BAE Systems to equip US Army AMPV with rapid kits for counter-drone and ground autonomy.

According to information published by BAE Systems on August 6, 2025, the company announced a strategic investment program to equip the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) with advanced capability kits and mission-ready effectors. This initiative is based on the use of the AMPV’s modular chassis and internal funding to develop a series of technologically advanced prototypes designed to meet future combat requirements. The stated goal is to accelerate the integration of new operational capabilities and deliver ready-to-deploy solutions at a pace exceeding that of potential adversaries through targeted industrial partnerships.
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The new capability kits announced by BAE Systems will integrate effectors for counter-unmanned aerial system missions, ground autonomy solutions, and remotely operated turrets. (Picture source: US DoD)

The AMPV is a central element in the US Army’s modernization program to replace the M113 family, in service since the Vietnam War. Identified as a top priority for soldier safety and survivability, this new-generation armored vehicle has been designed to operate within Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT) and work in full coordination with M1 Abrams tanks and M2 Bradley combat vehicles. Its development is based on a modular architecture and proven components from the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle and the M109A7 self-propelled howitzer, ensuring high logistical commonality and facilitating operational support in demanding combat conditions.

In August 2023, BAE Systems received a full-rate production contract for manufacturing the AMPV family at a sustained pace. Production takes place in the United States with the support of more than 1,300 suppliers across the country, strengthening the national defense industrial base. The AMPV is designed to offer a balanced combination of protection, mobility, and reliability while incorporating interoperable communication and control systems compatible with other ABCT platforms. This approach ensures that US armored units maintain a lasting tactical advantage on the battlefield.

The AMPV family consists of five multi-mission variants tailored to specific operational roles. The General Purpose variant is intended for troop and equipment transport as well as logistical support missions. The Mortar Carrier provides indirect fire support through an integrated mortar system. The Mission Command variant serves as a mobile command post with advanced coordination and communication capabilities. The Medical Treatment variant enables emergency medical care in the field, while the Medical Evacuation variant ensures the safe transport of wounded personnel to treatment facilities, enhancing the resilience of deployed forces.

The new capability kits announced by BAE Systems will integrate effectors for counter-unmanned aerial system missions, ground autonomy solutions, and remotely operated turrets. These additions will complement the proven robustness and modularity of the AMPV while significantly expanding its operational spectrum. The company has already demonstrated its ability to integrate innovative technologies rapidly, as evidenced by five turret-equipped prototypes developed over the past two years, including a modular mortar and a 30 mm remotely operated weapon system.

To execute this program, BAE Systems is working with technology partners capable of introducing innovations that can be quickly adapted to the platform. This approach, compared by the company to the coordination of a military formation in the field, aims to accelerate development cycles while ensuring the reliability and compatibility of integrated systems. Announcements regarding the selected industrial partners and the detailed timeline for the deployment of the capability kits are expected by the end of summer 2025.

By combining a modern armored platform, specialized variants, and the ability to rapidly integrate new technologies, the AMPV program is positioned as a mature and low-risk solution to strengthen US land forces. The integration of advanced capability kits marks a decisive step toward a versatile vehicle capable of adapting to evolving combat requirements and maintaining its role as a key asset in the US Army’s armored capabilities for decades to come.