BAE to upgrade Bradleys with armor tech

YORK, Pa., Sept. 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has contracted BAE Systems to upgrade Bradley combat vehicles with armor kits to protect soldiers against improvised explosive devices.

Under the $11 million contract, British company BAE Systems will install its IED Mine Armor Kits on 433 M2 and M3 Bradley combat infantry and cavalry fighting vehicles.

"The armor kits will be installed on Bradley M2/M3 vehicles to provide critical protection against IED threats," Andy Hove, BAE combat systems programs vice president, said in a statement.

"BAE Systems is committed to equipping these vehicles with technology proven to increase soldier survivability."

The armor kit installations are expected to be completed by March 2009. The contract modification also includes installation of 116 kits previously purchased.