The US Marine Corps has awarded BAE Systems a $256.8-million third full-rate production contract for additional amphibious combat vehicles (ACVs).
Under the agreement, $145.3 million covers the delivery of 25 ACV Personnel (ACV-P) variants, while $111.5 million covers more than 15 AVC Combat (ACV-C) variants.
The contract includes fielding, production, and related support services for both ACVs.
Meeting Expeditionary Needs
BAE Systems’ ACV is an 8×8 land vehicle developed with enhanced payload, survivability, payload space, and open-ocean amphibious capability.
The vehicle’s initial full-rate production was signed by the US Marine Corps in 2021. The fleet is currently fielded with the service’s Fleet Marine Force.
The ACV-C variant is also in full-rate production and will commence fielding in 2023.
“The ACV is an extremely versatile platform that continues our commitment to equip the Marines with the vehicle to meet their expeditionary needs,” BAE Systems Amphibious Programs Vice President Garrett Lacaillade stated.
“Today, with our strategic partner Iveco Defence Vehicles, we are delivering this critical capability to the Marines. Together, we are working to introduce new and future capabilities into the ACV family of vehicles.”
US Marines’ Increasing ACV Fleet
BAE Systems is engaged with the US Marine Corps for other ACV efforts, including the ACV Recovery (ACV-R) and ACV-30 variant development.
The ACV-R is being developed to replace the service’s aging AAVR7A1 legacy assault amphibious recovery vehicles.
Once deployed, the ACV-R will provide maintenance, direct field support, and recovery missions for the ACV vehicle lines.
Meanwhile, the ACV-30 will be used for lethality and protection while maintaining troop capacity and payload.
It is equipped with a medium-caliber Remote Turret System manufactured by Kongsberg.
