ORNSKOLDSVIK, Sweden - BAE Systems has been awarded a contract by the Direction generale de l`armement (DGA) - French Armament Procurement Agency - for 53 BvS10 MkII vehicles, a new and improved version of the all-terrain vehicle in service with the Dutch and British armed forces. With options, the total value of the contract could reach ˆ220 million for 129 vehicles.

The contract is for three variants - troop carrier, command post and logistic vehicle - together with a comprehensive through-life support package. The project will be run in close cooperation with French partners, such as Panhard and EADS and deliveries are to commence 2010.

"The French requirements were very challenging and so it was particularly rewarding to win this contract," said Jan Söderström, managing director for BAE Systems' Vehicles business. "The contract acknowledges the high performance and strong market position of our battle-proven BvS10 and secures the continued development of the vehicle."

More than 35 years' experience of articulated vehicle design and production in Örnsköldsvik, and in-theatre experience from countries like Afghanistan and Chad, has fed into development of the BvS10.

"The MkII version of the BvS10 completely fulfils the French Army's requirements in terms of protection, mobility and payload while maintaining the flexibility to perform across the spectrum of military operations," says Söderström.

BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.

BAE Systems
25.12.2009