The US Army has begun fielding its new Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles (AMPVs) to support various combat operations.

The first batch of AMPVs developed by BAE Systems was handed over to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry Division.

The vehicles replace the army’s M113 family of armored personnel carriers that entered service in the 1960s.

According to ground combat platforms program Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean, developing and deploying the AMPVs is an essential step in the service’s continuing modernization.

He noted that the vehicles provide soldiers better protection and survivability during high-risk missions.

“These modernization efforts increase our capacity to deter adversaries and if necessary, fight and win in combat,” 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team commander Peter Moon explained.

‘Ready’ to Win

The BAE Systems AMPV has a powertrain and suspension similar to that in the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle and the M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzer.

Aside from added protection, it features improvements in weight, size, power, and compatibility with future technologies.

The combat vehicle comes in five variants, including the M1283 General Purpose vehicle, the M1284 Medical Evacuation vehicle, and the M1285 Medical Treatment vehicle.

It also has the M1286 Mission Command variant and the M1287 Mortar Carrier for heavy mortar fire support.

Moon asserted that the newly-delivered AMPVs would help the army remain lethal and ready to win any fight.