As BAE Systems accelerates production of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) to meet the demand of the US Army, company leaders are setting their sights on potential international sales, aiming to reach a production rate of 220 vehicles annually at the York, Pa. facility.
Program director of AMPV, Bill Sheehy, and international business development director for Europe, Paul Zukowski, recently discussed plans at the Eurosatory event, detailing the expansion of production to meet requirements beyond the current US Army needs. BAE Systems initiated a production ramp-up plan in March to increase output from about 130 vehicles per year to approximately 195-197 vehicles, with the ultimate goal of reaching 220 AMPVs annually.
Sheehy emphasized the company’s readiness to accommodate the Army’s evolving demands, including potential new configurations like command and control or countering unmanned aerial systems. He anticipates an expanded family of vehicles and sees interest from global customers seeking to replace their aging M113 armored personnel carriers.
The AMPV program for the US Army currently includes five vehicle variants, with plans for additional configurations such as utilizing the platform as a control vehicle for Robotic Combat Vehicles. BAE Systems is actively engaging with the Army to develop new variants, including exploring opportunities for integrating advanced systems like the Kongsberg-Patria NEMO remote-controlled 120mm turreted mortar system.
The company has demonstrated its flexibility by showcasing various prototypes, including an AMPV equipped with a 30mm cannon configuration from Oshkosh Defense, aligning with the Army’s upgunned Stryker program. Additionally, discussions are ongoing with countries like Romania and Poland, where the AMPV’s mission command and medical evacuation variants are seen as complementary assets for supporting their military needs.
Regarding production capabilities, while BAE Systems could handle smaller orders from foreign militaries at the York facility, setting up local production for larger orders or multiple variants is being considered as a feasible option to meet international demand effectively. The company remains committed to providing versatile solutions to meet the evolving requirements of defense forces worldwide.
