Textron To Supply Armored Vehicles To Bulgaria

Textron Systems Marine and Land Systems announced today a $15 million contract from the US Army to provide 10 Commando Select four-wheeled armored vehicles, along with related fielding hardware and technical services to the Bulgarian National Military Forces.

Textron made an announcement during the ongoing AUSA 2014 Annual Meeting & Exposition. The vehicles initially will be deployed in support of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. 

Work will be performed in Slidell Los Angeles and Afghanistan with vehicle deliveries in the first quarter of 2015. All contract activities are expected to be completed by June 30, 2015. 

Three Commando Select variants will be delivered, consisting of turreted vehicles with co-axially mounted 40mm Mk-19 and .50 cal machine guns, a command and control (C2) variant with turret, and an ambulance variant used for patient treatment and transport. The C2 vehicles integrate Textron Systems' proven Remote Video Terminal technology for real-time situational awareness from a variety of unmanned systems and other sources. The company's family of remote terminals is fielded around the world. 

The Bulgarian National Military Forces currently has seven Commando vehicles in service. Delivered in 2008, these vehicles have been in continuous operation with the ISAF in Afghanistan. Textron Systems also is under contract to provide the Bulgarian Army with technical support in Afghanistan and quarterly training in Bulgaria. 

Rigorously tested and proven in the toughest environments, the Commando family of vehicles -- including the Commando Elite, Commando Select and Commando Utility series, offers a range of protection options, unmatched on-road/off-road mobility and ample firepower. More than 630 Commando Select vehicles have been delivered to the Afghan National Army in the last three years, with many of these vehicles actively engaged in security operations in strategic locations across the country.