4th Nov 2014 06:52
LONDON (Alliance News) - BAE Systems PLC Monday said it has received a follow-on contract from the US Army to continue low-rate initial production of the M109A7 self-propelled howitzer and M992A3 ammunition carrier.
In a statement, BAE Systems said the M109A7 provides an upgrade over the M109A6 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer.
"The M109A7 is a significant leap forward in technology for the Field Artillery, addressing the current system shortfalls while providing significant margin for growth to help position the service for the long term," Adam Zarfoss, director for Artillery and Recovery Systems at BAE Systems, said in a statement.
BAE Systems was awarded a one-year base contract for the M109A7, formerly the Paladin Integrated Management program, in October 2013.
The current contract is the first of three option year awards to produce an additional 18 vehicle sets, according to BAE Systems. These comprise 18 M109A7 howitzers and 18 carrier ammunition, tracked vehicles for about USD142 million.
Once all options are exercised, the Army intends to purchase a total of 66.5 vehicle sets plus spares, kits, and technical documentation, the company added.
One set includes a M109A7 Paladin Self Propelled Howitzer along with its battlefield companion, the M992A3 Carrier Ammunition, Tracked.
Work on the M109A7 is currently underway at Anniston Army Depot, Alabama, and BAE Systems? York, Pennsylvania, facility. Final production will take place at the company?s Elgin, Oklahoma, facility, with the first vehicles scheduled to be delivered to the Army in early 2015.
By Samuel Agini; [email protected]; @samuelagini
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