Brian Gathwright, Vice President of Business Development Platforms and Services, led a tour of BAE Systems‘ latest vehicle platforms, emphasising their deployment capabilities, ongoing projects, and the company’s focus on integrating systems to meet modern military needs.
The tour, which took place in Paris, showcased a range of military vehicles, each designed to address specific operational challenges faced by modern armed forces.
Vehicle deliveries and programme updates
A key highlight was the presentation of the unarmoured variant of the Beowulf vehicle, which is currently being delivered to the US Army. Gathwright emphasised its high mobility, versatility, and capability to operate in harsh arctic conditions. “We are currently delivering into the US inventory, with programme deliveries expected to continue for the next three to five years,” he noted.
BAE Systems also focuses on expanding its market reach in Europe, with procurement discussions and developments underway with Germany, the UK, Sweden, and the Netherlands for the BVS10 variant. “We envision a multi-national effort similar to previous contracts,” Gathwright added.
Advanced configurations and international deployments
The tour also showcased the modernised CV90 Mark IV configuration, set for delivery to Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Equipped with turrets and anti-tank guided missiles, this variant is actively deployed in Ukraine, with Sweden recently signing a contract to build additional vehicles. “There’s a broader conversation across user nations about potential additional buys of the Mark IV,” Gathwright mentioned, underscoring the vehicle’s role in ongoing conflicts.
Integration and modularity
The versatility of BAE Systems’ offerings was further demonstrated with the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV). Designed as a replacement for the M113 in the US fleet, this vehicle features a common top plate to integrate multiple platforms. Gathwright highlighted the integration of different turrets, showcasing the vehicle’s modular open architecture. “We have integrated four different systems in the last 12 months, demonstrating our speed,” he said.
According to GlobalData’s global military land vehicles market intelligence, the US amphibious combat vehicle family is expected to cost the US $22.3bn for 4,350 units of the armoured personnel carrier. This ongoing procurement process is expected to continue until 2040.
Strategic howitzer deployments
The tour included a look at the M777 howitzer, which has seen a resurgence due to its effectiveness in Ukraine. “The M777 takes a hit and keeps on ticking,” Gathwright noted, emphasising its durability and reliability. With active production resuming to meet international demand, BAE Systems is positioned to deliver these howitzers.
BAE Systems Plc will account for a 43.4% share of the artillery systems market in North America, according to GlobalData’s “The Global Artillery Systems Market 2023-2033” report.
Counter-drone solutions
Addressing the growing threat of drones, BAE Systems introduced the Tridon Mark II, a cost-effective solution using programmable ammunition to take down drones. This system, capable of integrating into various vehicles, offers flexibility. A BAE Systems spokesperson explained, “We have conducted several firings, a high rate of fire and programmable munition, which enables the system to engage targets from a small drone to a swarm of drones.”
Future prospects
The company’s portfolio spans different howitzer systems, including the M109 mechanised tracks and the Archer wheeled option. Gathwright concluded, “We have continuous work on integrating autonomous solutions and lighter guns.”
