PHOENIX, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency has given BAE Systems a $9.6 million follow-on order to produce Modular Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment.
Production of the MOLLE gear will be done at BAE Systems' facilities in McKee, Ky., and Jessup, Pa., the company said.
The MOLLE system is comprised of a variety of load-carrying equipment, including vests, backpacks, pouches, pockets and hydration systems.
"MOLLE provides soldiers with more options over former systems," said Greg Kraak, director of military programs for BAE Systems' Personnel Protection Systems business. "Soldiers can configure the removable pockets and pouches according to their preference; and the overall MOLLE system provides comfort to the user with its heavily padded shoulder straps and adjustable waist and shoulder belts designed to accommodate various torso sizes."
The follow-on order is the first against a $131 million, second-year option that DLA exercised in May of this year. The original 3-year contract was awarded in 2008 and has a potential total value of $374 million.
BAE Systems said it has delivered more than 2 million MOLLE sets to U.S. service personnel.
