The US Marine Corps has awarded BAE Systems Land & Armaments another contract modification, worth $113.5 million, for the construction and delivery of another 26 amphibious combat vehicles (ACV).
The majority of work under the contract will be performed in York, Pennsylvania and is expected to be completed in April 2022.
The latest contract for work on the marines’ new amphibious vehicles follows a modification awarded to the company in October 2019 when BAE received $120 million for the delivery of personnel carrier variants of the ACV.
In 2018, US Marine Corps selected BAE Systems as the preferred builder for the construction of the ACV to replace the amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) currently in service. The 2018 contract included options for a total of 204 vehicles, with an estimated potential value of up to $1.2 billion.
BAE Systems, together with teammate Iveco Defence Vehicles, was selected over SAIC as the preferred bidder following prototype testing.
The ACV is an eight-wheeled vehicle that will provide protection similar to the mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle, with landward maneuverability and mobility that is superior to that of the AAV. The vehicles will be outfitted with a precision weapons station for enhanced lethality, and a robust swim capability, allowing it to operate within the littorals and beyond.
The I Marine Expeditionary Force will be the first to receive the new ACV when fielding starts in the fourth quarter of 2020. Full operational capability is scheduled for 2023.
