Japan picks BAE Systems for amphibious vehicles delivery

The Japanese Ministry of Defense has awarded BAE Systems a contract to produce new Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs).

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.

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.

This contract supports the ongoing development of an amphibious capability within the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force.

Back in 2014, the Japanese Ministry of Defense confirmed that it intends to upgrade its three Ōsumi-class tank landing ships to enable them to embark AAVs and MV-22 Osprey aircraft.

Dean Medland, vice president of programs at BAE Systems’ Combat Vehicles business, said: “We’re proud to support the Japanese military’s recapitalization by providing this enhanced amphibious capability.”

“As the original equipment manufacturer of the AAV fleet, we have a strong history of supporting this platform.”