BAE Systems to Produce Assault Amphibious Vehicles for Japan
7 April 2016
BAE Systems has been awarded a contract to produce new Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) for the Japanese Ministry of Defense.
This contract supports the ongoing development of an amphibious capability within the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force.
“We’re proud to support the Japanese military’s recapitalization by providing this enhanced amphibious capability,” said Dean Medland, vice president of programs at BAE Systems’ Combat Vehicles business. “As the original equipment manufacturer of the fleet, we have a strong history of supporting this platform.”
BAE Systems will provide 30 new AAV7A1 Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability/Rebuild to Standard (RAM/RS) vehicles, plus supply tools and test equipment to support maintenance. The company will also provide training aids for the vehicles to the Japanese military.
The AAV7A1 RAM/RS variant provides a more powerful engine and drive train, as well as an upgraded suspension system, allowing the new vehicles to meet or exceed original AAV7A1 performance. The variant also provides improved mobility, command, control, and repair capabilities while transporting troops and cargo from ship to shore.
Work on the contract will take place at BAE Systems’ York, Pennsylvania facility. Production is expected to begin in August with vehicle deliveries beginning one year later. Final delivery to Japan is expected to take place by the end of 2017.
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KUMAMOTO, Japan (April 19, 2016) JS Hyuga (DDH 181) anchors out off the coast of Kumamoto in preparation of the arrival of MV-22B Osprey aircraft from Marine Medium Tilitrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit sent in support of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in Southern Japan. U.S. military personnel joined relief efforts at the request of the Government of Japan following earthquakes near Kumamoto. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gabriel B. Kotico/Released)
KUMAMOTO, Japan (April 19, 2016) Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Rear Adm. Koji Manabe, Escort Flotilla 3 Commander, welcomes a senior Marine Corps officer from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aboard JS Hyuga (DDH 181) as MV-22B Osprey aircrafts from Marine Medium Tilitrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 attached to the 31st MEU prepare to transport aid in support of the Government of Japan's relief efforts following earthquakes near Kumamoto. The long-standing alliance between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Force and civil relief efforts. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gabriel B. Kotico/Released)
KUMAMOTO, Japan (April 19, 2016) Members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force load supplies onto an MV-22B Osprey aircraft from Marine Medium Tilitrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of the Government of Japan's relief efforts following earthquakes near Kumamoto.(U.S. Navy Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gabriel B. Kotico/Released)
KUMAMOTO, Japan (April 18, 2016) Japanese Self Defense Force personnel & Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assists the Government of Japan in supporting those affected by recent earthquakes in Kumamoto, Japan. VMM-265 picked up supplies from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Takayubaru and delivered them to Hakusui Sports Park in the Kumamoto Prefecture.(U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Nathan Wicks/Released)