BAE Systems wins $2.288 billion US Army contract for mine protected vehicles

Europe's biggest defence company, BAE Systems, has been selected by the US Army to be the sole producer of the new Medium Mine Protected Vehicle (MMPV), and has been awarded an initial $20 million delivery order under the $2.288 billion MMPV programme.

The MMPV contract envisions production of up to 2,500 vehicles for use by US Army Engineers and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams through 2015.

Under the initial order, 9 MMPV test vehicles, test support, armour testing packages, vehicle basic issue items, such as first-aid kits and repair tools, training and various contract data are due for delivery between May and August 2008.

"Our MMPV design is tailored specifically for the roles and missions of its users, and we believe it possesses the best balance of payload capacity, protection and performance," said Michael E O'Connor, BAE Systems MMPV programme manager.

MMPV is a multi-purpose, mine protected, 6x6 wheeled vehicle based on BAE Systems' next generation RG33 family of vehicles which US Army engineers will use to conduct route and area clearance missions, command and control, mount mine clearing systems, and conduct explosive hazards reconnaissance.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams will also use MMPVs to neutralize Improvised Explosive Devices, mines and other unexploded ordnance.

The US Army, as the prime contractor, competitively selected BAE Systems.