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British multinational arms, security and aerospace company BAE Systems has been awarded a $211 million firm-fixed-price modification for amphibious combat vehicles (ACVs) to be delivered to the US Marine Corps.
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The modification under a previously awarded contract will deliver more ACV 8x8 systems for the Marine Corps’ fourth order for full-rate production; the award covers the procurement of 40 FRP ACV Personnel (ACV-P) variants, fielding and support costs, and support and test equipment.
ACV production and support takes place at BAE Systems locations in Virginia, California, Michigan, South Carolina and Pennsylvania. Deliveries are anticipated to begin in April 2025.
The ACV 8x8 platforms are capable of open-ocean amphibious capability, land mobility, survivability, payload and growth potential to accommodate future operational needs of the Marine Corps.
“With this contract and alongside our strategic partner, Iveco Defence Vehicles, we are able to continue to offer the Marine Corps predictability, stability, and continuity with production and the supply chain to deliver ACVs on time and on budget,” according to BAE Systems amphibious vehicles vice-president Garrett Lacaillade.
“With more than 200 ACVs delivered to date, this program, which began full-rate production in December 2020, has matured to deliver this critical capability so that Marines can fulfil their missions around the world.”
ACV-P is the first of a family of four variants to be manufactured and delivered to the Marine Corps, including variants for ACV Command and Control, ACV 30mm Cannon and ACV Recovery (in design and development).
Earlier this year, in June, BAE Systems successfully tested manned-unmanned teaming with the amphibious combat vehicle. An Israel Aerospace Industries, Elta Systems Rex MK II Unmanned Infantry Combat Support System was used with the ACV C4UAS during the technology demonstration.
MUM-T directs manned and unmanned assets to act in concert towards a shared mission objective, increasing capacity and responsiveness, broadenening capabilities, and reducing risk to military personnel.
Unmanned autonomous vehicles like the Rex MK II system can provide direct support to manoeuvring infantry units or perform tactical logistic support, tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, operating lethal weapons through target acquisition, and evacuating wounded personnel.
The trial reportedly provided enhanced mission effectiveness through greater situational awareness and decision-making capabilities.
Lacaillade said the ability to incorporate MUM-T into mission planning expands mission parameters and tactical sphere while reducing human risk and technological assets in uncertain or hostile environments.
“This is an exciting next chapter to show the growth potential of the ACV C4UAS,” he said.
“Pairing an unmanned system like the Rex provides increased situational awareness, supports mission success, and reduces the risk to our Marines.”
Manned-unmanned teaming with the ACV could have wide-ranging benefits in reconnaissance, electronic warfare, anti-air and uncrewed aerial systems integration.
