Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has received a contract from the US Marine Corps (USMC) for long lead items in advance of the start of full-rate production of the infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) variant of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV-30), Kongsberg announced on 7 November 2024.
The ACV-30 features an MCT-30 stabilised, remotely operated medium-calibre turret made by Kongsberg that houses a 30 mm Bushmaster II cannon and a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun.
The items included in the USD 51 million (EUR 47 million) USMC contract, awarded through PEO Land Systems Program Manager Advanced Amphibious Assault (PM AAA), are subcomponents specific to the 30 mm remote turret, which is manufactured by Kongsberg in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
“The ACV-30 provides a significant increase in lethality for dismounted marines,” Tim Hough, programme manager for Advanced Amphibious Assault at PEO Land Systems, was quoted as saying in a Kongsberg press release. “PM AAA is looking forward to a longstanding partnership with Kongsberg Defence through this direct contract between the two organisations. The opportunities gained will ensure marines have what they need to support Marine Corps warfighting needs,” he added.
The ACV-30 is one of four variants in the next-generation ACV family of vehicles designed, developed and built by BAE Systems, providing the USMC with ship-to-shore capability in what will be a full replacement of the USMC’s fleet of AAV7 Assault Amphibious Vehicles. Eliminating the space requirement of legacy turreted cannons, Kongsberg’s MCT-30 turret provides the lethality and protection the US Marines need but still leaves ample room for troop capacity and payload while keeping the crew under armour. The MCT-30 also reduces vehicle weight, contributing to better mobility.
“This agreement is an important milestone for the US Marine Corps ACV-30 programme, enabling rapid deliveries when full-rate production starts,” said Eirik Lie, president of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. “We are pleased the US Marine Corp has selected the highly advanced 30 mm Protector remote turret system from Kongsberg in the programme.”
The USMC is continuing to grow its relationship with Kongsberg’s Protector family of remote weapon stations and turrets, providing streamlined training and sustainment as well as wireless fire control and future technology and effector integration.
The USD 51 million long-lead contract is part of a framework agreement (undefinitised contract action) worth up to USD 329 million announced on 4 November 2024.
