BAE Systems has won a $184.4-million contract modification to supply the US Marine Corps with 30 additional amphibious combat vehicles (ACVs) outfitted with medium‑caliber cannons.
This is part of a larger $3.86 billion program that aims to modernize the service’s amphibious vehicle fleet through 2028.
The contract covers full‑rate production of the cannon‑equipped “mission-role” ACVs, along with necessary fielding support, spares and sustainment.
Production will be spread across multiple US facilities, with 60 percent in Pennsylvania, 15 percent each in South Carolina and California, and 5 percent each in Michigan and Virginia.
Marine Corps Systems Command at Quantico will funnel fiscal 2026 procurement funds into the award, ensuring delivery schedules remain on track under the revised program timeline.
ACVs are designed to carry marines from ship‑to‑shore and provide fire support across littoral zones — a critical capability as the Marine Corps reshapes its expeditionary force posture.
Developments in Amphibious Combat Vehicles
Over the past two years, the Marine Corps has significantly expanded the deployment and operational use of ACVs, demonstrating real-world capability across multiple regions and mission profiles.
In December 2024, 4th Marines of the 3rd Marine Division completed the first open‑water amphibious movement of ACVs in Japan. In May 2024, the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed ACVs during Exercise Balikatan in the Philippines, the first in the Indo-Pacific.
Meanwhile, modernization has not only focused on mobility but also on expanding operational versatility. In January 2024, the US Marines received its first ACV‑C, which gave commanders a mobile, amphibious platform with enhanced communications and battlefield control capabilities.
In 2022, ACV operations resumed after earlier surf and safety restrictions, with updated guidelines specifying acceptable sea‑state conditions to mitigate risk.
