BAE Systems Expands Amphibious Combat Vehicle Fleet with $184M Award
BAE Systems has been awarded a $184 million contract by the U.S. Marine Corps to produce 30 additional Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs), reinforcing the service’s ongoing modernisation of its amphibious assault capability. The award forms part of the previously approved full-rate production (FRP) Lot 5/6 contract and reflects continued confidence in the ACV platform’s performance and operational flexibility.
Designated as Full-Rate Production 6A (FRP 6A), the latest order brings the total number of ACV-30 variants procured by the Marine Corps to more than 100 vehicles—marking a significant milestone in the programme’s evolution.
A Platform Built for Modern Amphibious Warfare
The ACV is engineered to deliver the adaptability, mobility, and protection required for today’s expeditionary operations. Designed to operate seamlessly from ship to shore, the platform has demonstrated its ability to transition from open-ocean manoeuvres to demanding inland missions without compromising performance or crew safety.
Capable of transporting Marines, mission-critical equipment, and a range of payloads, the ACV provides commanders with a versatile and resilient platform tailored to the complex operational environments faced by modern amphibious forces.
Integrating Advanced Firepower and Systems
A key strength of the ACV platform is its readiness to integrate advanced mission systems. The ACV-30 variant features a 30mm remote turret system manufactured by KONGSBERG Aerospace and Defence Inc., delivering enhanced lethality and situational awareness while maintaining full mobility and protection.
According to Rebecca McGrane, Vice President of Amphibious Programs at BAE Systems, the vehicle’s adaptability has been repeatedly proven across diverse operational scenarios. She noted that the ability to integrate advanced systems such as the 30mm cannon ensures Marines are prepared to confront emerging threats across the full spectrum of operations.
Expanding the ACV Family of Vehicles
Beyond the ACV-30, BAE Systems is under contract to deliver additional variants that further extend the Marine Corps’ amphibious capabilities. The ACV-Personnel (ACV-P) variant is designed to transport combat-loaded Marines and crew members safely and efficiently, forming the backbone of amphibious troop movement.
The ACV-Command (ACV-C) variant provides multiple onboard workstations that enable Marines to maintain situational awareness and manage command-and-control functions within the battlespace. This variant enhances operational coordination during complex and rapidly evolving missions.
In addition, BAE Systems has produced and delivered three production-representative test vehicles for the ACV-Recovery (ACV-R) variant. Developed in coordination with the U.S. government, the ACV-R includes an integrated crane—designed and installed at Anniston Army Depot—to support field maintenance, recovery, and repair operations for Assault Amphibian units supporting Marine divisions.
Sustaining U.S. Industrial Capability
Work on the ACV-30 programme will be carried out at BAE Systems facilities in Johnstown and York, Pennsylvania. Integration of the KONGSBERG 30mm turret will be supported by the Naval Warfare Information Center in Charleston, South Carolina, reinforcing collaboration between industry and government partners.
Through continued investment in the ACV programme, BAE Systems is strengthening the U.S. Marine Corps’ amphibious warfare capability while supporting skilled manufacturing jobs and sustaining critical defence industrial capacity across multiple states.