Deepening its program to replace the aging M113, the United States Army has awarded BAE Systems a contract modification for the purchase of an additional batch of 48 AMPV armored vehicles. This decision aligns with the company’s ongoing efforts to expand its facilities and sustain full-rate production.
In early September of last year, after delays in the program partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an extended testing phase, the U.S. Army gave BAE Systems the green light to start full-rate production of the new AMPV armored vehicle. The plans stipulate that with this new family of multi-purpose vehicles, the Army will replace its M113, with a production goal of up to 3,000 units.
The Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) program, developed by a significant consortium of companies led by BAE Systems, includes the provision of a family of specialized vehicles in various versions: General Purpose, Mortar Carrier, Medical Evacuation, Medical Treatment, and Mission Command.
However, this does not limit the development of new variants, such as the one introduced months ago for AMPV fire support, equipped with the 120 mm NEMO mortar system from the Norwegian firm KONGSBERG and Patria. In this regard, as part of the opening of the 2024 AUSA International Exhibition in the United States, BAE Systems revealed on its social media channels that the fifth prototype of the new AMPV will be presented.
Lastly, the company confirmed the work and efforts made to expand the production line in York, Pennsylvania, with the goal of meeting the growing demand of the U.S. Army. The program’s industrial support network includes facilities located in various parts of the country.
“Soldiers deserve advanced capabilities like the AMPV, which has been successfully tested to meet the various roles they will perform in the formation,” said Bill Sheehy, AMPV program director for BAE Systems. “It is remarkable to have advanced to this full-rate production stage. We value our ongoing partnerships with the Army and our suppliers, who work alongside us to ensure that we continue to produce these critical combat vehicles at higher and more sustainable volumes.”
*Photos used for illustrative purposes.
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