The BvS10 MkII is the latest version of the all-terrain vehicles in service with the Dutch and British armed forces.
The contract is for three variants — troop carrier, command post and logistic vehicle — as well as a through-life support package. According to BAE, the project will benefit from input from French partners, such as Panhard and EADS, with deliveries scheduled to begin next year.
Jan Söderström, managing director at BAE Systems’ Vehicles business, said: ‘The French requirements were very challenging and so it was particularly rewarding to win this contract. The contract acknowledges the high performance and strong market position of our battle-proven BvS10 and secures the continued development of the vehicle.’
A|D|S, the aerospace industry’s trade organisation, hopes that the order will provide greater European cohesion in the defence sector.
Ian Godden, chairman of A|D|S, said: ‘This would provide a stronger industrial base and capability for both the UK and France, which together represent 50 per cent of the European defence industry and 75 per cent of the defence research and technology in Europe. It would also ensure that European governments have an alternative to the US, lest the US industrial base becomes monopolistic.’
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