PHOENIX, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- BAE Systems is supplying more improved outer tactical vests to the U.S. Army under new orders under an existing four-year contract.
The vests can be equipped with hard or soft body armor inserts.
"The third-generation design of the [vests], which the Army adopted last year, provides the soldier with a number of benefits, including a 10 percent weight reduction in the armor system," said Eric Gavelda, director of Warfighter Protection at BAE Systems. "This helps the soldier stay agile, and supports the Army's mission to provide lighter, more efficient equipment."
The new orders are worth $69 million.
BAE Systems said it has already received $140 million for vests produced since receiving the original contract in March and that could rise to $267 million by the time the award expires.
More than 900,000 outer tactical vests and armor systems have been provided for U.S. troops since 2007, the company said.
