WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. Marine Corps awarded an $11 million contract to a General Dynamics subsidiary in Canada for production of 20 armored vehicles for MRAP program.
General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada will produce 10 Category I and 10 Cat II vehicles under the Low-Rate Initial Production pact that is a lead-up to a potentially lucrative full-rate MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) contract.
The 4x4 vehicles designed by General Dynamics and by other manufacturers are heavily armored and aimed at providing better protection for U.S. troops operating in Iraq from hazards such as mines, rocket-propelled grenades and roadside bombs.
The G.D. vehicles will be based on its RG-31 Mk5, which is the latest variant of the RG-31 already in production. The company said in a news release Tuesday that the United States already has 424 RG-31s on order or in use by the Marines, Army and Special Operations Command. A primary function is as a response vehicle by explosive ordnance disposal teams.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to provide the U.S. military with a vehicle that has proven itself in operations," said Sridhar Sridharan, senior vice-president of General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada. "The feedback from U.S. and Canadian soldiers who have credited the RG-31 with saving lives is the best testament to its effectiveness."
