The Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) by BAE Systems and Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV) made its highly anticipated international debut at the FEINDEF international defense and security exposition held in Madrid, Spain.
Developed through a strategic partnership, the ACV family of vehicles is designed to enhance the US Marine Corps (USMC) expeditionary mobility capability and is currently the sole fully amphibious combat vehicle in production.
First Showcase Outside the US
At FEINDEF, the personnel variant of the ACV, known as ACV-P, serves as the foundational platform for the entire family of vehicles.
This momentous occasion marked the first time the Amphibious Combat Vehicle had been showcased outside of the United States, making it a source of pride for both BAE Systems and IDV.
Garrett Lacaillade, Vice President of Amphibious Programs at BAE Systems, expressed enthusiasm about the international showcase, stating, "This is the first time the Amphibious Combat Vehicle has been shown outside the United States, and it is a point of pride that it is here in Spain, an important, long-term US and NATO ally."
The ACV not only caters to the specific requirements of the US Marine Corps but also has the flexibility to accommodate international customization requests.
Nazario Bianchini, Head of Sales at IDV, emphasized this adaptability, saying, "Jointly BAE Systems and IDV are proud to present this critical next-generation amphibious capability that meets the mission needs and program requirements of the Infantería de Marina Española."
Together, we are ready to respond to any international customization request to ensure the optimal deployment of the amphibious vehicles within the Spanish and European defense system."
One of the distinguishing features of the ACV is its ability to evolve and adapt to changing mission needs and emerging technologies. Its modular design allows for the integration of new capabilities such as reconnaissance, electronic warfare, anti-air systems, and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems.
With this versatility, the ACV is poised to provide Marines worldwide with the necessary flexibility to fulfill a range of mission roles and accommodate future advancements.
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Fully Equipped for Operations
The ACV-P variant of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle is fully equipped for operations in the open ocean and can transport 13 combat-ready Marines with a crew of three.
Alongside the ACV-P, the ACV family encompasses various other variants tailored to meet specific operational needs.
The ACV Command and Control variant enables Marines to effectively monitor the battlefield with its multiple workstations.
The ACV recovery variant offers on-site assistance, maintenance, and recovery services for the entire ACV vehicle range.
On the other hand, the ACV-30 incorporates a Kongsberg-manufactured stabilized, medium-caliber Remote Turret System, which ensures the necessary firepower and protection for Marines while still allowing sufficient space for troop capacity and payload.
The international debut of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle at FEINDEF underscores its significance as a cutting-edge solution for expeditionary operations.
As it continues to garner attention and gain momentum, the ACV promises to play a crucial role in enhancing amphibious capabilities for defense forces.
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