BAE Systems awarded $184M for 36 more amphibious combat vehicles

Feb. 11 (UPI) -- BAE Systems received a $184 million contract modification to produce 36 more Amphibious Combat Vehicles for the U.S. Marine Corps.

The deal modifies a contract awarded last fall for the vehicles, which are slated to replace the 40-year-old Amphibious Assault Vehicle, or AAV, which currently transports Marines from ships to shore.

This week's modification brings the total value of the contract to $366 million, the contractor said, and brings the number of ACVs BAE is under contract for up to 72.

"The exercising of this option validates years of teamwork in partnership with the Marines to provide the most adaptable amphibious vehicle possible to meet their expeditionary needs," John Swift, director of amphibious programs at BAE Systems, said in a press release.

"The ACV was designed to meet the Marines' needs of today while allowing for growth to meet future mission role requirements," Swift said.

The order comes not long after a Department of Defense report released in January noting several problems with the ACV after initial operational testing, including failures of remote weapons stations, hatch and ramp sensors and suspension components.