BAE Systems MPF Source: BAE Systems BAE Systems MPF Source: BAE Systems Close

BAE Systems is offering a vehicle based on an the M8 Armored Gun System. General Dynamics put forward the Griffin III, which is a British Ajax vehicle outfitted with an M1 Abrams turret. A third industry team was also competing for an EMD contract, with SAIC offering a vehicle utilizing a CMI Defence turret on an ST Kinetics chassis.

The Army is seeking 504 vehicles for the brigade level and below, and intends to pursue an accelerated acquisition schedule with minimal development. The Army tentatively plans to produce the first 26 vehicles in FY22, followed by 28 vehicles in FY23 and 50 vehicles per year between FY24 and FY32. The program has a unit manufacturing cost target of $6.4 million in 2018 dollars.

The Army requested $36.2 million for development in FY18, and ramped up funding to $393.6 million in FY19 to support the EMD contracts. The service plans to spend $270.2 million on continued development in FY20, $189.7 million in FY21, $83.4 million in FY22, and $12.3 million in FY23.

Weighing in between roughly 25 and 35 tons, the tank would pale in comparison to the much larger M1 Abrams, and would be used to take out targets such as entrenched infantry or light armored vehicles. Threats such as heavy armored vehicles would be left to the Abrams vehicle. MPF will be outfitted with a medium to large size cannon. The lighter weight would allow the tank to be transported on C-130 aircraft.

The MPF program now falls under the Army's broader Next Generation Combat Vehicle effort.

Source: CIA Source: CIA Close

The second program covers new 8x8 wheeled armored vehicles for the Spanish Army. The investment in this project comes to EUR2.1 billion ($2.38 billion) with payments running out to 2030. This long-awaited "Futuro Sistema de Combate Terrestre" requirement will provide the Spanish Army with an 8x8 wheeled armored fighting vehicle (Vehículo de Combate sobre Ruedas, or VCR) to replace its obsolete 6x6 wheeled Pegaso BMRs. Prototypes have already been developed by a consortium consisting of Santa Barbara Sistemas, Indra and SAPA based on the General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) Piranha V. The new AFVs will be referred to as "Dragon" in Spanish Army service. The order involves 348 Dragon AFVs with deliveries running through 2025.

The final major program involves an upgrade and modernization of the Air Force' fleet of 73 Eurofighter Typhoons. This project will cost EUR906 million ($1.027 billion) with costs covered out to 2023 under the investment package. The mid-life upgrade will allow Spain to retain its Typhoon fleet through 2045.

Both the F-110 frigate and Dragon 8x8 AFV projects had remained on the Ministry of Defense planning list for years, but due to the after-effects of the 2009 global financial crisis and Spain's sovereign debt pressures both programs were repeatedly pushed onto the backburner.

Source: Sonez/Wikipedia Source: Sonez/Wikipedia Close

The battlefield recovery equipment (GFB) and universal transport platforms (UTP) will be fabricated for all 69 vehicles by Rheinmetall in Kassel, where they will also be integrated. The contract also includes accessories and documentation. The battlefield recovery equipment will be relocated from the front of the vehicle to the back. This will make it possible to safely tow disabled combat vehicles like the Leopard 2 tank in forward drive, removing them from the battlefield at high speed. Furthermore, the rear section of the modified version of the Bergepanzer 3 will be fitted with a universal transport platform. This highly versatile platform can be used, for example, for carrying additional equipment for recovering other vehicles. Four Bergepanzer 3 armored recovery vehicles have already been fitted with GFB and UTP kits for the ISAF mission in Afghanistan. Two other vehicles, previously deployed by the Canadian Army in Afghanistan, have already undergone the same modification. The equipment has proven highly effective.

This new modernization contract underscores once again Rheinmetall’s comprehensive experience and expertise when it comes to the Leopard 2 family of vehicles, which includes the Bergepanzer 3, an inhouse Rheinmetall development. Its expertise extends from maintenance and modernization programs to advanced main armament concepts, and from the production know-how required from an original equipment manufacturer to complete technical and logistic support of entire vehicle fleets, including service support during deployed operations. Specializing in the twin imperatives of mobility and security, the high-tech Rheinmetall Group’s portfolio also embraces training and simulation technology for sharpening the skills of Leopard 2 crews.

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