U.S. Marines buy more ACV-30 combat vehicles

The U.S. Marine Corps is moving forward with full-rate production of its new Amphibious Combat Vehicle armed variant, the ACV-30, awarding nearly $300 million in contracts to BAE Systems and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

According to recent announcements from the Department of Defense, the Marine Corps has placed firm orders for 31 ACV-30 vehicles from BAE Systems and 101 remote weapon turrets from Kongsberg — both systems intended to be fielded together as part of the ACV-30 platform.

The ACV-30 is a mission-specific configuration of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle family equipped with a medium-caliber cannon. The variant provides direct fire support to Marine units in littoral and contested environments, combining amphibious mobility with a stabilized, remotely operated 30mm weapon system.

BAE Systems Land & Armaments LP, based in Sterling Heights, Michigan, was awarded a $181.1 million firm-fixed-price contract modification for the procurement of 31 full-rate production ACV-30 vehicles. The award includes production costs, fielding support, and spare parts. Work will take place at five facilities, with the majority centered in York, Pennsylvania (60%), and is scheduled for completion by September 2027.

In a related development, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace of Norway received a $117.9 million contract modification for the production of 101 Protector Remote Turret 20 (PROTECTOR RT20) systems — designated specifically for integration onto the ACV-30 variant. This award finalizes an earlier undefinitized contract and includes support equipment, training, and documentation.

Kongsberg’s turret provides the ACV-30 with a stabilized 30mm cannon, advanced fire control, and the ability to engage threats from under armor using a remote interface. Work will be split between Kongsberg’s facility in Norway (38%) and its U.S. production partner in Johnstown, Pennsylvania (62%).

The ACV-30 variant — along with the turret system — delivers a critical increase in firepower over legacy vehicles, giving Marines the ability to engage armored and fortified threats at longer ranges.

Both awards are funded with fiscal year 2025 procurement dollars and managed by Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, Virginia. If all options are exercised, the turret contract could reach $271.4 million, and the ACV vehicle contract could grow to a ceiling of $3.85 billion.