BAE body armour for US

BAE Systems has been awarded a $45 million contract modification by the US Army for the low-rate initial production of lightweight torso and side body armour, the company announced on 24 September. 

Under the modification, which is a part of the Soldier Protection System Vital Torso Protection programme, the company will provide three armour variants.

The variants include the Lightweight X Small Arms Protective Insert (XSAPI), a protective torso plate; and two side plate variants, the Lightweight X Side Ballistic Insert (XSBI) and Lightweight Enhanced Side Ballistic Insert (ESBI), which are designed to enhance the protection afforded by the torso plate.

According to the company, the new equipment offers the same level of ballistic performance as previous generations while being at least seven percent lighter, in order to reduce the load on the warfighter.

The modification contract will see the delivery of over 90,000 plates.

Robert Monks, director, warfighter protection program, BAE Systems, said: ‘This award shows the continued importance of BAE Systems to the army’s drive to deliver the lightest weight body armour available today. It positions us to continue as a leading supplier of the lightest, next-generation body armour for the US Department of Defense.’