Image: Textron Systems
Textron Systems Corporation has won a $163.4 million contract to deliver 65 COMMANDO Select armored vehicles to Ukraine through U.S. security assistance programs, the company announced.
The U.S. Army Contracting Command Detroit Arsenal awarded the three-year firm fixed-price contract under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) via the Foreign Military Sales mechanism. The deal includes a one-year supply of spare parts alongside the Mobile Strike Force Vehicles, according to Textron Systems.
Strengthening Ukrainian Ground Forces
The contract aims to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities by enhancing ground mobility and defensive operations. COMMANDO Select vehicles will provide Ukrainian forces with protected transport and tactical flexibility as the conflict continues.
Textron’s COMMANDO platform has proven effective in hostile environments. The vehicles combine crew protection with superior mobility compared to similar armored systems. Operators can deploy across challenging terrain to execute diverse mission profiles.
“Textron Systems has delivered hundreds of COMMANDO vehicles to the U.S. Army over the last two decades,” said David Phillips, Senior Vice President of Air, Land and Sea Systems. He emphasized the platform’s combat-proven record in personnel transport, military police operations, and command and control missions.
Proven Combat Platform
The COMMANDO Select builds on decades of operational experience. Textron Systems has manufactured and delivered more than 10,000 ground vehicles to various customers worldwide. The company designed the vehicle for straightforward operation and maintenance, with accessible parts and comprehensive support infrastructure.
The vehicle has demonstrated reliability in demanding combat zones. Its design prioritizes both crew survivability and operational effectiveness. Military users value the balance between protection levels and tactical mobility.
USAI and Foreign Military Sales
The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative represents a key U.S. program supporting Ukrainian defense needs. Unlike presidential drawdown authority that transfers existing U.S. stocks, USAI funds new procurement contracts with defense manufacturers. This approach delivers tailored capabilities while sustaining American defense industrial capacity.
Foreign Military Sales mechanisms facilitate government-to-government transactions. The U.S. Defense Department manages procurement, quality assurance, and delivery coordination. This framework ensures standardized equipment and streamlined logistics support.
Timeline and Delivery
Textron Systems will execute production over three years under the fixed-price arrangement. The contract structure places performance and cost risk on the manufacturer while providing delivery certainty to Ukraine and U.S. oversight agencies.
The first vehicles are expected to enter service following production completion and acceptance testing. One year of spare parts support will accompany initial deliveries, enabling immediate operational deployment.
This contract adds to ongoing Western military aid that has included armored vehicles, artillery systems, and air defense platforms. The COMMANDO Select vehicles will complement existing Ukrainian mechanized formations and enhance operational flexibility across diverse mission sets.
Source: Textron Systems press release
