BAE Systems, which has a large defense division in Sterling Heights, has received a $184 million contract option from the U.S. Marine Corps for 36 additional Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACV) under full-rate production.
ACV production and support is taking place at the company’s locations in Sterling Heights, Stafford, Va.; San Jose, Calif.; Aiken, S.C.; and York, Pa.
BAE Systems was awarded the first full-rate production contract option in December for the first 36 vehicles. The option on that contract increases the total number of vehicles under full-rate production to 72, for a total value of $366 million. The contract will cover production, fielding, and support costs for the ACV personnel carrier variant.
“The exercising of this option validates years of teamwork in partnership with the Marines to provide the most adaptable amphibious vehicle possible to meet their expeditionary needs,” says John Swift, director of amphibious programs at BAE Systems. “The ACV was designed to meet the Marines’ needs of today while allowing for growth to meet future mission role requirements.”
The ACV, according to BAE Systems, is a highly mobile, survivable, and adaptable platform for conducting rapid ship-to-shore operations and brings enhanced combat power to the battlefield.
The company is under contract to deliver two variants to the Marine Corps under the ACV Family of Vehicles program: the ACV-P and the ACV command variant (ACV-C). A 30mm cannon is currently under contract for design and development and a recovery variant also is planned.
The Marine Corps selected BAE Systems along with teammate Iveco Defence Vehicles for the ACV program in 2018 to replace its legacy fleet of Assault Amphibious Vehicles, also built by BAE Systems.
The company also was recently awarded an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract worth up to $77 million for the ACV program that includes the provision of spare and replacement parts, testing equipment, and other services.
