MRAPS in Afghanistan getting upgrade

• Tweet

LISLE, Ill., Sept. 24 (UPI) -- More than 2,300 survivability upgrade retrofit kits of MaxxPro Dash armored vehicles have been ordered by the U.S. Army from Navistar Defense LLC.

Navistar, maker of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, said the kits will be fitted on vehicles in Afghanistan to enhance protection against explosive devices.

"Anticipating the needs of our armed forces continues to be a top priority for Navistar and we are proud to offer the vehicle of choice to help them complete their missions safely," said Navistar Defense President Archie Massicotte.

"Threats continue to change and it is our responsibility to stay out ahead of those threats with the best technology available.

"We also understand the balance of keeping our service men and women well-equipped at a reasonable cost to taxpayers. We will keep offering integrated solutions as well as alternatives to buying new vehicles so that we can keep our armed forces modern and ready for future operations."

The order, worth as much as $282 million, came from the Army's TACOM Life Cycle Management Command and includes spare parts and service.

The company said it follows work that gave the vehicles a DXM independent suspension and upgrades to other components.

Retrofitting of vehicles in Afghanistan will begin in December and end in July.