BAE submits proposal for MPF programme

BAE Systems has submitted its proposal for the US Army’s Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) programme, the company announced 1 March.

The MPF vehicle will be used to provide the army’s Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) with a protected platform capable of delivering precision firepower, combined with the ability to move rapidly in a variety of terrain conditions.

BAE Systems' proposal incorporates an improved M8 Armored Gun System into a fully integrated MPF system. According to the company, the solution provides a highly survivable, lethal, mobile, and transportable vehicle system.

The vehicle is currently going through internal testing. The company will submit the vehicle to the army on 2 April to undergo additional US government testing as a part of the bid assessment process.

Jim Miller, director of business development at BAE Systems’ combat vehicles business, said: ‘Our solution is built around the IBCT’s needs and the evolving threats they face. It is as deployable as the IBCT’s other equipment and is easily sustained and maintained with assets already organic to the IBCT.

‘Our infantry fights in close terrain, urban areas, and remote locations, so a smaller, lightweight vehicle that still provides superior protection and lethality was essential to the design of our MPF offering.’