Sweden Order Additional BvS10 Armored Vehicles Worth $120 Million

BAE Systems has received a contract from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for supply of an additional 102 BvS10 armoured all-terrain vehicles to the Swedish Armed Forces.

The $120 million contract is the exercise of an option in a contract awarded by the FMV for an initial 48 vehicles from BAE Systems Hägglunds, in January 2012.

Under the contract, the company will deliver an additional 102 vehicles in different variants, which include troop carriers, command vehicles and ambulances, as well as logistic carriers.

A further development of the Bv206S armoured vehicle, the BvS10 is an armoured all-terrain tracked carrier, designed to provide all-round crew protection against small-calibre munitions, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and anti-tank mines during combat operations.

Depending upon the variant, the fully amphibious vehicle is equipped with either a 12.7mm or 7.62mm-calibre machine gun for self-defence and can accommodate 11 future infantry soldier system (FELIN)-equipped soldiers along with their individual squad weapons and equipment.

Capable of operating in extreme temperatures ranging from -46°C to 49°C, the C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III transportable vehicle is also in service with the Dutch, French and British Armed Forces.

In addition to enhanced crew ergonomics, internal volume and increased protection, the Swedish go-anywhere BvS10s are equipped with the Protector remote weapon station (RWS), radio and battlefield management systems, as well as smoke grenade launchers to offer 360° coverage.

Manufacturing work under the contract is scheduled to be carried out at BAE Systems Hägglunds' refurbished production facility in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden, while deliveries will start in 2014 for completion by 2015.