BAE Systems joins Vertex in USMC Harrier support contract
Two companies will ensure increased efficiency of maintenance operations for the AV-8B fleet.
BAE Systems and Vertex Aerospace have signed a nine-year agreement to enhance availability of the AV-8B Harrier II/II+ fleet operated by the USMC.
Vertex provides aircraft maintenance and contractor logistics support (CLS) services for the USMC Harrier fleet, under a $123 million Contracted Maintenance, Modification, Aircrew, and Related Services task order issued by the USN in July 2020.
Some 120 Harriers remain in USMC service out of the 200 originally ordered, according to Shephard Defence Insight.
Vertex selected BAE Systems as a subcontractor for the CLS contract. Together, the two partners ‘will ensure increased efficiency of maintenance operations for the Harrier fleet using predictive maintenance techniques and smart stock optimisation tools’, BAE Systems noted in a 12 January announcement.
BAE Systems already maintains the reaction control system on the AV-8B Harrier and it also provides engineering and technical support for the aircraft.
Engineers from BAE Systems will work alongside Vertex and the USMC at three locations in the US. They will be supported by a specialist team in the UK.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon]()
EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon
The consortium has given details on the next-generation of sensing and jamming capabilities on the Eurofighter Typhoon without needing to update the airframe, according to the group’s partners.
-
![Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets]()
Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets
The Romanian government has formalised a deal to purchase 32 F-35A aircraft from the US. The jets will not be expected to be operational in Romania until 2030.
-
![US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets]()
US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets
The US Air Force will transition away from its ageing A-10 aircraft in 2025, in favour of updating and enhancing its F-16, and introducing F-15EX and F-35 Lightning II jets in the region.
