BAE Systems receives hard armour insert order
BAE Systems has announced that it has received an order from the US Defence Logistics Agency (DLA) to produce and deliver hard armour inserts used to protect warfighters against multiple hits from small arms threats. The company made the announcement in a 23 April, 2012 statement.
The $75 million order is for the Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert (ESAPI) plates, which are worn in soft armour vests, such as the Improved Outer Tactical Vest, to protect against a variety of ballistic threats. Since 1998, BAE Systems has produced more than 1.2 million hard armour inserts, including ESAPI and other SAPI derivatives, under various Department of Defence contracts.
According to the company, this latest order is part of a new, three-year contract from DLA Troop Support. The total value of contract orders could reach approximately $236 million over the next three years. ESAPI plates are manufactured at the BAE Systems Phoenix, Ariz. facility, and deliveries are expected to begin this September and continue through August 2013.
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