BAE partners on Marine Corps MRAP deal

YORK, Pa., Aug. 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. Marine Corps has contracted BAE Systems for the production of three mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle variants in support of military operations.

The Marine Corps awarded British company BAE a $43.5 million deal for 40 of its RG33 MRAP vehicles that include the Special Operations Command, category II 6X6 and category II Heavy Armored Ground Ambulances variants.

BAE says it will partner with Pennsylvania-based Letterkenny Army Depot on the production of the MRAP vehicles. BAE will be responsible for the hull production on the contract, with final assembly expected to take place at the Letterkenny facilities.

"The cooperative partnership allows BAE Systems and Letterkenny Army Depot to draw upon the strengths of both organizations to produce the highly survivable MRAP vehicles in the most efficient manner," Matt Riddle, BAE Systems wheeled vehicle programs vice president, said in a statement.

"Through our combined efforts, we are able to get the vehicles into the hands of those whose lives depend on them."