BAE Systems to Accelerate AMPV Upgrades with New Capability Kits and Strategic Partnerships

In a major push to modernize U.S. Army ground combat capabilities, BAE Systems has announced a rapid upgrade program for its Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), introducing new capability kits and forming strategic partnerships to fast-track innovation. The goal is to ensure the AMPV evolves into a highly adaptable and mission-ready platform, prepared for future battlefield challenges.

At the heart of this initiative is the AMPV’s modular chassis design, which allows different mission systems and advanced technologies to be integrated quickly without having to redesign the entire vehicle. This makes the AMPV an ideal candidate for rapid prototyping and field deployment of new systems. According to Bill Sheehy, Ground Maneuver product line director at BAE Systems, “The AMPV is a proving ground for the future of tracked ground combat.”

One of the key upgrades planned is the integration of advanced effectors — specialized systems that enable the vehicle to detect and neutralize drones, conduct autonomous ground operations, and operate unmanned turret systems. These features are designed to enhance battlefield survivability and give U.S. forces a critical edge against increasingly tech-savvy adversaries.

Sheehy highlighted the reliability of the current AMPV platform, noting that the vehicle’s hull is among the most durable in the Army’s inventory. “It’s coming off a hot production line,” he said, underscoring that the base vehicle is already being delivered to the Army and ready for further enhancements.

In recent years, BAE Systems has already demonstrated successful integration of new capabilities on the AMPV, including turreted prototypes like the 30mm unmanned weapon system and Modular Turreted Mortar. These efforts use a Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) — a flexible design strategy that allows various components from different manufacturers to be plugged into the vehicle, making it easier to upgrade or replace systems in the future.

Importantly, BAE Systems is not doing this alone. The company is partnering with other defense technology firms to accelerate development and reduce the time it takes to deliver enhanced vehicles to soldiers. Though specific partner names have not been released yet, the company has promised to reveal them later this summer.

“This might not be a traditional approach to innovating for warfighters,” Sheehy admitted, “but the AMPV isn’t your average combat vehicle either.”

With the U.S. Army placing increased emphasis on speed, survivability, and versatility in future operations, these upgrades to the AMPV could play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of ground combat systems.