The UK, Germany and Sweden agree to buy 436 BvS10 ATVs from BAE Systems
The 16th of Decemberhrs, BAE Systems confirmed that the UK, Germany and Sweden have reached a joint agreement to purchase 436 BsV10 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) from the company for a total of $760 million. Sweden gets 236 of these, Germany 140 and Great Britain 60.
The vehicles were procured under the joint program Collaborative All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) which was signed in 2020 and includes the Netherlands together with the three states mentioned above. Sweden has played a leading role in the process and had already separately procured 127 BsV10s last year and plans to add another 40 to its fleet in a separate contract.
The armored vehicle is built to operate in very challenging terrain including “snow, ice, rock, sand, mud or swamp, as well as steep mountain environments”. With regard to Swedish interests, the suitability of the system for operation in arctic climates is particularly relevant. The BvS10 is also amphibious, and can be configured for a number of roles; an official British release stated that the deal includes vehicles configured for “troop transport, logistics, medical evacuation, recovery and command and control”. BAE also mentions that the vehicle can be configured as “a weapons carrier with additional mortar capability”.
British Brigadier General Mark Totten commented on some of the functions that the vehicles will provide United Kingdom Commando Force:
“The signing of the CATV contract is fantastic news for UK Defense and for the Commando Forces. This is a unique capability – fundamental to the Commando Forces who are experts at operating in extreme cold weather and over the coast. The vehicle has a number of features that make it ideal for the Future Commando Force: it is agile over snow, has amphibious capabilities and protects its occupants from multiple threats.Going forward to contract is a clear statement of the UK’s strong commitment to the High North and working alongside our NATO and JEF partners. “
BAE Systems ATVs are increasingly popular platforms with the BsV10 in service with Austria, UK, France, Netherlands and Sweden. Earlier this year, the United States chose Beowulf, an unarmored ATV based on the BsV10, to equip US Arctic forces. Other countries like India may also consider designs Beowulf and BsV10.
According to to CEO of BAE Systems Hägglunds, Tommy Gustafsson-Rask:
“We are seeing increased interest from many countries in the extreme mobility capabilities offered by the BvS10 and its unarmored sister vehicle, the Beowulf. Sweden, Germany and the UK will see an excellent return on their investment in these highly capable vehicles for decades to come. This further demonstrates the strong relationship between BAE Systems and our customers to deliver these critical functions.”
The official announcement by BAE Systems is available here.