BAE Systems has secured a significant contract modification valued at $184.4 million to provide the US Marine Corps with an additional 30 amphibious combat vehicles (ACVs) that will be equipped with medium-caliber cannons. This development is part of a broader $3.86 billion initiative aimed at modernizing the Marine Corps’ amphibious vehicle fleet, a program set to extend through 2028.
The newly awarded contract encompasses full-rate production of these enhanced “mission-role” ACVs, ensuring that the vehicles come with essential fielding support, spare parts, and sustainability requirements. This effort will be executed across multiple facilities within the United States, with 60 percent of production taking place in Pennsylvania, while the remaining portions will be distributed among facilities in South Carolina, California, Michigan, and Virginia.
To facilitate this modification, the Marine Corps Systems Command, headquartered at Quantico, will allocate fiscal 2026 procurement funds, thereby aligning the delivery schedules with the revised timeline of the program. This strategic investment underscores the importance of the ACVs in the Marine Corps’ operational capabilities, especially in transporting marines from ships to shore and providing necessary fire support in coastal areas.
Over the past two years, the operational deployment of ACVs has grown significantly, demonstrating their effectiveness across various regions and mission scenarios. A notable milestone occurred in December 2024, when the 4th Marines of the 3rd Marine Division successfully conducted the first open-water amphibious movement of ACVs in Japan. Additionally, in May 2024, the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit utilized ACVs during Exercise Balikatan in the Philippines, marking a crucial deployment in the Indo-Pacific region.
The focus on modernization extends beyond mobility, as the capabilities of the ACVs are continuously evolving to enhance operational versatility. In January 2024, the US Marines received their first ACV-C model, which offers commanders a mobile, amphibious platform featuring advanced communications and battlefield control systems.
After a brief pause in 2022 due to surf and safety concerns, ACV operations resumed with updated guidelines to define acceptable sea-state conditions, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of these powerful vehicles in real-world conditions. The ongoing advancements in the ACV program highlight the Marine Corps’ commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge amphibious force capable of addressing modern challenges.
