In August 2012, reports emerged that Indonesia had made a deal with Germany to buy heavy tanks and infantry carriers, after the Dutch had demurred. The Indonesian Army has a long record of human rights abuses, which sparked considerable opposition in the Netherlands. In contrast, Germany has been pushing hard for defense exports as a way to keep its defense industrial base busy, and of preserving jobs amidst Europe’s economic slowdown.

In May 2013, those reports were finally confirmed. What is the exact shape of the deal? How will the new vehicles fit with, and compare to, Indonesia’s existing equipment? And how did we get to this point?

Indonesia’s Armor

Singaporean AMX-13
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Indonesia’s order covers 104 Leopard 2 tanks, 50 Marder 1A2 infantry fighting vehicles, 4 Armored Recovery Vehicles to tow tanks out of trouble, 3 mobile bridge-layers, and 3 AEV armored engineering vehicles. The IFVs are from German Army stocks, and reports suggest that the tanks will be second hand as well. This may be why previous reports have mentioned the Leopard 2A4 and 2A6 variants for Indonesia, even though recent sales to Qatar and Saudi Arabia have involved the 2A7 variant. Rheinmetall’s Leopard MBT Revolution kit has also been mentioned, with extra armor, 360 degree visibility from mounted sensors, and other changes designed to adapt the tanks for urban warfare and counter-insurgency. The ARVs, AEVs, and bridge-layers are expected to be based on the Leopard 2 chassis, and the used Marders are likely to see a few upgrades before shipment.

The new vehicles will represent a big upgrade in both firepower and defensive protection. Indonesia currently fields about 100 British FV101 Scorpion 90 light tanks, and 70 or so related Stormer APCs and specialty vehicles. 300 aged French AMX-13 light tanks accompany the Scorpions as high-caliber firepower, and they’re accompanied by 200 AMX-VTT armed personnel carrier derivatives. The AMX-13 tanks are a 1950s era design, but they’re also uniquely light at just 14.5t, which improves waterborne carriage options and helps in soft terrain. Indonesia is the tank’s largest user, and its neighbor Singapore remains the 2nd largest. By comparison, the Marder infantry carriers Indonesia is receiving are double the AMX-13′s weight, and Leopard 2A6s are more than 4x heavier at 62.3t.

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French VAB wheeled APCs are used for foreign deployments, and over 150 locally made Pindad “Anoa” wheeled APCs are used at home. A range of about 200 lighter armored cars round out its mechanized forces.

There are some concerns within Indonesia that the new heavy armor will be too heavy for Indonesian roads and infrastructure, and questionably suited to its terrain. Indonesia’s fragmented geography is a challenging place to use tanks in any event, and the TNI-AD is forced to scatter its armored battalions across multiple islands. The Leopards and Marders don’t have to be suited to all of them, as long as they can find useful employment in a couple of places.

It’s worth noting that Singapore, the world’s 2nd largest user of AMX-13 tanks, bought Leopard 2A4 tanks in 2006.

Contracts & Key Events

Marder 1A3
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May 16/13: Details. The Jakarta Post offers some additional details regarding the recent sale:

“Indonesian Army (TNI) Chief of Staff Gen. Pramono Edhie Wibowo said 164 used armored vehicles from Germany, including 104 German Leopard 2 main battle tanks (MTB) [and other armored vehicles]…. “We will have all of them already in Indonesia when the TNI celebrates its anniversary on Oct. 5,” Pramono said.

The armored vehicles were bought with a $280 million foreign loan…. Indonesia’s order only covered 44 Leopard MBTs using the same amount of the loan. “However, after we went to Germany and started negotiations, we got a cheaper price and we could buy 164 units,” Pramono said.”

The source of the foreign loan would be interesting information.

May 9/13: Confirmation. German Green party representative Katja Keul finally gets the details of Germany’s sale, thanks to a parliamentary question. The German government has authorized the export of 104 Leopard 2 tanks, 50 used Marder 1A2 infantry fighting vehicles, 4 Armored Recovery Vehicles to tow tanks out of trouble, 3 mobile bridge-layers, and 3 AEV armored engineering vehicles.

The sale furthers a broader shift in German export policies, which had traditionally favored items like warships and submarines, but not tanks and equipment that lends itself to use against civilian populations. KMW recently confirmed an export order from Qatar for Leopard 2A7 tanks and PzH-2000 howitzers, a larger deal with Saudi Arabia has been widely rumored, and Algeria is buying German armored vehicles in the wake of an extremely bloody civil war.

In Indonesia’s case, the German government is citing a durable democratic transformation as the rationale for approving the sale. Indonesia has made considerable progress in this area. On the other hand, the left-wing opposition is citing a longer history of human rights abuses by Indonesia’s military, and persecution of ethnic and religious minorities, that had stopped the Dutch from going ahead. Keul openly refers to Germany’s arms expeort policies as being not worth the paper they’re printed on under the current government (“…die Rustungsexportrichtlinien unter ihrer Regentschaft nicht einmal mehr das Papier wert”). Der Spiegel || In German: Katka Keul – response from Anne Ruth Herkes [PDF] and Release [no permalink] | Die Welt | Reuters Deutschland | Stern.

Sale confirmed

Nov 2/12: Types & details. The Indonesian government is saying that it is buying used Leopard 2 main battle tanks, Marder infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and support tanks from Germany. It expects the first shipment before the end of 2012. Deputy Defense Secretary Sjafrie Sjamsuddin told the DPA news agency in Jakarta that:

“We are buying Leopard 2A4 and Leopard 2 Revolution models that are already modified and have new armaments…. All the political and administrative processes are complete, we are in the production phase…. We can use them as soon as they arrive…. The memorandum of understanding will stipulate the transfer of technology and the provision of spare parts.”

Indonesia names Dusseldorf-based Rheinmetall as its contract partner, and the MBT Revolution is Rheinmetall Defence’s modular upgrade package for urban warfare. The deal to refurbish the vehicles and add Indonesian systems is supposedly worth around EUR 216 million ($280 million), but Rheinmetall declines any comment on the sale.

What makes the story especially interesting is the fact that a representative of the German Ministry for Economics and Technology said on Oct 29/12 that “There is no request prior to export of Leopard tanks to remain in Indonesia.” In Germany all arms deals have to be approved by the Federal Security Council, which meets in closed session. Its secret decisions are only revealed after the fact, in the annual arms exports reports. Defense News.

Sept 14/12: Vice Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin welcomes the visit of Germany Charge d’affaires Heeidrun Tempel. Indonesia will reportedly buy 50 Marder 1A3s and 103 Leopard tanks, and Sjamsoeddin says that the final contract with Rheinmettal AG is scheduled for the 4th week of September. Republika adds that:

“…Rheinmetall AG had prepared the first dispatch of Leopard. Yet, due to unfinished administration and logistic, the Leopard will arrive in Indonesia on early November.”

Aug 24/12: Application in. Jakarta Globe:

“Indonesia is going ahead with plans to purchase used Leopard 2 battle-tanks from Germany, according to documents seen by DPA…. An application for the export of four such tanks to the Asian nation was filed on July 23, according to a German Defense Ministry statement to the opposition Green Party, which opposes military exports to countries where they might be used in human rights breaches.”

July 11/12: Sale, or no? After the Jakarta Post reports that Indonesia wants to sign a EUR 220 million deal for 100 Leopard 2 tanks, including 15 used tanks, the German government finds itself on the defensive. Cancellor Angela Merkel would only say that no details had been discussed during her meeting with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, but by the end of May 2012, the government had to reveal that Indonesia had expressed interest.

Der Spiegel adds that no official application for the transfer had been made, and cites unnamed sources in the German Defense Ministry who said they hadn’t heard anything more about a possible deal. Der Spiegel.

Jan 26/12: Good buy? Army Technology reproduces an unattributed report:

“The Indonesian Army’s procurement plan of 100 used Leopard 2 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) from the Netherlands is facing critical reviews from [Indonesian] Commission I legislators overseeing defence affairs from the House of Representatives (DPR)…. with many House Commission I officials insisting that the tanks are “unsuitable”… People’s Conscience Party member Susaningtyas Kertapati questioned the compatibility of the tanks with the country’s infrastructure conditions, saying that the tank weighs more than 60t and could be too heavy for the nations’ bridges and roads. Kertapati added: “The main battle tank purchase must not be decided without taking into account our country’s geographical landscape.”

Negotiations will reportedly continue with the Netherlands until Jan 30/12, and the army is reportedly studying a competing offer from the German military.

Additional Readings

• The Armor Site! – Kampfpanzer Leopard 2

• Military Today – Marder

• Der Spiegel (Dec 3/12) – German Weapons for the World: How the Merkel Doctrine Is Changing Berlin Policy

• DID – Asian Tiger Ordering Leopards. Singapore’s order.

In June 2006, the Slovenian Ministry of Defence picked Patria’s 8×8 wheeled Armored Modular Vehicle (AMV) as the preferred choice for its 135 vehicle armored personnel carrier program. The APCs would come in 4 different versions, including a variant with Patria’s new unmanned NEMO 120mm mortar turret. The deal was worth over EUR 275 million, with deliveries to take place from 2007-2013.

An ongoing bribery investigation led to the resignation of Patria’s President and CEO, and eventually to his arrest. A long-running controversy became a continuous distraction, and there were issues with sub-contractor performance along the way. In 2011, a new government cabinet unanimously voted to try and cancel the deal. In 2012, they succeeded.

The Slovenian Sale

Patria AMV w. NEMO turret
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The Slovenian “Svarun” award was a significant win for Patria in this context, and it was also significant as the first sale of their new single-barreled New Efficient MOrtar 120mm system, introduced in June 2006. Patria is better known for its twin-barreled and manned AMOS 120mm mortar turret, developed in partnership with BAE Hagglunds. Despite initial orders of 2 AMOS systems for the Finnish Army and 2 evaluation systems for Sweden, Defense Update describes AMOS as having an “inhibitive price tag.” This may create a market opportunity for the single-barreled NEMO, despite its lower rate of fire.

The AMV vehicles will be manufactured in Finland and in Slovenia with local co-operation partners. Industrial offsets will include 30% direct offsets within the contract, and 70% other Slovenian items exported globally. Production will gradually be transferred to Slovenia in 2007 and 2008, with Rotis and Gorenje in prominent roles.

Patria Oyj is owned 25%/75% by the Finnish State and EADS, and its AMV has been in serial production since 2004.

Contracts & Key Events

AMV “Svarun”
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May 15/13: Court. Time for some updates regarding the court proceedings associated with the Slovenian AMV contract. December 2012 saw Finnish charges of aggravated bribery laid against 5 people, with some of those defendants also charged with business espionage. Another 7 named individuals were not prosecuted, but just to make things really interesting, the Finnish prosecution will demand the questioning of all Slovenian defendants – including former Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa.

Preparatory hearings began today in the Finnish District Court of Kanta-Hame, based on the pre-trial investigation initiated by the National Bureau of Investigation in 2007. The actual hearing is expected to take place in early fall 2013, and the prosecutor is also pushing for a corporate fine. Patria has pleaded not guilty, and will argue that the evidence fails to show that anything unlawful would have taken place in the company’s operations.

Meanwhile, in Slovenia, a 3rd trial is underway in connection with these events. Painter Jure Cekuta and retired brigadier Peter Zupan are charged with bribery and unlawful leaking of information. Patria | STA | STA re: local trial.

March 25/11: Vote to cancel. Slovenia’s cabinet votes unanimously to cancel the AMV contract with Patria, who says it has not yet been formally presented with a demand. That is true, since the governing coalition will try to do it via lawsuit.

The move comes after the Ljubljana District Court turned down the government’s request for a temporary suspension, and STA says that the government will not appeal that March 15/11 decision. Reports indicate that the court indirectly encouraged a separate lawsuit instead, by mentioning that several legal arguments may exist in favor of an annulment suit, but not a preliminary injunction.

If an annulment suit does go through, the big question for the government is what damages it would still be liable for on the contract. Which is why even a successful lawsuit could simply end up being the starting point for new negotiations. Especially if the governing coalition changes again in the interim. Slovenia’s STA (Slovenska Tiskovna Agencija) | Slovenia Times re: court decision | Finland’s YLE News.

March 4/11: Lawsuit. The Slovenian government has asked a court to temporarily suspend the Patria contract, in light of bribery allegations. This is a more extreme response than contract renegotiation, but some local reports suggest that it’s really an attempt to evade a decision concerning the deal, by turning matters over to a court. The advanced state of the contract does suggest that termination costs would not be cheap, and there’s also the issue of what the Slovenian armed forces will do for APCs if the contract is canceled. Slovenia’s STA news | Finland’s YLE News.

March 25/09: Investigation. The Helsinki Times reports that Slovenian police “searched a number of premises” as part of an investigation into suspected corruption connected with the AMV deal. The suspects whose homes and offices had been searched were Slovenian citizens, and Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation participated under a 2008 joint agreement with the Slovenian police and prosecutor-general’s office.

ORCWS-30, fired
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Nov 13/08: Investigation. Patria’s former CEO Jorma Wiitakorpi is arrested by Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on suspicion of industrial espionage, aggravated bribery and bribery in business operation. The Helsinki district court also remanded Veijo Vartiainen, the operative head of Patria’s Land & Armament unit, on suspicion of bribery in business operations and aggravated bribery. Wiitakorpi in particular remains both firm and public about his innocence, and both men have been released pending further proceedings. Time will tell. Newsroom Finland | Helsingin Sanomat | YLE News | Patria statement.

Oct 13/08: The Slovenian Defence Ministry denies reports that weapons stations mounted on some of the Patria APCs would not be new. Slovenian Press Agency | Slovenian MoD [in Slovene].

Oct 9/08: Substitute deliveries. From the Finnish Ministry of Defence:

“The Army Materiel Command is selling 20 units of XA-360-APC [DID: XA-360 is the AMV's designation] Kongsberg Protector weapon systems. It is also renting 20 APCs to Patria for an approximate period of 7 months. The APC weapon systems will be used as part of Patria’s operation regarding Slovenia. Patria will deliver new similar weapon systems for the Finnish Defence Forces. The reason behind this provisional arrangement requested by Patria, has to do with the company’s aim to uphold the agreed time frame regarding deliveries.”

Sept 23/08: Election. Helsingin Sanomat’s international edition publishes “NEWS ANALYSIS: Patria scandal had little effect on Slovenia election.” It makes a persuasive case, adding that:

“[Social Democrat leader and future Prime Minister Borut] Prime ministerial candidate Pahor has said that the Patria case will be removed form the political agenda, and left to the lawyers.”

Sept 10/08: Investigation. Agence France Presse report:

“Slovenia’s parliament ended a marathon special debate on bribery allegations against Prime Minister Janez Jansa Tuesday night by passing a motion of support for the government. But after more than 11 hours of debate, lawmakers urged Slovenian police and the prosecution service to investigate with Finnish authorities and said Slovenia’s defence ministry should cancel a 278-million-euro (402 million dollar) deal with Finnish defence contractor Patria if corruption allegations were proved.

…The motion was backed by 41 MPs out of the 54 that were present in the 90-seat parliament at the end of the debate. Eleven lawmakers voted against the motion while two small parties — centre-left Zares and nationalist Lipa — boycotted the vote… Jansa urged lawmakers to “close the issue for the moment and reopen it as soon as any proof to these absurd accusations is published.”

Sept 5/08: Investigation. Agence France Presse reports on the Slovenian bribery charges:

“At the moment, as I have understood things, there is no fear that the deal will be cancelled,” Olli Happonen, Patria’s General Councel, told AFP. He acknowledged, however, that the deal could fall through if the bribery charges are proven [in court], due to an anti-corruption clause in the contract.”

Aug 20/08: Investigation. Another update re: the Slovenian investigation, from Patria:

“The Patria employee of the former Vehicles Business Unit previously held in detention in connection with the ongoing investigation of the Slovenian armoured vehicle project has been released upon proposal of the police. Yesterday the Helsinki District Court decided to continue the detention of the other Vehicles’ employee.

The National Bureau of Investigation stated yesterday that Jorma Wiitakorpi, former President and CEO of the Patria Group, was interviewed as a suspect in July, and that his position in the investigation has not changed since.”

Aug 18/08: Resigned. Patria Oyj’s President and CEO Jorma Wiitakorpi resigns. From the official corporate statement:

“The investigations by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are likely to take months. I was Patria’s President and CEO when the customer made the decision regarding the Slovenian project in 2006. Neither Patria’s internal investigation nor the investigations by the NBI have brought up any written or oral evidence that would connect me to the suspected criminal activities. The CEO is, however, a significant aspect of the image of a company and the CEO is responsible for the firm’s entire operations.

At the moment various Patria units are negotiating new, significant projects in many different countries. At the same time our competitors are taking advantage of the situation to arouse suspicions among our customers. In these negotiations it is of vital importance that our customers have full confidence in Patria’s way of doing business also in the future. I have agreed with Patria’s Board of Directors that I renounce my position with immediate effect… I wish Mr. Heikki Allonen all the best in his new position as Patria’s President and CEO.”

Wiitakorpi will remain with Patria as Senior Advisor to the new President and CEO. See also Questions abut the CEO changeover | Heikki Allonen appointed as the new CEO of Patria.

May 20/08: Scandal? A release from Patria discusses allegations that the company bribed senior political figures, in order to secure the Slovenian APC deal:

“The National Bureau of Investigation started on 13 May, 2008 a preliminary investigation concerning Patria’s vehicle deal in Slovenia. The suspected crime is bribery. In the preliminary phase some persons involved in Patria’s deal in Slovenia have been questioned. Three have been arrested for questioning. Two of them have been released and one imprisoned. Also, some other Patria employees have been questioned.

Patria cooperates with the NBI in order to clear the open questions. Patria’s understanding is that its personnel have followed all relevant legislation both in Slovenia and Finland.”

America’s M1 Abrams tanks come in a number of versions. In addition to the M1A1 that is now standard, the US Army is beginning to field its M1 TUSK for urban warfare. It also operates the M1A2 System Enhancement Program (SEP), currently the most advanced standard variant.

This Spotlight article covers the M1A2 Abrams SEP upgrade program, and will be updated and backfilled as new contracts are issued and key events take place.

M1A2 SEP: Additional Background

Some SEP upgrades
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The M1A2 SEP is builds on the digitized M1A2 platform with an improved armor package of third generation steel-encased depleted uranium armor, a new command and control system, second-generation FLIR thermal sights that include a Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV) for “hunter-killer” operation, the Under Armor Auxiliary Power Unit (UAAPU) that lets crews run key electronics without running the engine, and a Thermal Management System (TMS – i.e. air conditioning for crew & electronics). The M1A2 SEP also features enhanced electronics like color maps and displays, improved networked communications, high-density computer memory and increased microprocessing speed, a more user friendly “Soldier Machine Interface (SMI)”, and an open operating computing system that will make future upgrades and additions easier.

The M1A2 SEP’s advanced FLIR/thermal sights are part of the US Army’s Horizontal Technology Integration (HTI) Second Generation Forward Looking Infrared (HTI SGF) sighting systems program, which creates commonality with other vehicles like the M2/M3 Bradley IFVs.

The M1A2 SEP is a formidable upgrade package, but it was missing a small but crucial item. Troops in Iraq and elsewhere are also clamoring for a phone on the outside of the tank that will let them talk to the vehicle crew. This was common as far back as World War 2, and its lack is hampering coordination on the modern battlefield – especially in urban areas. A General Dynamics representative noted that future M1A2 Abrams TUSK (Tank Urban Survivability Kit) vehicles will have this feature, but the SEP v1 tanks did not.

M1A2 SEP Version 2 configuration, which is just beginning to appear, fixes this. It adds improved displays, sights, and power systems compared to earlier SEP versions – plus the tank-infantry phone. Recent orders also added a CROWS-II top-mounted machine gun with advanced sights. The CROWS system can be controlled from inside the tank using a joystick and screen, removing the need to open the hatch and expose the crews to snipers. SEPv2 is the most technologically advanced digital Abrams tank, and is also positioned for future communications and other technology updates.

Recent budgets for M1A1 enhancements, including both M1A1-Situational Awareness and M1A2 tanks, include:

• FY 2010: $278.8 million for 22 tanks ($93.8M RDT&E, $185.0M procurement)
  
• FY 2011: $294.4 million for 21 tanks ($93.6M RDT&E, $182.0M procurement, $18.8M spares)
  
• FY 2012: $583.9 million for 63 tanks ($9.3M RDT&E, $567.4M procurement, $7.2M spares)
  
• FY 2013 Request: $300.8 million, ($97.3M RDT&E, $203.5M procurement) meant to “complete the final [SEP] production, fielding, and training” – 20-24 tanks by some reports.
  
• FY 2014 Request: $297.4 million ($101.3M RDT&E, $178.1M procurement).

M1A2 SEP: Related Contracts

Commander’s Display Unit

The Armor Site notes that:

“A multi-year contract for 307 M1A2 Abrams Systems Enhancement Program (SEP) tanks was awarded in March 2001 with production into 2004. The current Army plan allows for a fleet of 588 M1A2 SEP, 586 M1A2 and 4,393 M1A1 tanks. The potential exits for a retrofit program of 129 M1A2 tanks to the SEP configuration between 2004 and 2005… The US Army decided to cancel future production of the M1A2 SEP from FY2004, but in June 2005 ordered the upgraded of a further 60 M1A2 tanks to SEP configuration.”

That program has now grown very substantially, and a 2007 contract added 435 more more M1A2 SEPs. Orders have continued to come in, and General Dynamics says that the current multi-year award set will complete the modernization of all M1 tanks in the active-duty army to M1A2 SEP standard. By 2014, however, their interest in keeping the facility running led supportive members of Congress to continue spending money on the program, over the Army’s objections.

Unless otherwise specified, all contracts are awarded by The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) in Warren, MI; and the recipient is General Dynamics Land Systems in Sterling Heights, MI.

April 29/13: Congress is looking to spend funds over and above the Pentagon’s request, in order to keep General Dynamics Land Systems running at a higher rate. The Lima plant is reportedly producing about 5 M1A2S upgrade kits per month for Saudi Arabia, and 4 M1A1M kits per month for Egypt, plus production of Israeli Namer ultra-heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicles. Of the Army’s 2,400 tanks, about 1,500 – 1,600 have reportedly received the $7.5 million MA2SEPv2 upgrade. The US Army had wanted to stop buying tanks until 2017, using funds for R&D to produce an updated M1 variant.

Congress has other ideas, and $468 million is a consistently-used figure for the extra spending, but that isn’t broken down clearly. What is clear is that the US Army has said it doesn’t want or need more M1A2s, and wants to spend the money elsewhere at a time when its reducing training and maintenance. Congress disagrees for a combination of industrial reasons involving the restart costs of drying up the sub-contractor chain (and killing some of their firms), and political reasons involving jobs in a state with powerful representatives and outsize significance in Presidential politics. AP | CS Monitor.

April 10/13: FY 2014 Budget. The President releases a proposed budget at last, the latest in modern memory. The Senate and House were already working on budgets in his absence, but the Pentagon’s submission is actually important to proceedings going forward. See ongoing DID coverage. With respect to the M1 fleet, the budget would spend $279.4 million ($101.3M RDT&E, $178.1M procurement) to:

“…maintain the armor facility at a sustainable level and minimize loss of skilled labor. It also procures numerous approved modifications to fielded M1A2 Abrams tanks, including the Data Distribution Unit (DDU) to enable network interoperability, the Vehicle Health Management System (VHMS), loader tray modification to improve safety and the Commander’s Remote Operating Weapon Station (CROWS).”

April 25/12: General Dynamics Land Systems in Sterling Heights, MI wins a $31.1 million firm-fixed-price contract to create 46 Abrams M1A2 SEPv2 vehicles from existing stocks, by installing the upgrade kits.

Work will be performed in Lima, OH; Scranton, PA; Anniston, AL; and Tallahassee, FL, with an estimated completion date of Nov 30/14. One bid was solicited, with 1 bid received (W56HZV-12-C-0198).

Dec 23/11: A $59.9 million firm-fixed-price contract modification to buy Abrams M1A2 System Enhancement Packages and CROWS weapon stations. Based on past contracts, this will cover 21 M1A2 SEPv2 kits, and finish funding for the planned 435 tanks under the program, though an installation contract may still be forthcoming.

Work will be performed in Lima, OH; Tallahassee, FL; Anniston, AL; Scranton, PA; and Sterling Heights, MI, with an estimated completion date of June 30/13. One bid was solicited, with one bid received (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

March 1/11: A $59.1 million firm-fixed-price contract for up to 21 Abrams M1A2 SEPv2 upgrade tanks. That means full materials and labor for the upgrades.

Work will be performed in Lima, OH; Tallahassee, FL; Anniston, AL; Scranton, PA; and Sterling Heights, MI, with an estimated completion date of June 30/13. One bid was solicited with one bid received (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

March 5/10: A $62.1 million firm-fixed-price contract covers Program Year 4, Increment 2 of the Abrams multi-year contract. The Army is buying full materials and labor for 22 M1A2 SEPv2 upgrades.

General Dynamics Land Systems says that before this recent “call-up” of 22 kits, 371 of the 435 total vehicles had been funded. Now, only 42 vehicles require funding, and they expected to be taken care of in the next 2 increments around January 2011 and 2012. These “funding years” are different from “program years”, and PY 4 is expected to cover 39 M1A2 SEPv2s.

Work is to be performed in Lima, OH (75%); Tallahassee, FL (10%); Anniston, AL (9%); Scranton, PA (3%); and Sterling Heights, MI (3%), with an estimated completion date of Nov 30/12. TACOM in Warren, MI issued the contract (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

Sept 14/09: An $18.2 million unfinalized Change Order Modification firm-fixed-price multi-year contract to buy up to 370 Commanders Remote Operated Weapons Stations version 2 kits (CROWS II) for M1A2 SEPv2 upgrade vehicles. Work is to be performed in Lima, OH with an estimated completion date of Aug 31/12 (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

March 2/09: A $9.8 million firm-fixed-price, firm fixed price level of effort, cost plus fixed fee contract to provide parts for the reset material necessary to allow Anniston Army Depot (ANAD) to reset 5 Battle Damaged M1 SEPv1 tanks to a SEPv2 configuration, with a 100% option to RESET another 5.

Work is to be performed at Sterling Heights, MI, with an estimated completion date of Aug 31/10 (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

Feb 24/09: A $32 million firm-fixed-price contract change order issued to RESET 129 of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment’s Abrams SEPv2 tanks.

Work is to be performed at Lima, Ohio, (75%), Tallahassee, FL (10%), Anniston, AL (9%), Scranton, PA (3%), and Sterling Heights, MI (3%), with an estimated completion date of Sept 30/10. One bid was solicited and one bid received (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

Feb 3/09: A $5.9 million firm fixed price contract change order to buy improved ammunition racks, as part of a RESET program for 90 M1A2 SEPv1 tanks that are being upgraded to SEPv2.

Work is to be performed at Lima, OH (75%), Tallahassee, FL (10%), Anniston, AL (9%), Scranton, PA (3%), and Sterling Heights, MI (3%), with an estimated completion date of Sept 30/10 (W56HZV-06-C-0006).

Jan 27/09: An $80.7 million firm-fixed-price contract for the Abrams Multi-Year Contract’s program year 2, increment 2. This contract buys 24 M1A2 SEPv2 upgrades, and funds 6 more tanks in program year 3, increment 1, for a total of 30.

Work will be performed at Sterling Heights, MI, with an estimated completion date of June 30/12. One bid was solicited and one bid received (W56HZV-06-G-0006). GDLS release.

Nov 20/08: A $63.7 million firm-fixed-price contract, exercising an option to RESET 180 Abrams M1A2 SEPv1 to SEPv2 tanks. Work will be performed in Tallahassee, FL, Anniston, AL, Scranton, PA, and Sterling Heights, MI, with an estimated completion date of Sept 30/10. One bid was solicited and one bid was received (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

See also Aug 5/08 entry, and the GDLS release.

Aug 29/08: General Dynamics Lands Systems Division in Sterling Heights, MI received a $30.8 million cost-reimbursable contract to procure long-lead-materials. These materials will be bought in as a prelude to upgrading 129 Third Armored Cavalry Regiment Abrams tanks to the M1A2 SEP configuration.

Work will be performed in Lima, OH; Tallahassee, FL; Anniston, AL; Scranton, PA; and Sterling Heights, MI, with an estimated completion date of Oct 31/09. One bid was solicited, and one bid was received (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

Aug 5/08: A $613.5 million Firm Fixed Price, contract for Award Program Year One increment 2, in a multi-year contract for Abrams M1A2 SEPv2 upgrades. The contract will upgrade 235 M1A1 tanks to this configuration.

The order was made under a multi-year contract (see Feb 7/08 entry) which authorized the modernization of 435 M1A1 tanks that have been in the Army’s inventory for more than 20 years. An additional 180 tanks remain to be upgraded through the program, which will complete the conversion of all tanks in the Army’s active component to the M1A2 SEP V2 configuration.

Work will be performed in Lima, OH; Anniston, AL; Tallahassee, FL; Sterling Heights, MI; and Scranton, PA, and is expected to be complete by Oct 31/11. There was one bid solicited from the manufacturer on Oct 5/07, and one bid was received (W56HZV-06-G-0006). See also GDLS release.

June 3/08: A $19.8 million cost-reimbursable-no-fee contract for the procurement of long lead material to support maintenance of 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment Abrams M1A2 SEP tanks. Work will be performed primarily in Lima, OH and is expected to be complete by Oct 30/09. One bid was solicited on April 29/08 (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

April 28/08: A $28.2 million cost-no-fee contract for long lead materials, which will be used in the recapitalization of M1A2 SEPv1 tanks. Work will be performed primarily in Lima, OH and is expected to be complete on Nov 28/08. One bid was solicited on Jan 18/08 (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

Feb 7/08: Multi-Year SEP contract. A $39.5 million firm-fixed price contract to upgrade 20 Abrams tanks to M1A2 SEPv2 standard. Work will be performed in Anniston, AL; Tallahassee, FL; Sterling Heights, MI; Lima, OH; and Scranton, PA. The upgrade program is expected to be completed by June 30/13. One bid was solicited on Oct 5/07, and 1 bid was received by the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command in Warren, MI (W56HZV-06-G-0006). General Dynamics says that this award is in addition to the Jan 15/08 award to fund parts for the upgrades.

General Dynamics announces that this is just the first increment of a $1.5 billion multi-year contract to upgrade 435 M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks to M1A2 SEPv2 configuration. They add that this multi-year procurement contract “will complete the modernization of all remaining M1A1 tanks which have been in the US Army’s inventory for more than 20 years.”

Jan 15/08: A $12.4 million cost-no fee contract “for system enhancement package upgrade vehicles.” Work will be performed in Lima Army Tank Plant, OH, and is expected to be complete by April 30, 2008. One bid was solicited on Oct 5/07, and 1 bid was received (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

Dec 19/07: General Dynamics Land Systems announces a $257.8 million award for procurement of materials and labor required to RESET 180 Abrams tanks under the Abrams Improved SEP Reset (ISR) program. The program could total more than $320 million if all options are exercised. As part of the Improved Systems Enhancement Package (SEP) Reset program, M1A2 SEP Version 1 tanks are modified to the SEP Version 2 configuration.

Deliveries begin in September 2009, and are expected to be complete by September 2010. Work will be performed by existing employees in Anniston, AL; Tallahassee, FL; Lima, OH; Sterling Heights, MI; and Scranton, PA. There was 1 bid solicited on Feb 13/07, and 1 bid was received (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

Nov 19/07: General Dynamics Land Systems received an $88.8 million firm-fixed-price contract for reset of 240 M1A2 Abrams tanks. Work will be performed in Lima, OH and is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2009 (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

As part of the reset program, M1A2 SEP Version 1 tanks are upgraded to the SEP Version 2 configuration. GDLS release.

Oct 3/07: A $16.5 million delivery order as part of a $24 million firm-fixed-price contract to provide parts for the reset of battle-damaged SEPv1 Tanks to a SEPv2 configuration. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, MI, and is expected to be complete by Dec. 31, 2009. This was a sole source contract initiated on May 14, 2007 (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

Oct 1/07: A delivery order amount of $20.1 million as part of a $510.5 million firm-fixed-price contract for reset of Abrams M1A2 System Enhancement Packages to the M1A2 Tanks. As part of the Improved Systems Enhancement Package (SEP) reset program, M1A2 SEP Version 1 tanks are modified to the SEP Version 2 configuration, which includes improved displays, sights, power, and a tank-infantry phone. It is the most technologically advanced digital Abrams tank and is positioned for future technology insertions for compatibility with the Army’s Future Combat Systems.

Work will be performed in Lima, OH (75%), Tallahassee, FL (10%), Anniston, AL (9%), Scranton, PA (3%), and Sterling Heights, MI (3%), and is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2009. This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 20, 2006 (W56HZV-06-G-0006). GD release.

M1A2, getting the range
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Aug 13/07: A delivery order amount of $5.7 million as part of a $6.3 million firm-fixed-price contract for spare parts for the M1A2 System Enhancement Program Tank. Work will be performed in Lima, OH and is expected to be complete by July 31, 2010. This was a sole source contract initiated on May 14, 2007 by the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command in Rock Island, IL (DAAE20-02-G-0009).

Aug 8/07: The full delivery order amount of $270.6 million as part of a firm-fixed-price contract for system enhancement package for the Abrams M1A2 Tanks. Work will be performed in Lima, OH (75%), Tallahassee, FL (10%), Anniston, AL (9%), Scranton, PA (3%), and Sterling Heights, MI (3%), and is expected to be complete by July 31/10. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 16, 2007. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

Aug 8/07: The full delivery order amount of $139.3 million for retrofit of M1A2 Vehicles to M1A2 SEP Version 2 configuration. Work will be performed in Lima, OH (75%), Tallahassee, FL (10%), Anniston, AL (9%), Scranton, PA (3%), and Sterling Heights, MI (3%), and is expected to be complete by Jan 31/10. This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 21/07 (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

Specific details re: numbers et. al. are usually present in General Dynamics’ follow-on releases; not this time.

April 18/07: The full delivery order amount of $9.1 million as part of a cost contract for long-lead material for RESET for battle damaged M1A2 System Enhancement Package tanks. Work will be performed in Anniston, AL (40%), Lima, OH (20%), Sterling Heights, MI (10%), and Scranton, PA (30%), and is expected to be complete by June 30, 2007. This was a sole source contract initiated on April 10, 2007 (W56HZV-06-G-0006). GDLS release.

Dec 4/06: A delivery order amount of $305 million as part of a $351 million cost contract for RESET of Abrams M1A2 System Enhancement Package (SEP)v1 to M1A2 SEPv2 tanks, and long lead material for the additional RESET of M1A2 SEPv1 and M1A2 SEPv2 tanks. A GDLS representative confirms that the contact covers 312 tanks returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Work will be performed in Lima, OH (75%), Tallahassee, FL (10%), Anniston, AL (9%), Scranton, PA (3%), and Sterling Heights, MI (3%), and is expected to be complete on Sept. 30, 2009. This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 20, 2006 (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

Nov 27/06: The full $379.8 million delivery order amount of a firm-fixed-price contract to upgrade 180 M1A2 tanks to Abrams M1A2 SEP Version 2 status, along with total packing fielding material for initial fielding. Work will be performed in Lima, Ohio (75%), Tallahassee, FL (10%), Anniston, AL (9%), Scranton, PA (3%), and Sterling Heights, MI (3%), and is expected to be complete by Nov. 30, 2009. This was a sole source contract initiated on August 29, 2006 (W56HZV-06-G-0006). See also GDLS press release, and a subsequent release which gives the number. A GDLS representative confirmed that the conversions involved M1A2 tanks.

Nov 27/06: GM subsidiary Allison Transmission in Indianapolis, IN received an $11 million modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Zero-Timed X1100-3B Transmissions in Support of the System Enhancement Package RESET Program. This would be the RESET maintenance program for M1A2 SEP tanks. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, IN and is expected to be complete by Nov. 30, 2007. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 22, 2006 (DAAE07-01-C-N040).

Nov 27/06: GM subsidiary Allison Transmission in Indianapolis, IN received a $32.6 million modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Zero-Timed X1100-3B Transmissions in Support of the Improved System Enhancement Package RESET Program. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, IN and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 29, 2006 (DAAE07-01-C-N040).

Nov 27/06: GM subsidiary Allison Transmission in Indianapolis, IN received a $24.2 million modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Zero-Timed X1100-3B Transmissions in Support of the System Enhancement Package Retrofit Program. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, IN and is expected to be complete by Dec. 31, 2008. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 18, 2006 (DAAE07-01-C-N040).

Nov 27/06: GM subsidiary Allison Transmission in Indianapolis, IN received a $16.1 million modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Upgraded X1100-3B Transmissions with Refurbished Containers in Support of the System Enhancement Package Program. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, IN and is expected to be complete by April 30, 2008. This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 25, 2006 (DAAE07-01-C-N040).

M1A2 Abrams

Aug 4/06: General Dynamics Land Systems in Sterling Heights, MI received the full delivery order amount of $134.7 million as part of a firm-fixed-price contract for Abrams M1A2 SEP (system enhancement package) retrofits to 60 existing M1A2 Abrams tanks, along with total package fielding material for initial fielding. The M1A2 SEP is the latest, most technologically advanced Abrams variant, and the contract also includes a $145 million option to upgrade 60 more M1A2s, bringing the total to $280 million if all options are exercised.

Work on this SEP upgrade contract will be performed in Lima, OH (75%), Tallahassee, FL (10%), Anniston, AL (9%), Scranton, PA (3%), and Sterling Heights, MI (3%). Delivery of the first 60 vehicles is slated to begin in November 2007 and is expected to be complete by Nov. 30, 2008. Delivery of the 60 option vehicles would begin in November 2008. This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 1, 2006 by the Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command in Warren, MI (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

July 8/05: An estimated $7.3 million firm-fixed price contract for 90 commanders display units for the M1A2 Abrams System Enhanced Program (M1A2 SEP) Tank. The work is to be performed at the company’s Tallahassee, FL location and is to be completed Sept. 20, 2007. The Tank-automotive Armament Command in Rock Island, IL issued the contract (DAAE20-02-G-0009 delivery order 0109).

June 20/05: A $141.1 million firm-fixed-price contract for M1A2 Abrams Upgrade Tanks to the System and Continuous Enhancement Program Configurations. Work will be performed in Lima, OH (75%), Imperial Valley, CA (1%), Tallahassee, FL (1%), Sterling Heights, MI (1%), Scranton, PA (3%), and Anniston, AL (9%), and is expected to be complete by Jan. 31, 2008. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 1, 2003 (DAAE07-01-G-N001). See GDLS press release, which places the number of tanks upgraded to M1A2 SEP at 60. It adds that vehicle deliveries to General Dynamics are scheduled for January through October 2007, with vehicle hand-off to the U.S. Army expected in January 2008.

April 29/05: An $8.2 million cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for unique spares for the M1A2 SEP Abrams Tank, and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Work will be performed in Killeen, TX (85%); Sterling Heights, MI (10%); and Southwest Asia (5%), and is expected to be complete by April 30, 2010. This was a sole source contract initiated on April 14, 2004 by US Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command in Rock Island, IL (W52H09-05-C-0089). See also GDLS press release.

Sept 2/04: A $22.4 million firm-fixed-price contract for repair and modification to 111 M1A2 SEP Tanks. Work will be performed in Lima, OH and is expected to be complete by July 30, 2005. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 14, 2004 (DAAE07-01-G-N001). A subsequent GDLS press release clarified that this is a contract “to repair and modify 111 M1A2 Abrams System Enhancement Package (SEP) tanks that have recently returned from the war zone.” Work will be performed at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima, Ohio, and is expected to be complete by July 30, 2005. The total value for this effort is actually about $70 million, allocated between TACOM ($40 million, to include major component repair by Anniston Army Depot), and GDLS ($29.9 Million).

May 6/04: General Dynamics Land Systems announces a $121 million delivery order as part of a contract valued at $244 million, to retrofit 65 M1A2 Abrams tanks to the M1A2 SEP (System Enhancement Program) configuration. The tanks are being retrofitted to modernize the U.S. Army’s 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.

Work will be performed with the existing workforce at General Dynamics’ facilities in Lima, OH (74%); Tallahassee, FL (10%); Anniston, AL (9%); Scranton, PA (3%); Imperial Valley, CA. (1%); Muskegon, MI (1%); and Sterling Heights, MI (1%). Work will also be done at Fort Carson, CO (1%).

May 15/03: A delivery order amount of $26,029,150 as part of a $26,055,258 firm-fixed-price contract to retrofit 14 M1A2 Abrams Upgrade Tanks to the M1A2 SEP configuration. Work will be performed in Lima, OH (75%), Imperial Valley, CA (1%), Tallahassee, FL (10%), Sterling Heights, MI (1%), Scranton, PA (3%), Anniston, AL (9%), and Muskegon, IL (1%), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2004. This was a sole source contract initiated on April 29, 2002 (DAAE07-01-G-N001).

Nov 29/02: A delivery order amount of $5.8 million as part of an $8.8 million firm-fixed-price contract for 10 gigabyte solid state removable memory cartridges for retrofit into M1A2 Abrams SEP tanks. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights (0.2%) and Bloomington, MN (99.8%), and is to be complete by Aug. 31, 2003. This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 15, 2002 (DAAE07-01-G-N001).

May 16/02: A delivery order amount of $2.9 million as part of a $5.8 million (cumulative total) un-priced contractual action for 9 lines of spare parts in support of the M1A2 SEP Abrams Tank. Work will be performed in Lima, OH (10%); Imperial, CA (40%); Tallahassee, FL (40%), Anniston, AL (10%), and is to be complete by Oct. 30, 2003. This is a sole-source contract initiated on Feb. 14, 2002 by the U. S. Army Tank and Automotive Command in Rock Island, IL (DAAE20-97-G-0002).

Feb 9/01: A $142 million modification to firm-fixed-price, multi-year contract DAAE07-95-C-0292. This procurement is an equitable adjustment to change-order modification P00110, that incorporated the System Enhancement Package (SEP) into 240 M1A2 Abrams Upgrade Tanks. This modification adds first article tests for the SEP into 240 tanks, adds material and testing for Under Armor Auxiliary Power Units that are to be retrofitted onto M1A2 Abrams Upgrade Tanks with the SEP.

Work will be performed in Lima, OH (80%); Scranton, PA (3%); Imperial Valley, CA (1%); Anniston, AL (4%); Tallahassee, FL (10%); Muskegon, MS (1%), and Sterling Heights, MI (1%), and is expected to be complete by Dec. 31, 2001. Of the total contract funds, $97.3 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 18, 1995.

Jan 16/01: The Research Triangle Institute in Research Triangle Park, NC received a $6 million modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract N61339-95-C-0015, exercising exercise an option for the production of one M1A2 Tank System Enhancement Package and one Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Maintenance Training System, Trainer Unique Modification Kit.

Work will be performed in Research Triangle Park, NC (60%) and Daytona, FL (40%); and is expected to be complete by September 2001. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division in Orlando, FL issued the contract.

Feb 10/2000: The Research Triangle Institute in Research Triangle Park, NC received a $5 million modification to previously awarded contract N61339-95-C-0015 for the design, refurbishment, documentation, fabrication, integration, testing, manufacture, delivery and installation of the M1A2 system enhancement package maintenance training systems. Work will be performed in Research Triangle Park, NC (60%) and Daytona, FL (40%), and is expected to be complete by November 2000. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division in Orlando, FL issued the contract.

Dec 22/99: A $24.9 million modification to cost-plus-fixed-fee contract DAAE07-96-C-X195, to exercise the option for system technical support for the Abrams Tank Program, a system enhancement package M1A2 retrofit for the Abrams Tank. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, MI and is expected to be complete by July 30, 2001. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is a sole source contract initiated on May 2, 1996.

Nov 23/99: A $5 modification to cost-plus-fixed-fee contract DAAE07-96-C-X195, to exercise priced options for system technical support for the Abrams Tank Program, the M1A2 retrofit System Enhancement Package. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, MI and is expected to be complete by Aug. 30, 2001. This is a sole source contract initiated on May 2, 1996.

May 4/98: A $9.1 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for various spares in support of fielding of the System Enhancement Package (SEP) of the M1A2 upgrade tank. Work will be performed in Tallahassee, FL (75%); Lima, OH (10%); Imperial Valley, CA (10%); and Scranton, OH (5%), and is expected to be complete by Dec. 31, 2000. This is a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 8, 1997 by the U.S. Army Tank-automotive & Armaments Command at Rock Island, IL (DAAE20-97-G-0002/0008).

Sept 26/97: A $7.3 million increment of a $24.3 million modification to a $127.3 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research and development for the Abrams System Enhancement Package (ASEP) that will be incorporated into the M1A2 Abrams Tank. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, MI and is expected to be complete by Feb. 28, 1999. Of the total contract funds, $14,757 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 23, 1994 (DAAE07-94-C-0727).

Aug 8/96: A $10 million modification to a cost plus fixed fee contract for two Heavy Assault Bridge Pre-Low Rate Initial Production Pilot/Test vehicles in Abrams M1A2 System Enhancement Package (SEP) configuration. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, MI and is expected to be complete by February 28, 1998. This is a sole source contract initiated on May 29, 1996 (DAAE07-94-C-0727).

Additional Readings & Sources

• The Armor Site – M1A1/2 Abrams. Simply the best Abrams tank reference.

• NBC News (July 28/12) – The M1 Abrams: The Army tank that could not be stopped

• US Army – (Feb 19/08) – Modified M1-A2 Abrams Tanks Improve Safety, Precision. Describes the TUSK modifications.

• US Army Logistics Management College, ALOG Magazine (Jan-Feb 1996) – Keeping M1A1′s in Action. A new way to employ the Army’s M1A1 full-up power pack (FUPP) saves time and money and helps ensure a combat-ready tank unit. A FUPP consists of a Honeywell AGT-1500 turbine engine, which contains four modules, and an Allison X1100-3B transmission.

The US Army’s Heavy Brigade Combat Teams have relied on BAE’s 30+ ton Bradley family of M2/3/6/7 vehicles for a variety of combat functions, from armed infantry carrier and cavalry scout roles, to specialized tasks like calling artillery fire and even short-range air defense. The Bradley first entered US Army service in 1981, however, and the fleet has served through several wars. Even ongoing RESET, modernizations, and remanufacturing cannot keep them going indefinitely.

The Army’s problem is that replacing them has been a ton of trouble. Future Combat Systems’ MGV-IFV was terminated, along with the other MGV variants, by the 2010 budget. A proposal to replace it with a “Ground Combat Vehicle” (GCV) program raised concerns that the Army’s wish list would create an even less affordable solution. Now a revised GCV program is underway. Can it deliver a vehicle that will be effective on the battlefield? Just as important, can it deliver a vehicle that the US Army can afford to buy and maintain, in the midst of major national budgetary problems and swelling entitlement programs?

GCV: Concept & Requirements

GCV concept
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The GCV Infantry Fighting Vehicle is not a simple competition among existing vehicle types, though the global armored vehicle industry could easily have offered that. Instead, it was decided to run GCV as a clean sheet design for a new armored vehicle that would incorporate all of the lessons learned in Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.

“All” can be a dangerous goal for a military that needs on-time, on-budget, reasonably priced solutions. The initial GCV RFP resulted in design submissions that were reportedly in the 60-70 ton range. That’s almost double the weight of a 33 ton Bradley family vehicle, or of new designs like Korea’s K-21 KNIFV; and 50% higher than even heavy IFVs like Germany’s Puma and Britain’s FRES-SV. Indeed, it’s equivalent to a heavy main battle tank like the M1 Abrams.

The August 2010 GCV RFP cancellation resulted in a new RFP that emphasized use of “mature” technologies, but didn’t change some of the key requirements driving issues like weight, size and cost. Nor did it change the Army’s insistence on big performance increases in a number of areas.

Under the terms of its revised RFP, the GCV Program is driven to achieve a set of primary imperatives called the “Big Four”. These “Big Four” imperatives are defined as follows:

• Force Protection: Including protection against IED land mines. This is not a traditional strength of tracked vehicles lighter than main battle tanks, due to their flat bottoms.

• Capacity: vehicle crew and a fully-equipped 9 soldier Infantry squad. That’s relatively large. The Bradley carries just 6, and survivability needs and “space under armor” are the 2 requirement sets that do the most to determine vehicle size and weight. Which in turn affect costs.

• Full Spectrum: “A versatile platform able to adapt and/or enhance capabilities through configuration changes of armor and network while providing for growth over time in terms of size, weight, power and cooling.” This has been a steady trend in current IFVs over time, including the Bradley.

• Timing: A design that can have the 1st production vehicle delivered and accepted within 7 years of the TD phase contract award.

Under the revised September 2010 RFP, some requirements were “Tier 1″: specifically defined, and must be met. Tier 2 and Tier 3 requirements must be addressed, but the vendors are responsible for making tradeoffs among them. Vendors that DID talked to believe this left the Army with better solutions than they would otherwise have received.

GCV: Controversies & Comparisons

Armor Evolution & GCV
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Intelligent tradeoffs within the RFP may have resulted in better design choices, but they won’t necessarily ensure a successful program. If the original requirements end up as major obstacles to fielding an affordable, tactically-relevant vehicle on time, as was the case with the recently-canceled USMC Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle IFV, there are no competition rule changes that can fix it.

The key question for the program is whether the GCV fits that category.

The initial GCV RFP resulted in design submissions that were reportedly in the 60-70 ton range, and that has continued. The Army has retained the key specifications driving it toward that weight class.

That level of size certainly ensures the versatility that comes with added space and heft, as Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Chiarelli explained in 2010:

“It is important to note that within the RFP you are not going to see a weight requirement. What you will see and what we are emphasizing is the Ground Combat Vehicle has to be a versatile vehicle. This will probably be one of the most versatile vehicles that the Army has ever designed. If you look at survivability or armor protection, we are going to have a modular design, meaning we can have scalable armor kits so the commander can decide how protected that vehicle needs to be for the mission… We are giving commanders the capability to tailor survivability for a given situation.”

If “versatility” means only tailorable armor kits, that is well underway in current American vehicle fleets, and in new offerings like KMW’s Puma IFV. On the other hand, if one is talking about functions and requirements, “versatility” has traditionally led American programs to very high cost solutions, and in some cases to program failure. The Marines’ Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle IFV is just the most recent cautionary example.

Puma IFV, Modular armor
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Beyond purchase and operating costs, which both increase in tandem with size and complexity, there is also a penalty in supporting costs. A C-17 airlifter can carry 2 Bradley vehicles, but looks likely to handle just 1 GCV. That doubles the time for crisis response using airlift. Higher fuel and operating costs also mean a longer, larger logistics tail behind, which must be paid for.

South Korea controlled requirements for its 28 ton K-21 KNIFV. They appear to have a vehicle with some performance improvements and some tradeoffs vs. the Bradley, at a cost of under $5 million per vehicle. Germany’s new 36-46 ton Puma IFV, which is considered to be a top-end system, is much closer to the GCV’s target price, at around EUR 7.65 million ($11 million) each under Germany’s July 2009 contract for 405 vehicles.

Namer
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Israel has a vehicle in the GCV’s weight class: its 60 tonne Namer APC/IFV, built on the hull of their Merkava 4 tank. The difference is that the Israelis aren’t looking for the same level of strategic mobility, and pursued much more of a ‘quick and dirty’ approach in order to keep costs down. The Israeli MoD is hired General Dynamics to produce some of their Namer vehicles in the USA, in order to take advantage of US aid dollars.

With the GCV, the USA appears to be hoping to deliver a much larger IFV than the Puma, with more sophisticated capabilities and systems than the Puma or Namer, at about the same or less cost than either alternative. Skepticism may well be warranted.

GCV: Program

At present, the US Army intends to order 1,874 GCVs, plus 30 test vehicles. The government’s average Unit Manufacturing Cost target for the GCV IFV Program is now $9 – $10.5 million per unit in FY 2010 constant dollars, which means that actual purchase costs will be higher due to inflation etc. That’s far lower than the original competition, whose limit was over $20 million. The targeted Operation & Sustainment cost is FY10$ 200 per mile, which is about 2x higher than the current Bradley family.

In a coming era of military budget cuts, both of those prices risk creating problems, even if the winning contractor meets the Army’s targets. If there are overruns, in either area, they are likely to cause budget and political problems in short order. Unfortunately, analysis done by the Pentagon’s own CAPE (Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation) office is closer to $16 – $17 million per unit, and examination of comparable vehicles and their costs gives credence to that view.

Planned Schedule

Meanwhile, the GCV Technology Development (TD) phase began issuing contracts in August 2011, and so began collecting political constituencies with a vested interest in continuing the program.

The TD Phase has 3 stated goals: 1. Create a basic vehicle design; 2. Refine and test key protective designs; and 3. Ensure a smooth handover for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase. Contractors are responsible for 100% of TD Phase overruns, but can keep 20% of any unspent contract monies.

Once a basic design is created, protective designs to be submitted and tested include the a Mine Blast Subsystem Prototype Test Article, and a Rocket Propelled Grenade Protection Subsystem Prototype.

The TD Phase’s key milestone is the Preliminary Design Review (PDR), to be held by February 2013. Upon completion of the PDR, TD phase contractors will continue to work on their designs, while refining the Unit Manufacturing Cost (UMC) estimates.

In preparation for EMD, TD Phase contractors will submit an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) that contains planning packages through delivery of the Early Prototype vehicle, 12 months from award of the EMD contract. they also submit an Integrated Master Plan (IMP) through delivery of the First Full-Up Prototype Vehicle, which happens 30 months from winning the EMD contract.

The 4 year EMD Phase was planned to be solicited in FY 2013. It will focus on completing the detailed design, building integrated GCV IFV prototypes, and conducting key tests including Production Qualification Testing (PQT), a Limited User Test, and ballistic survivability testing. The original plan was to pick up to 2 contractors based upon price, schedule and technical performance, with awards going to both TD participants. Instead, a January 2013 change shifted the competition to a single winner, with the Army still waiting to decide whether it will be an entirely new design, or a modification of an existing vehicle.

GCV: Competing Teams

Team BAE

CV90, urban camo
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The GCV competition attracted 3 teams of competitors, but the Army took an important step to level the playing field. The cancelled FCS Manned Ground Vehicle (MGV) program data, referred to as the MGV Body of Knowledge, was made available to all qualified TD Phase bidders.

One team is led by Bradley IFV manufacturer BAE Systems, who also makes the popular CV90 IFV, and had a major role in Future Combat Systems’ MGV. They are partnered with:

• Northrop Grumman – C4ISR (command, control, communications, computing, intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance) integrator.
  
• iRobot – Integration of the SUGV ground robot, and other robotics, into the vehicle. SUGV is one of the few survivors of the Future Combat Systems program. Longer term contribution may include GCV autonomous driving capability.
  
• MTU/ Tognum America – Power pack (MTU engine, transmission & generator – Series 880?). Parent firm Tognum AG is in the process of being controlled by Daimler AG and Rolls Royce plc.
  
• QinetiQ North America – E-X-Drive electric drive propulsion system. Same partnership as MGV.
  
• Saft – Hybrid drive’s energy storage system. Same partnership as MGV.

The firm has conducted tests with Artis downward-firing Iron Curtain active protection system. Technically, the GCV doesn’t require an APS. In practice, the Congressional Research Service says that both qualifying teams are including APS systems on their designs.

Team BAE’s design has an extraordinary 70-ton base weight, which can rise to 84 tons with all add-on kits. By comparison, an M1A2 Abrams tank is 68 tons. Beyond the 360-degree protection levels and personnel carriage requirements that drove much of the GCV’s weight, BAE personnel told DID that the Army’s change of direction to emphasize mature technology, while requiring more than incremental increases in performance, was the key push behind their own design. Those requirements are forcing a very heavy system – but could BAE draw on experience with a wide variety of armored combat vehicle programs, including SEP and FCS MGV, to match mature best-of-breed technologies and give the Army what it wanted?

BAE’s most visible and daring choice involved a diesel-electric hybrid drive. It pays off in some weight savings, in superior power export capabilities, and especially in survivability and space under armor. A diesel-electric drive can mechanically decouple the drive shafts from the engine, creating tremendous layout flexibility for protective features like v-hulls, and better arrangement of internal space. The team touts its design as having better blast resistance than existing Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles like its RG-31 and RG-33.

The flip side of a hybrid drive involves technical risk and reliability, but in conversations with DID, BAE personnel explained why they didn’t see that as much of a risk. Civilian heavy equipment in industries like mining etc. is already using hybrid drive technology as a matter of routine, offering both a mature technical base, and a known path for scaling these systems up for very heavy vehicles. BAE provides hybrid drives for some civilian vehicles, and felt that their experience with MGV, SEP, etc. gave them a solid base to work from.

On the electronics side, Northrop Grumman has been working with the US Army’s “VICTORY (Vehicular Integration for c4isr/electronic warfare inTerOpeRabilitY) Architecture” of standards and specifications, in order to deliver a suite of internal electronics and sensors that can be upgraded easily over time.

Team General Dynamics

ASCOD-2 Scout
(click to view full)

The 2nd team is led by General Dynamics, who 40-45t ASCOD 2 was picked in 2010 as Britain’s forthcoming FRES-SV infantry fighting/ scout vehicle. They’re also producing Israel’s 60t Namer IFV, in order to take advantage of US military aid dollars that must be spent in the USA. General Dynamics Land Systems is the prime contractor, with GD C4 systems responsible for network integration, communications, computing and information assurance.

The GDLS design for GCV is only marginally lighter than BAE’s, at 64 tons for the base vehicle (still a ton heavier than an M1A1 Abrams main battle tank), and 74 tons when all of the optional protection packages are added. Major subcontractors include:

• Lockheed Martin – Turret, lethal and non-lethal effects and embedded training. This is broadly the same partnership as FRES, though it may not be the same turret.
  
• Raytheon – RPG protection system, indirect-vision systems, and sensor integration. Raytheon’s “HTK” system received development contracts as the Active Protection System for FCS MGV.
  
• MTU/Tognum America – Power pack (MTU engine, transmission & generator – Series 890?). Parent firm Tognum AG is in the process of being controlled by Daimler AG and Rolls Royce plc.

Out? Germany’s Puma

Puma IFV
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A 3rd team, which did not receive an award, was led by Future Combat Systems’ Lead Integrator SAIC. It was explicitly based on Germany’s new Puma IFV, which weighs about 33 tons for the base vehicle, and 42 tons if all add-on protection kits are included. Their team included SAIC, plus:

• KMW and Rheinmetall – Puma IFV
  
• Boeing – C4ISR integrator. SAIC’s fellow FCS Lead Integrator.

Assembly in America was the team’s big capability gap, but the team proposed to fill it with small and medium sized manufacturing firms. SAIC’s GAO protest failed, but the Puma will get a 2nd look.

Contracts & Key Events

CSIS event
click for video

April 29/13: APS. Defense Update reports that BAE’s GCV team has successfully tested Artis’ downward-firing Iron Curtain active protection system (APS), defeating all threats fired against the substitute M-ATV wheeled vehicle. Iron Curtain coiples their high-speed processor to an optical sensor, downward-firing “bars” arranged around the vehicle’s perimeter, and a DARPA-developed radar by Mustang Technology Group in Plano, TX. Firing its projectiles downward makes the system safer for accompanying troops.

Technically, the GCV doesn’t require an APS. In practice, The US Congressional Research Service says that both teams are incorporating them into their design.

April 23/13: TD. A pair of contracts to extend the GCV Technology Development phase by 6 months, using FY 2013 Army RDT&E funding. US TACOM Army Contracting Command in Warren, MI manages the contracts.

BAE Systems Land and Armaments LP in Sterling Heights, MI receives $159.5 million more under their fixed-price-incentive contract (W56HZV-11-C-C001, PO 0019).

General Dynamic Land Systems Inc. in Sterling Heights, MI receives $180.4 million more under their fixed-price-incentive contract (W56HZV-11-C-C002, PO 0019).

TD Phase extended

April 17/13: CRS Report. The US Congressional Research Service issues its latest version of R41597: “The Army’s Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) Program: Background and Issues for Congress.” DID’s Google Drive service has the latest version. FAS [PDF] | OpenCRS (currently behind).

April 10/13: FY 2014 Budget. The President releases a proposed budget at last, the latest in modern memory. The Senate and House were already working on budgets in his absence, but the Pentagon’s submission is actually important to proceedings going forward. For the GCV, the FY 2014 budget announces the restructuring terms, and requests $592.2 million, with plans to move into the EMD system development phase in Q3 2013. To get a sense of the changes, the FY 2012 justification expected program spending of $1.963 billion in FY 2014.

Previous GCV budgets have included $435 million in 2012, and a request for $639.9 million in 2013. All funds to date have been for Research, Development, Testing & Evaluation.

Under the new arrangements, GCV’s Technology Development (TD) and Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development (EMD) phases will be stretched by 12 months. See also DoD Buzz | DID budget coverage.

March 28/13: GAO Report. The US GAO tables its “Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs“. Which is actually a review for 2012, plus time to compile and publish. With respect to the GCV, their 1-page quick briefing says that the Analysis of Alternatives is due by March 2013, with a Preliminary Design Review for the TD Phase designs by June 2013:

“….at that point, according to an Army official, should be ready to determine whether GCV will be an entirely new vehicle or a modified existing vehicle. The Army plans to begin procuring GCV while also procuring other new and costly combat vehicle programs such as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle.”

Total program: $37,923.5 million
RDT&E: $7,025.6 million
Procurement: $25,365.8 million
GCVs: 1,904 = 30 development + 1,874 procurement

March 20/13: Army expectations. CSIS runs the “Ground Forces Dialogue: Major General H.R. McMaster /Ground Force Maneuver: Why It Still Matters” event with the US Army Maneuver Center of Excellence’s commander. He mentioned the advantages and limitations of existing M2 Bradleys, and some of the expectations for the GCV. Among them, it should be able to carry a squad of 9 (not 11 cut down to 6). See: Event video | Army doctrine documents.

Feb 15/13: EMD draft. The US Army’s Contracting Command-Warren publishes draft documents for the Ground Combat Vehicle Infantry Fighting Vehicle (GCV IFV) Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase, including a draft Capability Development Document (CDD). Access is restricted with export controls and other conditions. They expect feedback from industry by March 13. The date for the GCV EMD RFP is not set yet.

November 2012: The Congressional Budget Office releases Working Paper 2012-15: “Technical Challenges of the U.S. Army’s Ground Combat Vehicle Program.” From the rationale for full squad carriage of 9 dismounts, to the key issues faced in defending against various kinds of threats from EFP mines to anti-tank missiles, this paper’s explanations are lucid, clear, and enhanced by informative illustrations. It also deals with the GCV’s key tradeoffs, especially around weight and cost. Highly recommended.

Mobility compared
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May 8/12: DoD’s Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) FY11 report [PDF] dates from February but was only released publicly today. Though the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is exempt from DFARS regulations, CAPE has started independently assessing the cost of their programs. They have focused so far on regular major programs (MDAPs) while they have worked mostly on the IT programs (MAIS) deemed to be in the worst shape. Also of note:

“There were two notable pioneering cases (the Ohio Replacement and the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV)) where CAPE prepared independent cost estimates early in the program development as part of the Materiel Solution Analysis phase leading to a Milestone A DAB review. The Materiel Solution Analysis phase presents the first substantial opportunity to influence design through trade-off studies that balance requirements, performance, technology choices, schedule, and cost considerations. The CAPE independent cost estimate is now an important element of this process.”

CAPE is estimating a cost per vehicle around $15-16 million.

March 1/12: New entrants? Aviation Week Ares reports that the Army is using some of its technology development phase funds to invite more competitors to test at White Sands, NM. They include BAE’s existing M2 Bradley (A3 and turretless) and its popular CV90-035; and General Dynamics’ Namer (partnership with Israel) and new wheeled, v-hulled Stryker DVH. SAIC’s GAO protest was rejected, but its Puma will also get another look. Just not at White Sands. In addition:

“The Army has also confirmed to AvWeek that it is looking to conduct assessments of two other tracked European vehicles: the BMP, made by the Russian company JSC Kurganmashzavod; and the VBCI infantry fighting vehicle, produced by France’s Nexter [DID: which is wheeled, not tracked]… The Army requested $640 million in fiscal year 2013 to continue work on the technology development phase… the GCV program has been ordered to work two separate analyses of alternatives along with an additional non-developmental evaluation, all while BAE Systems and General Dynamics continue to refine their designs.”

The betting odds are that this is more of a “data to back our claim that existing gear isn’t good enough for us” exercise, rather than an effort to really rethink the direction of this program. Aviation Week later strengthens that belief by reporting on March 12/12 that:

“An official at the GCV office tells DTI that the data gathered during the NIE [exercise with the various platforms] will be used to validate existing capabilities against the planned capabilities of the GCV – especially potential capability trade-offs as the program drives toward Milestone B. Ultimately, an award is expected by the end of 2013.”

Aug 26/11: Protest. The SAIC team is launching a bid protest with the Congressional Government Accountability Office. That protest puts the release of contracted funding on hold, until it is resolved, which must happen within 100 days. AOL Defense:

“We believe the government relied on evaluation criteria outside its published request for proposal,” Koskovich said. “We also believe several aspects of the bid may have been discounted because of a lack of familiarity with their non-American origins.”

They didn’t win.

Aug 24/11: Sub-contractors. Tognum America announces that its Series 880 (880 – 2,016 kW) and Series 890 (410 – 920 KW) engines will be used in the BAE and GDLS designs. They do not say which engine is in which design, but BAE’s use of a hybrid drive strongly suggests that they’re the ones using the higher capacity V12 Series 880.

June 30/11: DAB Review coming. Defense News reports that GCV program will receive another Defense Acquisition Board Review on July 21/11, adding that even the cost target drop from $24 million (original RFP) to $10.5 million (current RFP) may not save GCV from budget issues.

March 9/11: Hard questions. U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett [R-MD], the Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, releases a statement for the subcommittee’s hearing on the Administration’s FY 2012 budget request for the equipment modernization programs for the U.S. Army. Excerpts:

“In terms of this year’s budget request, the Army’s top two modernization priorities are the tactical network and the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) programs… the committee has and continues to support the Army’s goal of pursuing a modernized combat vehicle. However, the committee needs to understand the rationale as to why the Ground Combat Vehicle should proceed as scheduled… How do we know that the GCV is the full spectrum vehicle that the Army needs? Why did the Army not complete an analysis of alternatives before it issued the original requests for proposals as this committee had encouraged? Can the Army afford to launch another program that could cost up to $30 billion to procure a vehicle that carries a squad of nine instead of the current six? Why not consider as an alternative option, continuing to upgrade Abrams, Bradleys and Strykers; focus on the network and take part of the funds and apply it to lightening the load of the soldier?… To be clear, I am not saying that I don’t support the GCV program… However, as was the case with the FCS program, it is this committee’s responsibility to ask the hard questions now, so that we don’t learn in five years that the Army can’t afford the GCV or that it is based on ‘exquisite’ requirements.”

Jan 21/11: Bids in. The BAE/NGC team submits its RFP bid. Major sub-contractors include iRobot, MTU, QinetiQ North America, Saft.

MTU, now known as Tognum America, is also supplying the engine for General Dynamics’ team, which evidently submitted its own proposal.

SAIC’s “Team Full Spectrum” submits a Puma-derived design again. Boeing, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall Defence will be the key subcontractors. BAE Systems | Boeing.

Jan 18/11: ADVS out. Advanced Defense Vehicle Systems (ADVS) announces that it will withdraw as a competitor for the Army’s Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) Program:

“Under the current program, the contracting efforts have been divided into three stages. The first stage will not require producing a prototype demonstration vehicle and, in fact, the Army will wait a total of seven years to field a weapon system… While ADVS supports the Army’s concept, they encourage the U.S. Department of Defense to review the ADVS strategies and past performance and consider ways of developing and fielding vehicles quicker and more economically. Such a rapid process is counter to the current GCV strategy; though supportive of the philosophy of Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates.”

Dec 3/10: Costs. Aviation Week quotes Gen. Cartwright says the US military must begin to value scale and numbers, not just capabilities. Even as the proposed GCV to replace the M2/M3 Bradleys has an expected price of up to $10.5 million per GCV – and a target of twice the Bradley’s per-mile operating cost.

Nov 30/10: TD competition. The US Army releases modified rules [PDF] for the GCV-IFV competition. Army GCV Program Manager Colonel Andrew DiMarco is quoted as saying that the Army expects to award up to 3 technology-development contracts, under a fixed-price model with incentives, in April 2011. Companies would get 20% of any money saved if they beat their budget.

Current plans call for eventual construction of 1,874 of the new vehicles, beginning in 7 years. Reuters.

Oct 26/10: BAE. The BAE/NGC team adds iRobot Corp:

“iRobot Corporation will serve as the unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) integrator and enhance the capability to detect pedestrians and obstacles of interest with growth towards an autonomous driving capability for the GCV. iRobot will also be responsible for integration of the U.S. Army’s Brigade Combat Team modernization program Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) robotic platform so that it can be operated from inside the GCV.”

Oct 1/10: The US Army holds its GCV Industry Day. FBO.gov.

RFP v1.0 plan
(click to view full)

Sept 22/10: The US Army issues Solicitation # W56HZV-11-R-0001: “10–Ground Combat Vehicle Technology Development Phase Solicitation.” This is a renewed RFP, following the cancellation of the Feb 25/10 issue. See also US Army TACOM page. Bottom line?

“The solicitation will seek to award up to three cost reimbursement contracts for the TD phase focusing on mature technologies in order to reduce significant developmental risk over a seven year schedule culminating with the first GCV production vehicle.”

GCV RFP v2.0

July 26/10: The BAE/NGC team adds QinetiQ and Saft. QinetiQ North America will provide the E-X-Drive electric drive propulsion system, while Saft will provide the energy storage system. BAE Systems.

May 24/10: Puma bid. Future Combat Systems’ two Lead Systems Integrators, Boeing and SAIC, team with KMW in a bid for the US Army’s next-generation IFV: The Ground Combat Vehicle program. Boeing’s release states that:

“The team’s offering draws from the experience gained from the Manned Ground Vehicle and the Puma programs and will be built in the United States with a team of experienced American small and mid-tier supplier businesses.”

May 21/10: Bids. The BAE/NGC team, and the GD/Raytheon team, submit their bids for the GCV Technology Development phase. BAE Systems | GDLS.

March 10/10: BAE Systems teams up with Northrop Grumman Corporation, who will be the C4ISR systems integrator for their GCV team. They have a similar relationship with respect to the JLTV program to replace existing HMMWV jeeps. BAE Systems.

Oct 19/09: After the Pentagon terminates Future Combat Systems’ Manned Ground Vehicle program, the US Army releases solicitation #W56HZV-GCV-Spec_CDD: “Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) Draft Specification/CDD”

Additional Readings

The GCV

• US Army TACOM – W56HZV-11-R-0001 Ground Combat Vehicle. Competition/ RFP site.

• US Army Stand To! (April 12/10) – Army’s Ground Combat Vehicle

• US Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Command (TARDEC) – Vehicle Electronics and Architecture

• BAE – Ground Combat Vehicle. 70+ tons. This is progress?

Other News & Background

• CSIS (March 20/13) – Ground Forces Dialogue: Major General H.R. McMaster /Ground Force Maneuver: Why It Still Matters. The commander of the US Army’s Maneuver Center of Excellence.

• COTS Journal (May 2011) – Open Standards and Phased Approach Benefit Ground Vehicle Modernization

• Defense Systems (2010) – PEO C3T Program Review & Vision Guide: VICTORY Over “Bolt-On” Integration

• DID – I Beg to Differ: The US GAO’s Bid Protest Process

Official Reports

• US CRS, via OpenCRS (#R41597, last update April 17/13) – The Army’s Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) Program: Background and Issues for Congress.

• US CBO (April 2/13) – The Army’s Ground Combat Vehicle Program and Alternatives

• US CBO (Nov 6/12) – Technical Challenges of the U.S. Army’s Ground Combat Vehicle Program. Outstanding: accessible, clear, and informative.

• US GAO (June 16/11, #GAO-11-502) – DOD Weapon Systems: Missed Trade-off Opportunities During Requirements Reviews

• US GAO (March 9/11, #GAO-11-425T) – Key Questions Confront the Army’s Ground Force Modernization Initiatives

• US GAO (April 15/10, #GAO-10-603T) – Defense Acquisitions: Opportunities and Challenges for Army Ground Force Modernization Efforts

In July 2012, Qatar’s government announced their interest in purchasing up to 200 Leopard 2A7 heavy tanks from Germany. The tanks would more than replace Qatar’s existing set of 30-40 French AMX-30 medium tanks, which are a 1970s era design. The deal was completed in 2013, and it turned out to be smaller but broader.

PzH-2000
(click to view full)

April 18/13: KMW announces a EUR 1.89 billion (about $2.48 billion) contract with Qatar for 62 Leopard 2A7 main battle tanks, and 24 PzH-2000 heavy self-propelled 155mm howitzers. The contract includes peripheral equipment, training installations, and additional services. The release adds that:

“The systems delivered to Qatar by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann are intended to progressively replace the emirates outdated artillery and tanks of French and South African origin, which will be scrapped.”

The Qatari armed forces currently operate 22 AMX F3 self-propelled howitzers, and 12 of Denel’s G5 towed howitzers. The PzH-2000′s mobility, ability to use precision-guided shells, and inherent ability to place multiple rounds on target in a very short time, should more than suffice to replace both artillery systems. KMW [PDF].

July 30/12: Der Spiegel reports that Qatar’s government have announced their interest in purchasing up to 200 Leopard 2A7 heavy tanks from Germany, in a deal that could be worth up to EUR 2 billion/ $2.46 billion. Fellow Gulf Cooperation Council member Saudi Arabia is interested in 600-800 of these tanks, and a win in both countries could keep German armor manufacturers busy for quite some time. A delegation from KMW has reportedly already been to Qatar.

“Qatar’s desire to purchase the tanks has yet to be discussed in the Federal Security Council. But there are indications that both the Chancellery and the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology are inclined to give the deal their blessing. In fact, Qatar perfectly fits the type of country targeted by the Merkel Doctrine. The peninsula-nation has become one of Germany’s most important partners in the Gulf region. It took an active role in the fight against Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, and it has been supplying the Syrian resistance with weapons. It aims to become a stabilizing power in the region and declares itself to be pro-Western.”

Even so, there is considerable unease in Germany with respect to weapon exports generally, and exports to volatile Middle Eastern countries in particular.

In July 2006 the US DSCA informed Congress [PDF] that the government of Saudi Arabia wished to purchase 58 M1A1 Abrams tanks, then upgrade these M1A1s, along with its existing 315 M1A2s, to create 373 M1A2S (Saudi) Abrams configuration main battle tanks. The sale will include kits, spare and repair parts, communications and support equipment, publications and technical data, personnel training and training equipment, contractor engineering and technical support services and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $2.9 billion.

This program also dovetails well with ongoing Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Agreement, which ensure support and spare parts for their American-made land equipment. This sale and upgrade program will be executed in 3 phases, and is well underway.

M1A2S Program: Phases and Plans

The 3 phases for the main program are as follows:

• PHASE 1: Engineering phase for 30 months;

• PHASE 2: Purchase of 58 M1A1s, and upgrade to M1A2S (Saudi) configuration. The Abrams Integrated Management (AIM) program was designed to economically rebuild and maintain the M1A1 Main Battle Tank (MBT) to a ‘like new’ condition, in order to improve fleet readiness and reduce sustainment costs. The 58 M1A1s will undergo an ‘AIM-like’ process and will be upgraded to the M1A2S configuration in the United States;

• PHASE 3: Tear down of the 315 M1A2 Abrams in Saudi Arabia’s tank fleet and upgrade to the M1A2S configuration. The 315 Saudi M1A2A MBT’s will also undergo an ‘AIM-like’ process and will be re-configured to the M1A2S configuration. Vehicle teardown and final re-assembly will be accomplished in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has an unusual land forces structure whereby it has an “American brigade” (8th Armored Brigade) currently armed with US equipment like M1 Abrams tanks, M2 Bradleys et. al., and a “French brigade” (4th Armored Brigade) armed with French equipment including AMX-30 tanks, AMX-10P APCs, et. al. Indeed, Saudi equipment throughout its land forces tends to be a mixture of American and French equipment as a rule. This hedges against supplier continuity and creates wider markers for geopolitical favors, at the cost of increased maintenance burdens and potential logistical and interoperability headaches. The Tribune-Libanaise’s 2006 article “The Dynamics of Weapons Procurement in Gulf States” offers outstanding insight and background in this area.

There were rumors that the 2006 memorandum of defense cooperation with France may also lead to an order of Leclerc main battle tanks etc., to upgrade the “French brigade” alongside its American counterpart. There has been no action on that front, but there have been countervailing rumors of a deal for Russian T-90s.

Contracts and Key Events

Unless otherwise noted, General Dynamics Land Systems in Sterling Heights, MI executes these contracts, while the U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command in Warren, MI manages the contract on behalf of its Foreign Military Sale client in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi M1 at Anniston
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March 25/13: General Dynamics Land Systems in Sterling Heights, MI receives a $39.1 million firm-fixed-price contract modification, to convert more M1A2 tanks to M1A2S configuration for Saudi Arabia. Saudi contracts have become very important as GDLS tries to keep the plant open in the face of near-zero demand from the US Army.

Work will be performed in Lima, OH with an estimated completion date of Jan 31/14. One bid was solicited, with 1 bid received by US Army Contracting Command in Warren, MI (W56HZV-11-C-0350). See also Lima News.

Jan 3/13: General Dynamic Land Systems in Sterling Heights, MI receives a $132.7 million contract for “services in support of M1A2S Abrams Tank production for Foreign Military Sales.” GDLS has confirmed that this contract covers 69 tanks.

Work will be performed in Lima, OH, with an estimated completion date of July 31/14. One bid was solicited, with one bid received (W56HZV-13-C-0104).

April 12/12: US Army sheds light. The US Army throws a bit of light on a program that has been short of details, as it announces that Anniston Army Depot had contracted to overhaul 143 Saudi M1 Abrams tanks to M1A2S standard, through a partnership with General Dynamics Land Systems. It extends a previous GDLS partnership that began in early 2011, when the depot assisted in upgrading 57 M1A1 and M1A2 tanks to the M1A2S variant.

Once structural repairs are complete, the hulls, turrets and components will be shipped from Alabama to Lima, OH, where the tanks will be assembled by General Dynamics Land Systems.

That brings the total number of M1A2S tanks under the agreement to 200, and an additional 129 tanks are awaiting funding. Work will take place at Lima Army Tank Plant, OH, where 326,000 direct labor hours are expected for the installation through this program. Anniston Army Depot employees will disassemble and sandblast the vehicles, then perform needed repairs to the hulls and turrets. They’ll also play a key role in refurbishing components for the vehicles by rebuilding the Gunner’s Primary Sight assembly, computer control panel, elevating mechanism assembly, gunner’s control assembly, and other parts for each tank. US Army.

April 9/12: A $12.1 million cost contract modification buying M1A2S long lead materials. Work will be performed in Lima, OH, with an estimated completion date of Nov 30/12. One bid was solicited, with one bid received (W56HZV-11-C-0350).

March 2/12: An $11.1 million cost contract modification buying M1A2S long lead materials. Work will be performed in Lima, OH, with an estimated completion date of Nov 30/12. One bid was solicited, with one bid received (W56HZV-11-C-0350).

March 2/12: An $8 million firm-fixed-price contract modification to convert M1A2S tanks. Work will be performed in Lima, OH, with an estimated completion date of May 30/12. One bid was solicited, with one bid received (W56HZV-11-C-0005).

Jan 5/12: Lockheed Martin Global Training and Logistics in Orlando, FL receives an $8.2 million firm-fixed-price contract to upgrade Saudi Advanced Gunnery Training System configurations to the M1A2S standard.

Work will be performed in Orlando, FL, and Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with an estimated completion date of Feb 28/14. One bid was solicited, with one bid received by the US Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Acquisition Center in Orlando, FL, who acts as Saudi Arabia’s agent in this matter (W900KK-12-C-0008).

Jan 5/12: An $11.8 million cost contract modification “to increase foreign military sales funding.” No further details are given, but the contract number corresponds to Saudi M1A2S upgrades. Work will be performed in Lima, OH, with an estimated completion date of Nov 30/12. One bid was solicited, with 1 bid received by the US Army Contracting Command in Warren, MI (W56HZV-11-C-0350).

Nov 10/11: Mistaken announcement. A $6.9 million cost-no-fee contract for kits to convert M1A2 tanks to Saudi Arabia’s M1A2S configuration. Work will be performed in Oxford, AL, with an estimated completion date of Nov 30/12. One bid was solicited, with one bid received (W56HZV-11-C-0350).

Discussions with GDLS reveal that despite the Pentagon announcement, this isn’t a contract yet.

Aug 11/11: A $29.75 million cost-no-fee contract for kit delivery and associated labor supporting production and conversion of 60 M1A2 tanks to Saudi Arabia’s M1A2S configuration. Work will be performed in Lima, OH until Aug 30/12. One bid was solicited, with one bid received (W56HZV-11-C-0350).

Aug 9/11: A $12.6 million cost-no-fee contract for kit delivery and associated labor supporting production and conversion of 42 more M1A2 tanks to Saudi Arabia’s M1A2S configuration. Work will be performed in Lima, OH, with an estimated completion date of Sept 30/12. One bid was solicited, with one bid received (W56HZV-11-C-0005).

Jan 4/11: A $6.9 million cost-no-fee contract will provide tools and equipment to help set up a production facility in Saudi Arabia for converting M1 Abrams tanks to the M1A2S configuration. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, MI, with an estimated completion date of Aug 1/12. One bid was solicited with one bid received (W56HZV-10-C-0160).

Jan 4/11: A $37.1 million cost-no-fee contract for materials and labor to convert 42 M1A2 tanks to Saudi Arabia’s M1A2S configuration. Work will be performed in Lima, OH, with an estimated completion date of Sept 30/12. One bid was solicited with one bid received (W56HZV-11-C-0005).

Saudi M1 Abrams
(click to view full)

Dec 3/10: A $19 million firm-fixed-price contract to incorporate the unique materials and labor required for the conversion of 15 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) M1A1 to M1A2S tanks.

Work will be performed in Lima, OH with an estimated completion date of March 3/12. One bid was solicited with one bid received (W56HZV-10-C-0002).

Dec 8/09: A $17.6 million firm-fixed-price contract for 1 lot of common and long lead components to support the conversion of 15 M1A2 tanks to M1A2S tanks for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Work is to be performed at the Lima Army Tank Plant in Lima, OH, with an estimated completion date of March 31/12. One bid was solicited and one bid received by the U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command in Warren, MI (W56HZV-10-C-0002).

According to GDLS, this is a separate order from the process initiated by the July 2006 DSCA request, which is currently in Phase 2 and expects to deliver M1A2S tanks in 2010. It is not even a Foreign Military Sale; technically, it’s a US Army order that will convert 15 of the US Army’s M1A2s, whereupon they will be conveyed to Saudi Arabia.

Sept 18/09: A $7.2 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to support Saudi Arabia’s M1A2S Abrams tank conversion. Work is to be performed in Warren, MI with an estimated completion date of Feb 28/12. One bid was solicited with one bid received by US Army TACOM in Warren, MI (W56HZV-09-C-0095).

Nov 4/08: A $58.3 million cost plus fixed price contract to convert M1A2 Abrams tanks into Saudi M1A2S configuration. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, MI, with an estimated completion date of Dec 31/10. One bid was solicited and one bid was received, by US Army TACOM in Warren, MI (W56HZV-09-C-0095).

This appears to be the Phase 2 contract. General Dynamics’ release describes the final product as “a hybrid configuration of the M1A1, M1A2 and M1A2 System Enhancement Package (SEP) tank variants for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” It adds:

“Related contracts are expected to be awarded through FMS under the multiphase Royal Saudi Land Forces M1A2S program that will fund additional engineering work, production and modification to vehicles, and plant retooling.”

M88A2 HERCULES
(click to view full)

July 28/06: US DSCA announcement. The DSCA also reviews past US weapons land weapon sales to Saudi Arabia, noting that (links are DID’s):

“We previously notified transmittal number 90-07 to Congress on 2 December 1989 of the possible sale of 315 M1A2A Abrams tanks, with ancillary weapons and equipment, 30 M88A1 recovery vehicles, 175 M998 [HMMWV jeep] utility trucks, other trucks, ammunition, and full logistics support for an estimated value of $725 million.

Transmittal number 90-78 was notified to Congress on 27 October 1990 for the possible sale of 150 M1A2 tanks, 200 Bradley Fighting Vehicle Family Systems (including TOW versions and 1,750 TOW IIA Missiles), 207 M113 Armored Personnel Carrier Family Vehicles, [including] 50 M548 Cargo Carriers; 17 M88A1 [Recovery Vehicles and] 43 M578 Recovery Vehicles, ammunition, and full logistics support for an estimated value of $3.2 billion.”

General Dynamics Land Systems of Sterling Heights, MI will be the prime contractor. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale, and implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of U.S. Government and contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia for up to 8 years. The exact number of representatives will be established during program definition between representatives of the United States Government and the purchaser.

In the 1970s, middle eastern wars demonstrated that tanks without infantry screens were vulnerable to infantry with anti-tank missiles. Unfortunately, armored personnel carriers were easy prey for enemy tanks, and sometimes had trouble just keeping up with friendly tanks like America’s 60+ ton, 50+ mph M1 Abrams. In response, the Americans rethought the armored personnel carrier, taking a page from the Soviet book. They created a more heavily armored, faster “Infantry Fighting Vehicle” named after WW2 General Omar “the soldier’s general” Bradley, and gave it an offensive punch of its own. M2/M3 tracked, armored IFVs can carry infantry – but they also have 25mm Bushmaster cannons, networked targeting sensors, and even TOW anti-armor or Stinger anti-aircraft missiles at their disposal.

Bradley puts on wear
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Even well-serviced vehicles must suffer the pangs of age and wear, however, and the pace of electronics breakthroughs is far faster than the Army’s vehicle replacement cycle. The US Army plans to keep its Bradley fleet for some time to come, and new technologies have made it wise to upgrade part of that fleet while renewing the vehicles. Hence the remanufacture program, which complements the restore-only RESET programs.

This free-to-view DII Spotlight article explains the differences between the Bradley variants involved, details the re-manufacture process, offers additional research sources, and covers associated contracts from FY 1999 to the present.

Bradley Variants and Sub-Variants: A Quick Guide

Bradley Fighting Vehicles: Origins and History

M3A2 CFV: Ad-Dwr, Iraq
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Introduced in the 1980s during the Reagan defense build-up, the Bradleys were a departure from the usual mold of lightly armed Armored Personnel Carriers. They were heavily criticized for their expense, and accused of being both too heavy for rapid transport to crisis points and too lightly armored to hold their own against serious opposition. Even so, over 6,700 were produced. Most were for the US Army, but there was also a minor order on the side from the Saudis.

The Bradley IFV/CFV was finally thrust into battle during the 1991 Desert Storm campaign, where their combination of firepower, mobility, and protection made them a valuable asset, and largely laid the effectiveness controversies to rest. A widely upgraded fleet of Bradleys would reprise this role in Operation Iraqi Freedom, both during the deep in-country push that culminated in the “Thunder Run” into Baghdad, and during subsequent stabilization operations. The 2nd Battle of Fallujah also made heavy use of the Bradley, as documented in Staff Sgt. David Bellavia’s (retd.) excellent book “House to House: An Epic Memoir of War.”

Today, many other nations employ IFVs, from older Russian BMP/BRDMs to modernized and up-gunned M113 APCs, to more modern options like BAE’s popular CV90 family and Germany’s new Puma IFV from KMW & Rheinmetall.

The Bradleys’ high level of protection against anti-tank rockets has proven to be a significant plus, and operational readiness has reportedly exceeded 94%, during urban and cross-country missions that have covered more than 8 million miles. Its major weakness is a 175 gallon fuel tank in the belly, which is typically protected only by aluminum armor, and can become a source of severe burns during land mine attacks. Unfortunately, the Bradleys are not being redesigned to carry fuel externally as part of the remanufacture and upgrade process. Instead, a number of Bradleys are receiving improved mine-resistant belly armor as a stopgap measure, plus BFSS that use a new, lower, fuel cell bladder

Bradley Family Variants

M6 Linebacker
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Bradley vehicles carry a crew of 3 (commander, gunner and driver), plus additional soldiers in some variants. Overall, the Bradleys fulfills 5 critical mission roles for the US Army’s Heavy Brigade Combat Teams: infantry fighting vehicle – carries 6-7 troops (M2); cavalry fighting vehicle – carries 2 scouts (M3); fire support vehicle (A3 BFIST or M7 BFIST based on A2-ODS); battle command vehicle; and engineer squad vehicle (EBFV, or M2A2-ODS-E).

The M-A3s are the most modern variants of the Bradley, with fully digitized computing, navigation, and communications equipment. On-board subsystem monitoring, diagnostics/ prognostics, and segregated electrical power are included in this upgrade, as are improved NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection and the addition of a 7th troop seat in the M2A3 variant. The A3 then adds enhanced sensors including IBAS 2nd generation FLIR (thermal imaging) with significantly greater range. Armor Magazine’s March 2005 issue relates this story from Iraq:

“Staff Sergeant Brian Flading, a 19D Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, remembers an incident when his platoon was mortared one night in Balad. With the new FLIR, the crew was able to see the enemy shooting the mortars. His crew sent rounds downrange within three seconds of the mortar shot…”

The US Army plans to have more than 2,000 total Bradley A3s in its future fleet. Most of those vehicles will be converted to that standard through the remanufacture process.

M-A2-ODS vehicles lack the full electronics, sensor set, and future upgradeability of the M-A3s; instead, they have their own set of off-the-shelf improvements over the base M-A2s that duplicate many of the A3 variants’ essential capabilities, without the cost of a full A3 upgrade. Many remanufactured vehicles are being brought to the “Operation Desert Storm – Situational Awareness” standard, from the base A2 or A2-ODS.

Navigation that allows ODS vehicles to maneuver with more modern variants is provided by the addition of PGS/POSNAV. For ODS – Situational Awareness vehicles, the new laser range-finder is integrated into both the new GPS system, and new FBCB2 (aka. “Blue Force Tracker”) equipment, significantly improving their ability to designate and hand off targets. Survivability gets a boost via the integration of Battlefield Combat Identification System and a Missile Countermeasure device, as well as applique reactive armor from the General Dynamics-RAFAEL partnership. Bench seats help the crew mount up and dismount faster. Finally, a 7th seat has been added to the ODS to support the 3×9 Mechanized Infantry Platoon organization.

M7 Bradley BFIST
(click to expand)

M6 Linebacker. This variant carried Stinger missiles and related sensors to serve as mobile short-range air defense for US armored formations, but for good or ill most Linebackers have been converted into M2A2-ODS vehicles under a February 2005 contract.

The M7 BFIST (Bradley FIre Support Team) is a variant of the M2A2-ODS Bradley. It is used as an artillery forward observer vehicle and laser designator, providing major improvements in first-round artillery accuracy on a platform whose mobility and survivability is the same as the armored maneuver units it rides in. BFIST’s performance during Operation Iraqi Freedom was reported to be impressive. The M7′s successor is simply referred to as the Bradley A3 FIST or A3 BFIST, and incorporates all Bradley M-A3 features in addition to its suite of advanced targeting sensors and electronics.

Beyond the listed variants, the Bradley Urban Survivability Kit (BUSK) III offers a useful set of bolt-on improvements: an Emergency Ramp Release (ERR) to get out of battle damaged vehicles; Bradley Fuel Cell Survivability (BFSS) which increases protection against land mine blasts by using a new, lower, fuel cell bladder; Bradley Advanced Survivability Seats-Driver (BASS-D) energy absorbing seats and foot rests; and a Turret Advanced Survivability System (TASS) that adds floor plates and energy-absorbing foot rests for the gunner and commander.

Bradley Remanufacture Program: Details & Contracts

M2A3 Bradley
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BAE Systems works through its Public Private Partnership with Red River Army Depot (RRAD) in Texas to remanufacture and upgrade these vehicles. Initial disassembly and subsystem rebuild is performed at RRAD. Further disassembly and structural modifications is performed by BAE Systems in Fayette County, PA, with some work done in Aiken, SC. Final assembly, integration and test is conducted at the BAE Systems facility in York, PA.

Unlike RESET programs, designed to replace all defective or worn parts and restore/service a vehicle back to pre-combat condition, remanufacture is a complete rebuild designed to return it to full “zero miles” condition, and install upgrades.

Unless otherwise specified, the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command in Warren, MI manages the contract, and BAE Land Systems and Armaments is the recipient.

March 21/13: CAV – IFV. BAE Systems Land & Armament LP, York, PA receives a $16.6 million firm-fixed-price contract modification to convert Bradley Reset Vehicles from M3A3 to M2A3 configuration. In other words, to change them from cavalry scout vehicles with a crew and 2 scouts, to infantry fighting vehicles that carry their crew + 7 soldiers.

Work will be performed in York, PA; Lemont Furnace, PA; and Aiken, SC; with an estimated completion date of Aug 29/14. One bid was solicited, with one bid received by Army Contracting Command in Warren, MI (W56HZV-10-G-0003).

M2 & BUSK armor
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Aug 14/12: +353 various. BAE Systems in York, PA receives a $306.2 million firm-fixed-price contract modification to upgrade 353 Operation Desert Storm M2A2, M3A2 and M7 Bradley Fire Support Team vehicles to Operation Desert Storm Situational Awareness (ODS-SA) configurations. This production contract is the flip side of $340 million in funding to purchase upgrade materials, bringing the full contract total for the 353 vehicles to $646 million.

Work will begin in August 2012, with final delivery expected in April 2014, but the contract runs until May 30/14. The upgraded Bradleys will be provided to the Minnesota and Pennsylvania National Guard units, and to Combined Armed Battalions in the Kansas, South Carolina and Ohio National Guard units (W56HZV-10-G-0003). See also BAE Systems.

May 10/12: A $68.7 million cost-reimbursement, no-fee contract modification to reset, and if necessary to convert, Bradley ODS vehicles to the ODS-SA standard. Subsequent conversations with BAE personnel reveal that it did not avert the planned furlough (vid. May 2/12 entry), and was just additional funding for parts due to delays in getting the main contract award. That award came through in August 2012.

Work will be performed in York, PA, with an estimated completion date of May 31/14. One bid was solicited, with one bid received (W56HZV-10-G-0003).

May 6/12: A $31.6 million firm-fixed-price contract modification will supply material and labor for Bradley ODS (Operation Desert Storm) vehicle conversions. This would appear to be the installation and labor bookend to the Dec 7/11 contract.

Work will be performed in York, PA, with an estimated completion date of Oct 31/12. One bid was solicited, with 1 bid received (W56HZV-10-G-0003).

Dec 7/11: BAE US Combat Systems in York, PA receives a $30.4 million cost-no-fee and firm-fixed-price contract, to buy materials for 247 Bradley ODS-SA vehicles. It looks like this boosts the Oct 5/11 contract.

Work will be performed in York, PA with an estimated completion date of Oct 31/12. One bid was solicited, with 1 bid received by the US Army’s Contracting Command in Warren, MI (W56HZV-10-G-0003).

Oct 5/11: +245 ODS. A $270.8 million cost-no-fee contract will buy the materials and equipment needed to bring 245 Bradleys to the Operational Desert Storm Situational Awareness (ODS-SA) standard. Work will be performed in York, PA, with an estimated completion date of Dec 30/13. One bid was solicited, with 1 bid received (W56HZV-10-G-0003).

Aug 25/11: BUSK. BAE Systems in York, PA receives a $23.8 million firm-fixed-price contract for Bradley Urban Survivability Kits. Work will be performed in York, PA, with an estimated completion date of March 9/12. One bid was solicited, with 1 bid received (W56HZV-10-G-0003)

April 25/11: BUSK. BAE Systems receives a $53.3 million contract to provide 3,034 Bradley Urban Survivability Kits III to outfit the Bradley Fighting Vehicles to the BUSK III configuration.

Work will be performed in York, PA with an estimated completion date of June 30/11. One bid was solicited with 1 bid received by the Army Contracting Command in Warren, MI (W56HZV-05-D-0005).

March 22/11: Components. A $47.7 million cost-reimbursement, no-fee contract for M2A2 ODS-SA(Operation Desert Storm – Situational Awareness) components, to be used to convert Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Work will be performed in York, PA, with an estimated completion date of Oct 31/12. One bid was solicited with one bid received (W56HZV-10-G-0003).

Nov 9/10: long-lead. A $250.1 million cost reimbursement – no fee contract. It covers long lead time materials to make up 247 M2/M3 Bradley Operation Desert Storm Situational Awareness (ODS-SA) conversion kits, with 202 used under the contract to convert vehicles from Bradley ODS to ODS-SA configurations, and the other 45 kept for future requirements. The main buy of ODS-SA kits and conversions is expected in April 2011.

Work is to be performed in York, PA, with an estimated contract completion date of Feb 28/12, but BAE Systems places the end of production work at September 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received (W56HZV-10-G-0003). See also BAE release.

M2A3 & squad
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April 1/10: Sub-contractors. L-3 Communications Combat Propulsion Systems in Muskegon, MI received a $16.1 million firm-price with incentive and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for 221 remanufactured Bradley transmissions, 2 control tests and incentive fee pool. Work is to be performed in Muskegon, MI (54%), and Texarkana, TX (46%) with an estimated completion date of Dec 31/13. For the order, 1 bid was solicited with 1 bid received by the US Army TACOM Contracting Center in Warren, MI (W56HZV-09-C-0098).

Sept 23/09: Sub-contractors. L-3 Communications Combat Propulsion Systems in Muskegon, MI received a $33.1 million firm-fixed-price with Incentive and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for 94 remanufactured Bradley transmissions and parts, 20 new Bradley transmissions, 87 repaired Bradley transmissions, 979 parts kits to rebuild Bradley transmissions, 20,000 hours of system technical support, and $5.2 million in management support.

Work is to be performed in Texarkana, TX (43%), Muskegon, MI (42%) and Huddersfield, UK (15%) with an estimated completion date of Dec 30/11. One bid solicited with one bid received by the U.S. Army TACOM LCMC in Warren, MI (W56HZV-09-C-0098).

April 6/09: Sub-contractors. Raytheon Network-Centric Systems in McKinney, TX announces $163.5 million worth of contracts from BAE for 822 advanced thermal sighting systems: a $123 million order for 620 Commander’s Independent Viewer block 1 units on Feb 20/09, and a $40.5 million award for 202 units on Feb 26/09. The systems will be installed on Bradley M-A3 vehicles.

Raytheon’s CIV is a 2nd-generation infrared vision system that provides the commander with a 360-degree battlefield view. It complements sub-systems like DRS’ IBAS (Improved Bradley Acquisition System), and has the same extended-range capabilities. By providing the commander and gunner with independent sights, it allows the vehicle to operate in “hunter-killer” mode, with the gunner engaging one target while the commander surveys the situation and queues up the next victim.

Sept 22/08: +326 various. BAE announces a a $742 million U.S. Army contract to remanufacture and upgrade 326 Bradley vehicles. The award exercises an option in the contract announced on July 8/08, and brings the total value of BAE Systems’ 2008 Bradley remanufacturing contracts to $1.3 billion for 578 vehicles.

Under this award, BAE Systems will remanufacture another 189 M2A3 IFVs (51 of which which will covert to M3A3 cavalry vehicles), 115 M3A3 cavalry vehicles, and 22 M3A3 Bradley Fire Support Team (BFIST) vehicles.

These Bradley vehicles will be equipped with improved armor designed to resist land mine attacks, Bradley Urban Survivability Kits, and several engineering changes designed to increase soldier survivability. The company will also provide more than 200 different types of spare parts in varying quantities. Work under the contract will begin immediately by the existing workforce, with deliveries ending in February 2011.

July 8/08: +252. BAE announces a $538 million U.S. Army contract to remanufacture 252 Bradley vehicles: 160 M2A3 vehicles, 60 M3A3 cavalry vehicles and 32 M3A3 Bradley Fire Support Team (BFIST) vehicles in conjunction with the Red River Army Depot. The company will also provide 200 different types of spare parts, in varying quantities.

Work under the contract will begin immediately, with deliveries ending in June 2010.

Sept 15/08: IED kits. BAE Systems announces an $11 million contract from the U.S. Army to purchase and install Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Mine Armor Kits on 433 Bradley Combat Systems vehicles. This award also includes the installation work for 116 kits previously purchased under this contract. When combined with previous awards, this modification brings the total contract value to $96 million for Bradley IED Mine Armor Kits.

Work under the contract will be conducted at various field installation sites with deliveries scheduled from December 2008 through March 2009.

March 31/08: Sub-contractors. L-3 Communications Corp. received a $20.8 million firm-fixed price contract for remanufactured Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems transmissions. Work will be performed in Muskegon, MI and is expected to be complete by Aug 4/09. Web bids were solicited on Oct 17/07, and 1 bid was received by U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command in Warren, MI (W56HZV-08-C-0119).

M2s, Sadr City
(click to view full)

July 23/07: +172 various. BAE announces a pair of contract modifications from the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, totaling $411.7 million.

Under the first contract, BAE Systems will upgrade 172 Bradleys to the A3 baseline: 108 M2A2 Infantry Fighting Vehicles, 60 M3A2 Cavalry Fighting Vehicles and 4 M7 FIST Fire Support Team Vehicles. The second contract calls for BAE Systems to provide spare parts for Bradley A3 Combat Systems. Deliveries for both contracts are scheduled to begin in October 2009, and continue through February 2010.

These contracts, when combined with the $1.16 billion contract awarded in November 2006 for the remanufacture and upgrade of 610 Bradley Combat Systems, bring the total value of BAE Systems Bradley work to $3.9 billion for Fiscal Years 2005 – 2007. BAE Systems release.

Feb 14/07: +8 A3. The full delivery order amount of $16 million as part of a firm-fixed-price contract for the remanufacture and upgrade of 8 Vehicles to M2A3 standard, and return to 0 Mile Condition. Work will be performed in York, PA (60%), Fayette, PA (8%), Santa Clara, CA (28%), and Aiken, SC (4%), and is expected to be complete by May 31, 2009. This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 10, 2006 (W56HZV-05-G-0005). See also BAE Systems release.

Nov 27/06: +490 various. BAE Systems in York, PA receives the full delivery order amount of $1.01 billion as part of a firm-fixed-price contract to remanufacture of 490 total Bradleys into M2A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, M3A3 Cavalry Fighting Vehicle scouts, and A3 BFIST targeting and fire control vehicle configurations. Work will begin immediately, and will be performed in York, PA (60%), Fayette, PA (8%), Santa Clara, CA (28%), and Aiken, SC (4%). Deliveries are scheduled to begin in April 2008, and the contract is expected to be complete by May 31, 2009. This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 10, 2006 (W56HZV-05-G-0005).

Nov 27/06: +120 ODS. BAE Systems in York, PA receives the full delivery order amount of $118.7 million as part of a firm-fixed-price contract to remanufacture 120 total Bradleys to M2A2-ODS and M3A2-ODS configurations. Work will begin immediately, and will be performed in York, PA (60%), Fayette, PA (8%), Santa Clara, CA (28%), and Aiken, SC (4%), and is expected to be complete by May 31, 2009. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in April 2008, and the contract is expected to be complete by May 31, 2009. This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 10, 2006 (W56HZV-05-G-0005). See BAE release re: its Nov 27/06 contracts.

July 28/06: +96 various. The 2 orders announced on this day included full delivery order amounts of $192.6 million and $30.9 million [TL.= $223.5 million] as part of a firm-fixed-price contract for FY 2006 remanufacture and upgrade of Bradley vehicles. Work will be performed in York, PA (83%), Aiken, SC (5%), San Jose, CA (8%), and Fayette, PA (4%), and is expected to be complete by Dec. 31, 2008. This will be performed under a sole source contract initiated on May 17, 2006 (W56HZV-05-G-0005).

BAE Systems, in partnership with Red River Army Depot (RRAD), will remanufacture and upgrade a total of 96 vehicles whose final configurations will be: 57 Bradley A3 vehicles in infantry (M2A3) and cavalry (M3A3) configurations, 16 Bradley A3 Fire Support Team (FIST) vehicles, and 23 M7 BFIST vehicles based on the M2A2-ODS. See also BAE’s release.

June 27/05: +533. See BAE’s June 27, 2005 release covering all of the remanufacturing work announced on DefenseLINK June 23, 2005. DID also covered this set. Over $1.1 billion worth of contracts encompassed:

• 450 older Bradleys remanufactured to Bradley A3 status – the total value of this delivery order also incorporates 55 vehicles and $71.5 million awarded in March, 2005.

• 50 vehicles remanufactured to Bradley A2-ODS status, plus kits to convert 100 more vehicles to the A2-ODS configuration.

• 33 vehicles remanufactured to Bradley Fire Support Team (BFIST) vehicles

• Spares for Bradley A3 vehicles (not noted below, as not part of the remanufacture program)

• BAE Systems will also provide 120 Commander’s Independent Viewers for 120 Bradley vehicles ordered under a contract modification.

June 23/05: A3. United Defense LP (now part of BAE Systems) in York, PA receives a delivery order amount of $896.4 million as part of a $967.9 million firm-fixed-price contract for the remanufacture of Bradley A3 vehicles. Work will be performed in York, PA (83%), San Jose, CA (8%), Aiken, SC (5%), and Fayette, PA (4%), and is expected to be complete by Jan. 31, 2008. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 1, 2005 (W56HZV-05-G-0005).

June 23/05: ODS. United Defense LP (now part of BAE Systems) in York, PA receives the full delivery order amount of $78.4 million as part of a firm-fixed-price contract for the remanufacture of M-A2 Operation Desert Storm vehicles and conversion kits. Work will be performed in York, PA (83%), San Jose, CA (8%), Aiken, SC (5%), and Fayette, PA (4%), and is expected to be complete by Jan. 31, 2008. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 1, 2005 (W56HZV-05-G-0005).

June 23/05: M7 BFIST. United Defense LP (now part of BAE Systems) in York, PA receives the full delivery order amount of $31.4 million as part of a firm-fixed-price contract for the remanufacture of M7 Bradley Fire Support Team Vehicles. Work will be performed in York, PA (83%), San Jose, CA (8%), Aiken, SC (5%), and Fayette, PA (4%), and is expected to be complete by Jan. 31, 2008. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 1, 2005 (W56HZV-05-G-0005).

June 23/05: Components. United Defense LP (now part of BAE Systems) in York, PA receives a $30.6 million modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the commander’s independent viewers. Work will be performed in York, PA (83%), San Jose, CA (8%), Aiken, SC (5%), and Fayette, PA (4%), and is expected to be complete by Jan. 31, 2008. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 1, 2005 (DAAE07-01-C-M016).

M2A3 & squad, Iraq
(click to view full)

Sept 24/99: +53. United Defense LP (now part of BAE Systems) in York, PA receives a $43.8 million modification to cost-plus-fixed-fee contract DAAE07-96-C-X036, to acquire the effort necessary to remanufacture/ convert 53 Bradley Fighting Vehicles from an M3A0 configuration to an M3A2-ODS configuration. Work will be performed in York, PA and is expected to be complete by Nov. 30, 2001.

Dec 21/98: +70. United Defense LP (now part of BAE Systems) in York, PA receives a $114.6 million modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the remanufacture of 27 M2A2 vehicles to the upgraded M2A3 configuration, remanufacture of 43 M3A2 vehicles to the upgraded M3A3 configuration, and the purchase of material/support for 3 M2A3 vehicles (the price for an option to build these three vehicles is not included in this contract action). Work will be performed in York, PA and is expected to be complete by March 31, 2001. This is a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 30, 1998 (DAAE07-96-C-X036).

Additional Readings & Sources

• Army Technology – Bradley M2 / M3 Tracked Armoured Fighting Vehicles, USA

• GlobalSecurity.org – M2 and M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems (BFVS)

• Association of the United States Army, Army Magazine (June 2005 – DEAD LINK) – Bradley A3. Good overview of the Bradley modernization program. See this 2012 document from PEO GCS [PDF] instead.

• BAE Systems – Command and Control Vehicle (C2V), M4. Via Wayback.

• Army Technology – Bradley Linebacker Short Range Air Defense Vehicle, USA

• BAE Systems – Bradley Fire Support Vehicle, M7. Via Wayback.

• Association of the United States Army, Army Magazine (July 2002) – M7 Bradley Fire Support Team Vehicle

• Ft. Sill, OK – Fire Support Branch (re: M7 Bradley BFIST). Via Wayback.

• Lt. Col. James L. Miller, Field Artillery Magazine (Sept-Oct 2002) – How to Develop the Best-Ever Fire Support System [PDF]. Good explanation re: the doctrinal, training, and support elements that go into this effort. See also his maintenance notes re: the M7 Bradley BFIST.

Textron’s M1117 Commando ASV is a modern-day armored car, with armor, weapons, and mine protection that are superior to a Humvee jeep. Its 29,500 pound curb weight is lower than other MRAP vehicles, and the type failed MRAP testing. Nevertheless, it’s widely fielded in American Military Police units, has been exported to Bulgaria, and is in use by Iraq and Colombia in a stretched infantry carrier version.

Background Briefing

Fitting in Locally

EE-11 Urutu
(click to view full)

The Colombian Army’s armor is almost exclusively wheeled, comprising a large number of Brazilian EE-9 Cascavel 4×4 fire support vehicles and Russian-designed BTR-80 8×8 wheeled APCs, mixed with a handful of EE-11 Urutu 6×6 APCs, ancient M8 Greyhound 6×6 wheeled armored cars, and blast-resistant RG-31 Nyala 4×4 MRAPs. Ancient M3 half-tracks appear to be the lone exception.

Under President Uribe, Colombia has waged a successful campaign that has removed many of the gains enjoyed by both the left-wing narco-terrorists of FARC, ELN et. al., and right-wing narco-paramilitaries like the AUC. The conflict continues, however, and in late 2008, AT4 anti-tank rockets that Sweden had sold to the Venezuelan government were found in FARC bases.

Mines were the logical next threat. More powerful vehicles seemed to be in order.

A January 2009 report included about 30 armored vehicles as part of a wider $4 billion modernization package being financed by a special tax. There were also reports that more BTR-80s would be built locally, if negotiations with Russia were successful. By December 2009, the order was in for 39 Commando APCs, which are similar enough that they could be an effective BTR-80 substitute.

The M1117 Commando ICV

M1117 ICV
(click to view larger)

Colombia becomes the 2nd country to order the M1117 ICV, after Iraq. The tan vehicle in the above photo is a good example – in the enlarged version, you can see the Arabic writing painted on it. The vehicle type is also referred to as a Commando Advanced APC, per a more recent re-branding initiative by Textron.

Compared to the original M1117 ASV, the Commando APC variant has been stretched 24 inches between the wheel base, and its head room and volume has been increased by adding a 6-inch extension over the base roof line. These changes turn it into a full armored personnel carrier that can fit 2 crew members, 8 dismounts, and 1 additional gunner, though exact seating is set up per customer specifications. Weaponry appears to change, as the M1117′s distinctive twin-weapon full turret is replaced by an armored cupola that can hold either a .50 caliber/ 12.7mm machine gun, or a 40mm grenade machine gun. The Commando APC is available in 3 different protection levels, depending on which applique armor system is added to the vehicle.

The net effect is a smaller, lighter wheeled APC that works well in urban scenarios, and in countries whose infrastructure or climate/terrain combination may create problems for larger 22-35 ton vehicles.

Contracts & Key Events

(click to view full)

March 1/13: Turrets. Textron Marine & Land Systems announces a $5.5 million contract award from US Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) to provide 12 armored turrets, technical support services, vehicle repairs and spare parts for the Colombian Army’s 39 Commando APCs.

They also reveal that Colombia has expressed an interest in more APCs, under a separate U.S. Foreign Military Sales case. Textron.

May 2010: Fielded. The Colombian Army fields the M1117 ICV. Source.

Additional Readings

• DID – Colombia’s Defense Modernization

• Textron Land a& Marine Systems – ASV Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV)

In June 2009, Sweden’s FMV defense procurement agency picked Finland’s Patria Oyj for a EUR 240 million contract, to deliver 113 AMV (Armoured Modular Vehicle) wheeled Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) to the Swedish Armed Forces. The 27 tonne AMV has a crew of 3, and can carry up to 9 soldiers. A varied set of turrets and modules can configure it for different roles, from MEDEVAC (MEDical EVACuation) through to IFV(Infantry Fighting Vehicle) or even automated mortar carrier duties.

By October 2009, however, a Swedish court had nullified the contract. Rather than waste time on appeals, the FMV red-did the “AWV 2014″ competition. In August 2010 they issued… a EUR 260 million contract for 113 Patria AMVs.

Contracts and Key Events

AMV AARV
(click to view full)

March 5/13: Delivery. Sweden’s FMV announces that they’ve taken delivery of the 1st “Pansarterrrangbil 360″ from Patria. Overall, 113 vehicles will be delivered to the Swedish Armed Forces during 2013 and 2014, in 4 configurations: infantry carriers, ambulance, command and control (C2), and recovery/repair (AARV).

The protest and re-compete delayed the project, which has been trying to make up for lost time, but hasn’t caught up yet. A December 2010 court decision allowed the project to go ahead, and the period from 2011 – fall 2012 was spent on project establishment, final design, construction audits, and starting production.

Spring 2013 will feature validation, acceptance testing, initial deliveries, instructor training, and building support systems. Army crew training and fielding in full units won’t begin until fall 2013 at the earliest, and full battalion deliveries and full support infrastructure are expected by spring 2014. FMV [in Swedish] | Patria.

1st delivery

AMV w. NEMO mortar
(click to view full)

Aug 13/10: Sweden’s FMV awards the second competition’s contract to Patria:

“FMV has evaluated bids from five bidders based on Armed Forces requirements, including performance, economy, and reliability of delivery. The evaluation showed that the Patria AMV (Armored Modular Vehicle) is the vehicle that best meets the Swedish Armed Forces requirements.”

The SEK 2.5 billion deal (about $336 million/ EUR 260 million) is for 113 AMV armored vehicles and associated equipment, with an option to add another 113. The initial order of 113 vehicles will be delivered by the end of 2013, making it possible the Swedish Army to become operational with them in 2014.

The agreement with Patria requires 100% of the contact’s value in industrial offset work. As a starting point, Swedish heavy-vehicle maker Scania will deliver the engines, while SSAB will deliver steel armor and Akers Krutbruk will deliver ballistic protection. Suspension and electronics will also come from other Swedish companies, but the vehicles will still be assembled by Patria in Finland. Swedish FMV | Patria | M & C.

AMV wins again, Contract for 113 + 113

March 10/10: BAE. BAE Hagglunds is changing its SEP, removing some of the advanced features like the hybrid diesel-electric drive, and offering the lighter, cheaper result as the Alligator. Allehanda [in Swedish] | Google translate.

Nov 20/09: Restart. The Swedish FMV decides to start a new competition immediately, rather than appealing the court verdict:

“Our mission is to ensure that the Swedish Armed Forces has equipment to carry out their operations. An appeal to the court could take a long time and can thus seriously risk the delivery of the armoured wheeled vehicles as the Armed Forces need, “says Dan Averstad, commercial director at FMV.

Provided that the verdict becomes final, FMV will now on Friday, 20 November, announce a new procurement in accordance with the County Court verdict. In this new procurement FMV will have considered the four complaints from the court verdict.”

July 10/09: Lawsuit. The Stockholm District Court grants an injunction preventing the AMV deal from moving forward until the court has had a chance to review all the related documentation and render a final decision. Sweden’s The Local.

SEP Thor, Lemur RWS
(click to view full)

July 7/09: Lawsuit. The Local reports that on this day:

“…documents have emerged showing that in an evaluation carried out two years ago, FMV had actually found the Hägglunds vehicle to be the only armoured vehicle which fulfilled the requirements set out by the Swedish military, according to SR.”

July 2/09: BAE. BAE’s Managing Director of Global Combat Systems David Allott pens a letter to the Swedish government. It expresses surprise and disappointment at the decision to favor Patria’s AMV over the Swedish-designed SEP, and continues:

“BAE Systems has recently decided to lead our Global Combat Systems Vehicles business from Sweden, and a favourable decision in the Armored Wheeled Vehicle competition for SEP, would have further strengthened this business… At the moment 90% of our Swedish product is exported, but this cannot continue without new programs and the active support of the Swedish government.

A successful decision on SEP would have given the company the confidence to make further investments to establish a long term globally competitive franchise with clear economic benefits to Sweden, including export royalties…”

See: Dagens Industri [in Swedish] | The SVT report is in Swedish, but the video includes a look at the English language letter.

Appendix A: SEP – I Coulda Been a Contenda…

SEP: Frozen out
(click to view full)

In February 2008, Sweden canceled BAE Hagglunds’ SEP program, which would have produced a modular, hybrid-drive armored personnel carrier that could be fielded in tracked or wheeled variants. BAE has continued to invest in SEP, and Sweden remained in their sales funnel when the FMV procurement agency threw the competition open to international players.

Sweden’s initial decision was a blow to the platform, but not a decisive one. The move did have long-term effects on BAE, with reports citing layoffs of 300 – 400 employees, or about 30-40% of the total workforce at BAE Systems Hagglunds in Ornskoldsvik.

In response, BAE Systems Hagglunds filed a lawsuit with the Stockholm District Court, and received an injunction. In October 2009 it won the case and overturned the FMV’s decision, forcing a re-compete. Unfortunately, it lost that re-compete in August 2010.

With the US Marines’ MPC competition gone as an option, Britain’s FRES-U on hold indefinitely, and alternative 8-wheeled platforms like the RG-41 emerging from within BAE Systems itself, SEP’s future is in eclipse.

Meanwhile, Patria’s AMV continues to build on its global popularity. It has now won about 1,200 orders and competitions in Finland, Croatia, Poland, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, and the UAE. Some of those Polish vehicles have seen combat use in Afghanistan, where Sweden has also deployed a handful of troops.

Additional Readings

DID thanks defense journalist and DII member Igor Tabak for his assistance with this article.

• RAND Corporation (2008) – In the Middle of the Fight: An Assessment of Medium-Armored Forces in Past Military Operations. Excellent background regarding the military uses and limits of medium-weight armored vehicles.

• Patria Oyj – Patria AMV – Armoured Modular Vehicle

• Army Technology – Patria AMV Armoured Modular Vehicle, Finland

• Army Technology – SEP Modular Armoured Tactical System, Sweden

• DID – Sweden Cancels SEP APC Program – But BAE Does Not. Not initially, anyway.

The Saudi Arabian National Guard is seeing a lot of investment lately. In July 2006, the Saudis formally tabled a multi-billion dollar request to buy LAV wheeled APCs and related equipment for its National Guard. October 2010 added a slew of added requests, covering a wide range of transport, scout, and attack helicopters. Other contracts in between have involved missiles, communications, and training. It all adds up to a fairly comprehensive modernization.

Who is the SANG, and why are they a globally significant institution? A must-read article in the Tribune-Libanaise explains:

“The [Saudi] National Guard’s importance is that it was created to protect the royal regime and its interests, including protecting strategic sites such as oil installations. The National Guard is made up of two separate forces: a large group of 60,000 men and a smaller core force of 20,000 men originating from Bedouin tribes such as the Otaiba and Qahtani, who can be mobilised quickly. The men of the core force are called the “White Army,” a name given to them because they wear the white robes of the Bedouin. As the Head of the National Guard, Prince Abdallah has been able to win the backing of the tribes, something that the Sudairis in principle do not have. However, basic recruitment of core units is fraught with inter-ethnic and tribal rivalries. Few men are recruited from the Hijaz region, one that has been opposed to the Sauds since they came to power in the 1920s and 1930s.”

Contracts & Key Events

Military MD-530F
(click to view full)

March 8/13: Training. Lockheed Martin in Orlando, FL receives a $28.3 million firm-fixed-price contract to support of the SANG’s Live-Fire range modernization. They’ll upgrade existing ranges, and install trajectory tracking on newly constructed ranges. This is the kind of infrastructure that can make a real difference in a force’s effectiveness, if its personnel are diligent and its leadership is solid. Both of those requirements have been questioned by observers of the Saudi Army, but the SANG’s role makes it a different organization.

Work will be performed in Orlando, FL; Suwanee, GA; and San Diego, CA; with an estimated completion date of Dec 31/14. One bid was solicited, with one bid received by US Army Program Executive Office Simulation, Training & Instrumentation in Orlando, FL (W900KK-13-C-0038).

Jan 5/12: SANG AH-64s. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Orlando, FL received a $66.6 million firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The award will provide for the procurement of AH-64D Apache M-TDAS/PNVS (“Arrowhead“) systems and spares for the Saudi Arabia National Guard. Work will be performed in Orlando, FL, with an estimated completion date of March 31/15. One bid was solicited, with 1 bid received by US Army Contracting Command in Redstone Arsenal, AL as the Saudi’s FMS agent (W58RGZ-11-C-0120).

This is one of several ancillary contracts supporting reports that Saudi Arabia has signed a deal to buy AH-64D Longbow Block III helicopters. That deal wasn’t announced publicly, so it isn’t 100% confirmed, and it isn’t clear which Saudi military branches were covered. Beyond the SANG’s interest in buying 36 Apache Longbow Block IIIs, the Royal Guard wanted 10, and the regular Army wanted to add 24 Block IIIs to its existing fleet of 12 Block IIs. See the Oct 20/10 DSCA request for more.

TOW w. ITAS sensors
(click to view full)

June 25/11: Raytheon in McKinney, TX receives a $53.6 million firm-fixed-price contract for 78 Improved Target Acquisition System units. ITAS is a part of the targeting system on the missile-carrying LAV-AT, and is also used for BGM-71 TOW missiles carried by troops or mounted on other vehicles. The contract could rise to 115 ITAS units, if options of 12 units for the Saudi Arabian National Guard, and 25 units for the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense and Aviation, are exercised.

Work will be performed in McKinney, TX, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30/13. One bid was solicited with one bid received by US Army TACOM’s Project Management Office Light Armored Vehicle in Warren, MI (W56HZV-11-C-0274).

TOW-ITAS buy

June 3/11: MILES Training. Lockheed Martin in Orlando, FL receives a $38.3 million firm-fixed-price contract, to give the SANG its Multiple Integrated Laser System (MILES) instrumentation, and exercise control/after action review capabilities. MILES can be thought of as the grown-up, militarized ancestor of laser tag, with the laser carrying information about the shooter (soldier or vehicle), weapon and ammunition. That lets the target’s MILES system determine the results of a hit, if the match indicates that damage is possible, using semi-randomized algorithms. Kind of like “laser tag meets Dungeons & Dragons, on a cyber-date.”

Vehicles usually have a belt of laser sensors, while dismounted troops often wear the vest/harness plus helmet sensors that laser tag veterans know so well. Reference to exercise control/AAR functions indicates a real-time datalink allowing position and event data to be transmitted back to a central site, for review later.

The contract includes materials, manufacturing, integration, system validation and verification, delivery, government acceptance testing, and contractor logistics support to the Saudi Arabia National Guard. Work will be performed in Orlando, FL, and San Diego, CA, with an estimated completion date of May 31/13. One bid was solicited, with one bid received bythe U.S. Army Program Executive Office of Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO-STRI) in Orlando, FL, on behalf of its Saudi client (W900KK-11-C-0004).

May 3/11: Vehicle intercoms. It isn’t always easy to talk to troops or drivers inside armored vehicles, when your infantry is outside. But recent experiences in Iraq have shown that it’s a very important capability – especially in urban warfare. That’s why Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. in Linthicum Heights, MD received a $16.7 million firm-fixed-price contract for vehicle intercom communication, vehicle testing, a 10% spares reserve, and a contractor-provided field service representative for the Saudi Arabian National Guard.

Work will be performed in Linthicum Heights, MD, with an estimated completion date of Nov 31/13. One sole-source bid was solicited with one bid received. The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-11-C-H609).

April 28/11: Raytheon Network Centric Systems in Dallas, TX receives a sole-source $25.5 million firm-fixed-price contract for driver’s vision enhancers and commander vision enhancers, as part of a Foreign Military Sale to the Saudi Arabian National Guard.

Work will be performed in Dallas, TX, with an estimated completion date of April 30/14. One sole-source bid was solicited with 1 bid received by U.S. Army CECOM at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD (W15P7T-11-C-H608).

Jan 4/11: LAVs – SANG? GDLS SVP Dr. Sridhar Sridharan announces that U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command has awarded them a $138 million contract for 82 Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs) for “a Foreign Military Sale”. Further details are also murky, but what’s known is this: Vehicles provided under this contract will be the 300hp, 8×8 LAV II, with a base gross vehicle weight of up to 32,000 pounds/ 14,500 kg. The vehicles will be produced in 4 different variants, and vehicle deliveries will begin in January 2012. Since the LAVs are made in London, ON, Canada, the contract was signed through the Canadian Commercial Corporation, the Canadian government’s Crown Agency for military exports.

A December 2011 GDLS announcement re: a follow-on buy of 73 LAVs exactly matches a Royal Saudi Land Forces (regular army) DSCA request from June 13/11, while confirming that both contracts are destined for the same country. That establishes the buyer for this contract as Saudi Arabia with reasonable confidence, but tying this order to a specific request is harder. The July 2006 DSCA request for 724 SANG LAVs was filled by a contract announced on Nov 24/09. There is an SANG request for 82 LAVs, but it was made later, in June 13/11 LAV request that included up to 10 variants.

This may be a SANG contract, or it may be a partial fulfillment of an Oct 4/07 DSCA request [PDF] for 126 LAVs and other vehicles, on behalf of the regular Saudi Land Forces.

Boeing’s AH-6 ARH
(click to view full)

Oct 20/10: As part of Saudi Arabia’s $60 billion 2010 mega-request, the US DSCA announces [PDF] Saudi Arabia’s formal request to buy helicopters, long-term support, and possibly even base construction for the SANG, worth up to $25.6 billion.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require approximately 900 contractor representatives and 30 U.S. Government personnel on a full time basis in Saudi Arabia, for a period of 15 years. Also, this program will require multiple trips to Saudi Arabia involving U.S. government and contractor personnel to participate in annual technical reviews, training, and one-week Program Reviews in Saudi Arabia.

Items requested include:

• 36 Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow Block III attack helicopters. This is the latest version, and Saudi Arabia could become its first confirmed export customer.

• 72 Sikorsky UH-60M Block Hawk Helicopters. The most current variant. Saudi neighbors Bahrain and the UAE have already ordered them.

• 36 Boeing AH-6i Light Attack Helicopters. A different branch of the same family tree that gave birth to the MD 530F. Nearby Jordan signed a Letter of Intent for the AH-6i in May 2010.

• 12 MD Helicopters MD-530F helicopters. Often used by law enforcement as an excellent light utility helicopter, though some countries operate militarized light attack variants. The 530F variant has longer rotor blades and other enhancements, so it performs better in the thinner air of hot or high altitude conditions. It doesn’t use MD’s patented NOTAR system.

• 243 T700-GE-701D turboshaft engines. The UH-60M and the AH-64D both use 2 engines for each helicopter.

• 40 Modernized Targeting Acquisition and Designation Systems/Pilot
  

Night Vision Sensors. M-TADS/PVNS, also known as the AH-64D’s “Arrowhead” turret.

• 20 AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars with Radar Electronics Unit. The Apache Longbow’s mast mounted radar.
  
• 20 AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometer

• 40 Wescam MX-15Di (AN/AAQ-35) Sight/Targeting Sensors. Likely for the AH-6is.

• 52 30mm Automatic Weapons. AH-64D Apaches use ATK’s M230 chain gun.

• 40 GAU-19/A 12.7mm (.50 caliber) Gatling Guns. Can be used as door guns, or pylon-mounted on helicopters. Popular light helicopter weapon.

• 168 M240H Machine Guns. FN Herstal USA’s 7.62mm helicopter door guns, not used on Apaches.

• 421 M310 A1 Modernized Launchers. For Hellfire missiles.
  
• 158 M299 Hellfire Longbow Missile Launchers
  
• 2,592 AGM-114R Hellfire Missiles. The -114R is the most modern version, with a triple-threat blast, armor defeating, and fragmentation warhead.

• 171 of Northrop Grumman’s AN/APR-39 Radar Signal Detecting Sets
  
• 171 of Goodrich’s AN/AVR-2B Laser Warning Sets
  
• 171 of BAE’s AAR-57v3/5 Common Missile Warning Systems
  
• 318 Improved Countermeasures Dispensers

• 108 of EFW’s Improved Helmet Display Sight Systems. IHADSS is used by the Apache. The number involved indicates that they may have been picked for the AH-6is as well.

• 300 AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles.

• 1,229 AN/PRQ-7 Combat Survivor Evader Locators (CSEL). Radios used by pilots, especially if they’re shot down.

• 18 Aircraft Ground Power Units.
  
• 4 BS-1 Enhanced Terminal Voice Switches
  
• 4 Digital Airport Surveillance Radars
  
• 4 Fixed-Base Precision Approach Radar
  
• 4 DoD Advanced Automation Service
  
• 4 Digital Voice Recording System
  
• Also included are trainers, simulators, generators, munitions, design and construction, transportation, wheeled vehicles and organization equipment, tools and test equipment, communication equipment, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, GPS/INS, spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, and U.S. Government and contractor support services. The Saudis usually require a lot of support from contractors, in part because it’s an opportunity for royal family members to take a cut.

UH-60M Test flight
(click to see full)

The DSCA specifies the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG) as the AH-64D recipient, but is less clear about the other helicopters. The implicit message is that they’re part of the same FMS case to the same military entity, and the SANG could certainly make good use of the UH-60Ms, AH-6is, and MD 530Fs for “the defense of vital installations and will provide close air support for the Saudi military ground forces.” The DSCA adds that this sale will improve the SANG’s “Apache sustainability and interoperability with the U.S. Army, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and other coalition forces.”

The prime contractors will be:

• Boeing in Mesa, AZ (AH-64D, AH-6i, CSEL)
  
• Lockheed Martin Corporation in Orlando, FL (Arrowhead, Hellfire IIs, launchers)
  
• Lockheed Martin Millimeter Technology in Owego, NY (Longbow system)
  
• Longbow LLC in Orlando, FL. A Lockheed/Northrop-Grumman joint venture (Longbow system)
  
• Sikorsky Aircraft West in Palm Beach, FL (UH-60M)
  
• MD Helicopters in Mesa AZ (MD 530F)
  
• General Electric Company in Cincinnati, OH (engines)
  
• ITT Aerospace/Communications in Fort Wayne, IN (night vision)

Saudi Arabia already operates some AH-64s and UH-60s, and the DSCA believes they will have no difficulty absorbing all of these helicopters into their armed forces. Given the level of contractor support included, that’s no surprise.

Huge 2010 request

TOW-2A cutaway
(click to view full)

Dec 17/09: TOW-2A. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announces [PDF] Saudi Arabia’s official request to buy 2,700 of Raytheon’s BGM-71E-4B-RF TOW-2A Radio Frequency missiles, plus 42 missiles for lot acceptance testing), publications and technical documentation, and other related elements of support, under the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG) modernization program. The estimated cost is $177 million, and the principal contractor would be Raytheon Corporation in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale, and its implementation will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia.

The TOW 2A is an improved version of the original Tube-launched Optically-tracked Wire-guided missile that’s designed for “bunker busting” attacks on fortifications, bunkers and urban structures. It can also defeat reactive armor if used against tanks etc. The TOW 2A has a published range of 3.75 km/ 2.33 miles.

The TOW-2A RF departs from the type’s standard wire-guided approach by replacing the unspooling wire in the missile’s rear with an encrypted radio link. The Canadian Army became the missile’s first customer in 2007, and because the wireless system is built into the missile and the missile case, TOW RF is compatible with all existing TOW 2-capable ground launchers – including Canadian LAV-TUA (LAV-AT) vehicles.

TOW-2A missile request

LAV-M-Saudi
(click to view full)

Nov 24/09: LAVs. General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada in London, Ontario announces a $2.2 billion Foreign Military Sale contract for initial work on 724 LAV-II 8×8 wheeled armored personnel carriers, in 10 different variants. While the destination country is not specified, the number exactly matches the July 20/06 Saudi request. Delivery will begin in 2011.

Dr. Sridhar Sridharan, senior vice-president of General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada:

“We are pleased to be working once again with TACOM and USASAC in support of their Foreign Military Sales program. This contract now allows us to immediately start work on variant design and production readiness. We look forward to reaching the manufacturing portion of this contract which will help us bring stability to our production workforce.”

See July 20/06 entry, and PR Newswire | London Free Press | AP.

Large LAV buy

AN/PVS-7: The View
(note MFALS on gun)

Sept 27/06: The US DSCA announces [PDF] Saudi Arabia’s official request to buy Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG) equipment. “The radios will provide the critical VHF and HF links necessary for a large fast moving force and integration with the SINCGARS radios SANG already has fielded in its Light Armored Vehicle and Light Infantry Brigades.” The request includes:

• 552 AN/VRC-90E Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS) Vehicular Single Long-Range Radio Systems;
  
• 225 AN/VRC-92E SINCGARS Vehicular Single Long-Range Radio Systems Dual Long Range
  
• 1,214 AN/PRC-119 E SINCGARS Man-pack Single Long-Range Radio Systems Man-pack
  
• Vehicular installation kits, communications management system computers, antennas, programmable fill devices, support equipment; publications and technical data; personnel training and training equipment; contractor engineering and technical support services and other related elements of logistics support.
  

The estimated cost of is up to $84 million, though that will depend on negotiated contracts. The principal contractors will be:

• ITT Aerospace/Communications Fort Wayne, Indiana
  
• Harris Corporation Rochester, New York
  
• Northrop Grumman Corporation Linthicum, Maryland

At present, there are approximately 250 U.S. Government personnel and 630 contractor representatives in country supporting the SANG modernization program.

Radios request

SpearHead radios

July 20/06: LAVs. The DSCA announces [PDF] Saudi Arabia’s formal request for 724 Light Armored Vehicles (LAV) in a number of different variants, plus weapons, night-vision equipment, communications gear etc., in order to modernize the SANG. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $5.8 billion.

Congress didn’t take any action to block the sale, but progress took a while. When we talked to GDLS over a year later, in October 2007, they expected to complete a deal some time in 2008, but it took until November 2009 before a contract emerged. Variants requested at the time included:

• LAV-PC (personnel carrier)
  
• LAV-25 (personnel carrier with 25mm canon)
  
• LAV-A (Ambulance)
  
• LAV-AC (Ammunition Carrier)
  
• LAV-AG (Assault Gun with 90mm cannon)
  
• LAV-AT (Anti-Tank, pop-up turret carries TOW missiles)
  
• LAV-CC (Command & Control)
  
• LAV-E (Engineer, with bulldozer blade et. al.)
  
• LAV-M (81mm Mortar carrier – but there is a LAV-M(S) Saudi configuration, with a 120mm breech-loading mortar in a turret)
  
• LAV-R (Recovery, equipped with crane etc.)

Other equipment ordered included:

• 162 84mm Recoilless Rifles (popularly known as bazookas). The well-known Carl Gustaf/MAAWS is an example of a modern 84mm recoilless rifle. It is made by Bofors of Sweden.
  
• 630 AN/PAS-13 Thermal Weapon Sights for soliders’ weapons
  
• 1,700 AN/AVS-7D Aviators binocular Night Vision Goggles (NVG). See DID’s NVG article.
  
• 432 AN/PVS-14 monocular NVG. See DID’s NVG article.
  
• 1,160 AN/VRC-90E Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS) vehicular single long-range radio systems
  
• 627 AN/VRC-92E SINCGARS vehicular single long-range radio systems
  
• 518 AN/VRC-119E SINCGARS vehicular single long-range radio systems
  
• 2,198 SINCGARS Spearhead handheld radios

The Saudis are also requesting Harris Corporation Commercial High Frequency Radios; various commercial vehicles; fixed facilities and ranges; simulations; generators; battery chargers; protective clothing; shop equipment; training devices; spare and repair parts; sets, kits, and outfits; support equipment; publications and technical data; personnel training and training equipment; contractor engineering and technical support services and other related elements of logistics support.

As noted earlier, the total value if all options are exercised could be as high as $5.8 billion, with no industrial offset agreements. The principal contractors will be:

• General Dynamics Land Systems in London, Ontario, Canada (LAVs)
  
• ITT Aerospace/Communications in Fort Wayne, IN (SINCGARS, Night Vision)
  
• Harris Corporation in Rochester, NY (Radios)
  
• Raytheon Corporation in Tucson, AZ (PAS-13)

As the DSCA notes:

“The continuation of services under the SANG Modernization Program is an evolution of the SANG as an effective defensive force with the advice, assistance, and training of the U.S. Army… At present, there are approximately 250 U.S. Government personnel and 630 contractor representatives in country supporting the SANG modernization program… The proposed sale will also provide SANG with additional command, control, and communications equipment needed to operate in a secure communications environment that will facilitate the performance of its mission within Saudi Arabia… The radios will modernize equipment and provide the critical VHF and HF links necessary for a large fast moving force and integration with the SINCGARS radios SANG already has fielded in its Light Armored Vehicle and Light Infantry Brigades.”

Major LAV request

Additional Readings & Sources

• Global Security.org – Light Armored Vehicle (LAV). Covers assorted variants as well.

• US DSCA (July 20/06) – DSCA notified congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia to continue modernization of the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG) [PDF format]

• The Peninsula of Qatar (July 24/06) – Saudi raises defence spending

• Tribune-Libanaise (June 22/06) – The Geopolitics of Weapons Procurement in the Gulf States. Excellent analysis.