GD to supply Marines with LAV-25s

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., Aug. 6 (UPI) -- The U.S. Marine Corps has contracted General Dynamics Land Systems for the company's light armored vehicles.

Michigan-based General Dynamics Land Systems was awarded a $24.2 million deal for the production of 10 of the company's eight-wheeled LAV-25 vehicles used in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Officials say part of the announced contract is a Defense Department initiative to replenish the damages to the Marines' light armored vehicle fleet as a result of the heavy combat rotations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The LAV-25 is a variant of General Dynamics' LAV-A2 platform and is designed to protect troops with its armored exterior while still remaining agile.

"The eight-wheeled amphibious vehicle is equipped with enhanced armor protection and an automatic fire-suppression system for crew protection, as well as a robust suspension for mobility," the release said.