BAE Awarded $124.8 M to Refurbish M113 Vehicles

(Arlington, Virginia, June 24, 2009) -- BAE Systems has been awarded $124.8 million in U.S. Army contracts to reset, upgrade and maintain M113 vehicles.

Several contracts awarded to the company by the U.S. military cover repairs and improvements on the combat-proven infantry vehicles. Specifically, awards include:

-- $87.7 million for the reset of 697 M113 vehicles. During the reset process, BAE Systems will repair existing vehicles to pre-deployment condition and provide some upgrades to enhance survivability, mobility and communications.
-- $23.3 million for parts and materials. This covers the acquisition of long-lead items needed for future repairs to M113 vehicles.
-- $7.8 million for add on armor. BAE Systems will add additional protection to 120 M113 vehicles.
-- $6 million for support and maintenance on M113 vehicles at Fort Hood, Texas. This award will cover support to the U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division.

"The M113 Family of Vehicles is an integral component of the Army's Heavy Brigade Combat Teams," said Joe McCarthy, vice president, Heavy Brigade Combat Team Systems for the company. "BAE Systems will continue to support our troops by repairing, maintaining and improving the M113 throughout the life cycle - freeing soldiers to focus on their mission."

The M113 family of vehicles is one of the most widely used combat vehicles in the world. More than 80,000 of the armored tracked vehicles have been produced, including more than 40 variants. The M113 family is used by at least 44 countries. It can transport 12 troops and a driver and is capable of amphibious operation, extended cross-country travel over rough terrain and high-speed operation on improved roads and highways.

Source : BAE Systems PLC (LSE: BAES.L)