BAE Systems clinches ACV C4/UAS study
Will the USMC adopt a variant of the ACV with a C4/UAS payload to meet its Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle requirement? (Photo: BAE Systems)
A variant of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle with a C4/UAS payload could help US Marines to observe their surroundings, collect and integrate information, and sense new targets over the horizon.
The USMC could decide to add a new Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) variant with a C4/reconnaissance UAS payload from BAE Systems, pending the results of a first-phase Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle study.
A C4/UAS variant of the ACV would feature a ‘state-of-the-art battle management system and advanced sensing capabilities’, BAE Systems noted in a 7 April statement.
The company added that it would adopt a ‘fully open-architecture approach, allowing for rapid technology refresh and upgrades, including seamless integration of future technologies and capabilities’.
John Swift, VP of amphibious programmes at BAE Systems, said that a C4/UAS variant ‘may offer development and life cycle cost savings’ for the USMC.
BAE has developed the ACV family of vehicles in partnership with IVECO Defence Vehicles to self-deploy from USN ships.
The company claimed that ACV C4/UAS would have a ‘substantial level of commonality’ with other vehicle variants. Two have already reached IOC: a personnel carrier (ACV-P) and a command vehicle (ACV-C).
BAE Systems is under contract from the USMC to develop a 30mm cannon-armed variant (ACV-30). Last month, it was awarded a design and development deal for a recovery variant (ACV-R).
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![NATO demonstrates equipment and prototype innovations in Crystal Arrow Exercise]()
NATO demonstrates equipment and prototype innovations in Crystal Arrow Exercise
The Crystal Arrow Exercise is being used by NATO as a way to put new equipment such as uncrewed ground and aerial vehicles into the hands of alliance users, particularly Latvian and Baltic forces.
-
![UK finally signs $1.35 billion British Army howitzer deal but with scaled-back numbers]()
UK finally signs $1.35 billion British Army howitzer deal but with scaled-back numbers
The deal will provide the British Army with five times the number of guns it currently operates as an interim measure, but it still leaves the force with comparatively fewer weapons than partner forces.
-
![NATO boosts uncrewed usage and shifts on concept of operations based on lessons learned from Ukraine]()
NATO boosts uncrewed usage and shifts on concept of operations based on lessons learned from Ukraine
The war in Ukraine remains a focus of procurement, concepts of operation, tactics and training for NATO countries. The Crystal Arrow Exercise in Latvia, ongoing until 15 May, is a reflection of this.
-
![SAHA 2026: Armour, artillery and autonomous systems on display]()
SAHA 2026: Armour, artillery and autonomous systems on display
The array of platforms on display at SAHA 2026 showcased the diversity of equipment now provided by the Turkish defence industry.
