additional robotic weld capability on the AMPV line augments quality throughput during manufacturing, paving the way for expanded production to meet escalating business demands.
The latest contract award to BAE Systems marks a significant stride in advancing the production of the AMPV fleet for the U.S. Army. With a steadfast commitment to innovation and collaboration, BAE Systems endeavors to equip soldiers with cutting-edge vehicles, ensuring their supremacy on the modern battlefield while reinforcing the nation's defense capabilities.
