According to the Insider, the US Army is preparing to initiate a new combat vehicle program to equip heavy brigades with a replacement for the Vietnam era-designed M113 vehicle, setting up a competition to build at least 2,500 Armoured Multipurpose Vehicles (AMPV).
The contest could involve manufactures of both tracked and wheeled combat vehicles as well as armoured truck makers.
Back in May Congress’s permission was sought to move $10 million between Army accounts, as part of a wider reallocation of appropriated funds, to finance activities that include studying ways to meet the AMPV requirement by modifying existing products as well as new vehicles in development.
The study, an analysis of alternatives (AOA), will consider a wide range of options including platforms derived from those already in the Army’s fleet like the Bradley, the Stryker and the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle.
It will also examine concepts for meeting the AMPV requirements by modifying vehicles currently in development, including the Ground Combat Vehicle and the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle.