BAE Systems to supply more AMPVs Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles in new deal with US Army.

On March 13, 2024, the US Army awarded BAE Systems a contract valued at $754,335,634 for the procurement of additional Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles (AMPVs), with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2027. This follows a previous award of $19,500,242 contract on January 31, 2024, for reactive armor kits, cold start kits, and supplemental air transport kits for the AMPVs, which will replace the M113 currently in use.
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The AMPVs are designed to serve various functions within the US Army's Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) and are intended to replace the older M113 family of vehicles. (Picture source: US DoD)

According to the procurement schedule, the US Army aims to increase the number of AMPVs over the next several years: 57 units were planned for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, with an increase to 91 units for FY 2024 and 81 units for FY 2025. The plan includes a further increase to 122 units for each of the fiscal years 2026 and 2027, followed by 131 units for FY 2028, and a decrease to 87 units for FY 2029.

The AMPVs are designed to serve various functions within the US Army's Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) and are intended to replace the older M113 family of vehicles. They are aligned with the Army Next Generation Combat Vehicle Modernization Priority, providing a range of capabilities intended to enhance survivability against mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and direct fire. The AMPVs share common design elements with the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle and the M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzer, particularly in their powertrain and suspension systems. This commonality is aimed at simplifying logistics and maintenance for ABCTs.

The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry Division was the first unit to replace its M113s with AMPVs, having received over 130 of these vehicles after completing requisite training. The AMPV vehicles are designed to support different battlefield roles, including five variants, each tailored to specific operational requirements:

The M1283 General Purpose (GP) operates throughout the battle space to conduct resupply, maintenance, and alternate casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) from the point of injury and serves as the first sergeant’s vehicle for the Combined Arms Battalion. It accommodates a driver, commander, and four soldiers, and for CASEVAC purposes, can be reconfigured to accommodate a supine litter casualty without interference.

The M1284 Medical Evacuation Vehicle (MEV) is equipped with medical treatment facilities, providing reconfigurable ambulatory capacity for up to six personnel or evacuation capacity for up to four litter patients. It employs equipment common to civilian ambulances, enhancing its medical capabilities in the battlefield environment.

The M1285 Medical Treatment Vehicle (MTV) features advanced medical equipment to aid injured soldiers on the battlefield. Capable of conducting damage control resuscitation, it can function as a Forward Aid Station with erectable treatment shelter, medication, vital signs monitor, defibrillator, and refrigeration for blood storage. Full climate control ensures patient stability in varying warfare environments.

Serving as the cornerstone of the US Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) Network Modernization Strategy, the M1286 Mission Command (MC) variant facilitates digital mission command and offers increased size, weight, power, and cooling limitations. It significantly enhances command, control, communications, and computer capabilities, with a structure configurable based on future force protection needs.

Providing immediate, responsive heavy mortar fire support to the Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), the M1287 Mortar Carrier (MC) utilizes the M121 Mortar System and the M95 Mortar Fire Control System. Alongside logistical resupply and casualty evacuation, it supports command post operations and heavy mortar fire support, ensuring versatility and agility for a variety of missions. Additionally, BAE Systems has recently delivered the AMPV Turreted Mortar variant, armed with the Patria NEMO remote-controlled 120mm turreted mortar system.

Looking ahead, there are prospects for further variants, including the AMPV C-UAS designed to detect, track, identify, and neutralize stationary and moving air and ground targets like the Gepard 1A2. It carries a Leonardo DRS Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) turret, armed with a 30mm XM914 cannon, a 7.62mm M240 machine gun, and eight launchers for Stinger short-range surface-to-air missiles, organized in two assemblies of four launchers each.