BAE Systems wins $8m order for enhanced body armor plates

BAE Systems has been awarded an $8 million order from the Defense Logistics Agency for enhanced body armor plates.

Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts, or ESAPI plates as they are more commonly known, are designed to provide a wide range of ballistic protection to troops in a variety of combat conditions. BAE Systems has delivered more than 500,000 ESAPI plates to the US military since it began producing the enhanced body armor plates in 2005.

"This follow-on order underscores the continued confidence our customers have in our protection products," said Greg Kraak, director of US Military Programs for BAE Systems' Personnel Protection Systems business. "What we're most proud of is in knowing the Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts plates we produce help to protect US Soldiers and Marines serving in Afghanistan and Iraq."

The $8 million follow-on order is a part of a multi-year contract with a potential, cumulative value of $86 million. The original contract was awarded to BAE Systems in December 2007. Production is being performed at BAE Systems' Phoenix, Arizona facility, and deliveries are expected to be complete by November 2010.

BAE Systems is a leading provider of soldier protective and load carriage equipment in the United States, producing a significant portion of the nation's body armor, tactical vests, combat helmets and load carrying systems. Not only is the company focused on the design, development and production of leading edge survivability products, its integration of advanced materials into manufacturing, rigorous product testing, and field trials support the company's focus on the men and women who serve in the armed forces.

Source: BAE Systems

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