The Associated Press
BAE Systems PLC has won orders totaling $56.6 million to upgrade and maintain mine-resistant vehicles used by U.S. Marines in Afghanistan.
The global defense contractor, based in London, said Monday that the awards comprise five distinct projects, all involving RG-33 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles:
— $17.7 million to deliver new vehicles and related equipment and services.
— $11.8 million to add shock-resistant flooring and emergency-escape hatches to some of the vehicles.
— $5.8 million for periodic maintenance and updates to the vehicle's technical data.
— $14.2 million to provide training and maintenance personnel who will manage the fleet. Some of that money will pay for upgrades to help the vehicles withstand Afghanistan's rugged terrain.
— $7.1 million to provide a universal maintenance team located in Bagram, Afghanistan until December 2011.
The contracts were awarded by the U.S. Marine Corps under an ongoing contract of indefinite size, BAE said.
Separately Monday, BAE said that the Army placed a fresh order for sensor systems that help drivers of military vehicles see at night or in bad weather. The exact terms of the order were not disclosed.
The order is part of a five-year contract of indefinite size that is worth up to $1.94 billion. BAE already has received orders under the contract worth more than $140 million, the company said. It said it has delivered more than 3,500 systems and 26,000 replacement units.
The systems allow drivers of Army and Marine Corps combat and tactical vehicles to see in the dark or bad weather. They include infrared sensors, displays, vehicle mounts and other equipment, BAE said.
BAE provides defense, security and aerospace systems and services to companies and governments worldwide. It offers communications, electronic warfare systems, air defense, mission support systems and intelligence, and surveillance and reconnaissance. The company helps government and corporate clients analyze information to develop intelligence, maintain security and manage risk. It builds armored combat vehicles and other heavy machinery used by militaries and industry.
