As part of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) program, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) has ordered BAE Systems to begin full-rate production of the new 8×8 ACV-30 amphibious armored vehicles, under a contract valued at US$188.5 million. This award falls within the progressive rollout of various ACV variants, including the ACV-P for personnel transport and the ACV-C, a command and control post variant.
Designed to provide direct fire support during amphibious assault and ground combat operations, the ACV program was created to replace the aging AAV-7 (Assault Amphibious Vehicle), which has been in service since the 1970s. Its development began in 2015, following the failure of the EFV (Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle), which was canceled in 2011 due to cost overruns and technical issues.
By 2024, the Marine Corps ordered the start of full-rate production, marking the beginning of manufacturing for the specific subcomponents of the 30 mm turrets that will equip the upcoming 8×8 amphibious vehicles in the ACV-30 variant. This model will feature a Medium Caliber Remote Weapon System, procured separately by the government and integrated at the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic.
The latest program update came on April 29, 2025, when BAE Systems announced a contract to produce a batch of 30 amphibious vehicles, which includes field support, spare parts, and test equipment. The work will be carried out in York (Pennsylvania), Johnstown (Pennsylvania), and Charleston (South Carolina), and will continue through the third quarter of 2026.
Regarding the announcement, Rebecca McGrane, Vice President of Amphibious Programs at BAE Systems, emphasized: “With increased direct-fire lethality thanks to the fully stabilized 30 mm weapon system, the ACV-30 helps ensure Marines are prepared for any mission, whether on land or at sea.” She also added: “The ACV has been tested and proven for its incredible adaptability: it doesn’t just swim—it’s optimized for ship-to-shore, island-hopping, and land-based operations.”
It is worth noting that BAE Systems currently holds active contracts for production of the ACV-P transport variant and the ACV-C command post variant, along with the construction of three test units of the ACV-R recovery variant, which will provide maintenance, recovery, and field repair capabilities to amphibious assault units.
*Photographs used for illustrative purposes.
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