US Army awards BAE Systems full rate production contract for AMPV Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle.

The U.S. Army announced on August 31 that BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P., York, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $432,590,330 modification to contract W56HZV-23-C-0024 to procure Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles. Work will be performed in York, Pennsylvania, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2027. Fiscal 2022 and 2023 procurement of weapons and tracked combat vehicles, Army funds in the amount of $432,590,330 were obligated at the time of the award. The total award value for the initial vehicle order of $797 million, with additional options for a potential total contract amount of $1.6 billion.
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Ranked among the Army's top 35 modernization priorities, the AMPV aligns with the strategy of ensuring protection, mobility, reliability, and interoperability (Picture source: BAE Systems/U.S. Army)

As recalled by Ashley John, U.S. Army, the AMPV is taking over from the M113 Family of Vehicles, which constitutes about 30% of tracked vehicles in Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs). This replacement addresses the M113's deficiencies in terms of protection, force security, mobility, and power. It also offers the flexibility to incorporate future technologies and integrate with the Army's Network.

Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean, Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems, emphasized the significance of the AMPV as a substantial investment decision for the Army, considering the extensive presence of the M113 Family of Vehicles in ABCTs. This new platform provides enhanced protection and survivability for soldiers. Sharing a common powertrain and suspension with the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle and the M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzer, the AMPV reduces logistical and mechanical complexities within ABCTs.

The First Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry Division was the initial unit to transition from M113s to AMPVs. Following comprehensive training, the brigade received over 130 AMPVs in July to complete a full set.

The Army is following a phased approach to the development, production, and deployment of the AMPV. It has already acquired more than 276 out of the projected 450 vehicles scheduled for delivery by the end of 2024. Full-rate production vehicle deliveries are expected to commence at the start of 2025.

Ranked among the Army's top 35 modernization priorities, the AMPV aligns with the strategy of ensuring protection, mobility, reliability, and interoperability. Over the next two decades, the Army anticipates a global fleet of nearly 3,000 AMPVs, encompassing five different variants that provide commanders with versatile capabilities for maneuvering across the diverse ABCT battlefield scenarios.

Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean reaffirmed that the array of AMPV variants equips commanders with effective tools for navigating the entirety of ABCT battlefields.

AMPV variants (Picture source: BAE Systems)

Defense News September 2023