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BAE Systems' team bids for Aussie armored vehicle contract

BAE Systems and Patria have submitted a bid to supply Australia with an armored reconnaissance vehicle.

By Richard Tomkins
Patria's AMV35 vehicles, such as these of the Slovenian Army, are being offered to Australia. Photo by Slovenian Ministry of Defense
Patria's AMV35 vehicles, such as these of the Slovenian Army, are being offered to Australia. Photo by Slovenian Ministry of Defense

ADELAIDE, Australia, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- BAE Systems has submitted its bid to supply armored reconnaissance vehicles to the Australian Defense Force.

The vehicle offered for Phase 2 of the Department of Defense's Land 400 Program is the eight-wheeled AV35, made by Its Finnish Partner, Patria, and equipped with an E35 turret system from BAE Systems Hugglunds in Sweden.

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Both systems are in service NATO countries.

"The AMV35 is a low-risk and affordable-step change in mounted combat reconnaissance that can be easily configured to suit the army's expectations now and into the future," said BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Glynn Phillips. "We look forward to being the given the chance to demonstrate the exceptional capabilities of this armored vehicle system."

The AMV35 weighs between 35,000 and 60,000 pounds. It is 25 feet long and can carry a variety of weapons -- from mortar systems to cannons because of its modular design.

If selected, the BAE Systems/Patria team will be manufactured in Australia.

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