The Brazilian Armed Forces is considering modernizing 26 BAE Systems AAV7A1 amphibious assault vehicles, a total composed of twenty-two AAVP-7A1 troop carriers, two AAVC-7A1 command posts and two AAVR-7A1 recovery vehicles. In April 1995, through the Marine Corps Systems Command, the company was awarded a firm fixed price contract for a total of 14 AAV7A1 Assault Amphibious Vehicles for the Brazilian Marines under the Foreign Military Sales Programme (FMS).
The order for 14 vehicles comprised 12 AAVP7A1 troop carriers, one AAVR7A1 recovery vehicle and one AAVC7A1 command post vehicle. The Brazilian Marines already operate 12 AAV7A1. Engineering, management, purchasing and hull fabrication was carried out at San Jose, where production of all previous AAV7A1 vehicles was carried out, with assembly and testing being carried out at Anniston, Alabama. Production was completed by late 1996 and all vehicles have now been delivered to Brazil.
BAE Systems has been awarded an $82 million contract to modernize and deliver 23 upgraded Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAV7A1) for the Brazilian Marine Corps.Under the terms of the contract, BAE Systems will provide 23 AAV7A1 RAM/RS vehicles and supply all tools and test equipment to support vehicle maintenance. The company will also provide an initial sustainment capability to the Brazilian Marine Corps to include spare parts and field service support, as well as training for the vehicle users.
The Brazilian Marine Corps (Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais) is the land combat branch and amphibious branch of the Brazilian Navy. The Corps is specialised in amphibious warfare, coastal reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, guerrilla warfare, raids, maritime interdiction and boarding operations. They are almost equivelant to the Portuguese Marine Corps and have similar capabilities to the British Royal Marine Commandos and American Force Recon. The Corps is an integral part of the Brazilian Navy, encompassing about one third of its manpower.
