Image: BAE Systems
BAE Systems has won a $184 million contract from the U.S. Marine Corps to produce 30 additional Amphibious Combat Vehicles, pushing total ACV-30 orders beyond 100 units as the program enters full-rate production.
The award, designated Full-Rate Production 6A, forms part of the previously announced FRP Lot 5/6 contract, according to BAE Systems. The expansion underscores the Marine Corps’ commitment to replacing aging amphibious assault vehicles with platforms designed for modern operational demands.
Advanced Capabilities for Diverse Missions
The ACV platform delivers the mobility, protection and adaptability Marines require across varied combat environments. It transports troops and mission-critical equipment while maintaining readiness for integration with advanced weapon systems.
The ACV-30 variant accommodates the 30mm turret manufactured by KONGSBERG Aerospace and Defence Inc. This weapons integration enhances the vehicle’s lethality while preserving its core amphibious and overland transport capabilities.
“The ACV has shown time and time again how adaptable it is, capable of handling everything from open ocean to tough inland missions,” said Rebecca McGrane, vice president of Amphibious programs at BAE Systems. “With its ability to integrate advanced systems like the 30mm cannon, we’re ensuring Marines are ready to meet any challenge, anywhere.”
Growing Family of Variants
BAE Systems currently holds contracts for multiple ACV variants beyond the cannon-armed ACV-30. The ACV-Personnel (ACV-P) variant carries combat-loaded Marines and crew. The ACV-Command (ACV-C) provides multiple workstations for situational awareness and battlefield management.
The company has also delivered three ACV-Recovery (ACV-R) production representative test vehicles. The ACV-R will provide field maintenance, recovery and repair capabilities to Assault Amphibian companies supporting Marine divisions. The government is integrating the crane design at Anniston Army Depot.
Production and Integration Locations
Work on the ACV-30 program will take place at BAE Systems facilities in Johnstown and York, Pennsylvania. The Naval Surface Warfare Center in Charleston, South Carolina, will handle government integration of the KONGSBERG turret system.
The ACV program represents a critical modernization effort for the Marine Corps as it transitions from the decades-old AAV7 platform. The new vehicles offer significantly improved survivability, mobility and mission flexibility for amphibious operations and expeditionary warfare scenarios.
The full-rate production milestone indicates the platform has successfully completed developmental and operational testing phases, clearing the way for larger procurement quantities to equip Marine Corps units worldwide.
Source: BAE Systems press release
