LONDON, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Britain's Ministry of Defense has given BAE Systems $61 million to refurbish and upgrade BvS10 Viking all-terrain vehicles.
Under the award, 99 of the vehicles used by the Royal Marines would be improved to Mk2 mine-protected amphibious standard by the end of 2014.
"The highly versatile Viking is fundamental to the Royal Marines' ability to carry out littoral operations and this cost-effective program will sustain this vital capability," said Alan Lines, support services director at BAE Systems.
"Such regeneration and upgrade programs are a growing part of our work as defense budgets tighten around the world."
Refurbishment work under the contract will be performed at the company's new armored vehicle production line in Sweden, BAE Systems said.
BAE Systems said the upgrade includes new front and rear car hulls with the latest mine-protected, V-shaped underbodies as well as modifications to suspension and braking.
Nineteen of the 99 vehicles will be converted to a new crew-served weapon variant; nine others will allow the firing the company's 81mm mortar from the vehicle.
