BAE. Holding the cards close when it comes to an upgraded AAV.

BAE is cagey.  They're cagey as hell.

But they have good public relations people.

I put a simple question to them....Are they making plans to upgrade the AAV in case the EFV is canceled and if so what would they include in that upgrade package?

This was the response from their spokesman.

To follow up regarding your AAV question, there isn't a lot of info that I can provide at this time except to say we are watching the situation closely, and as the customer develops the requirements, we will respond with an appropriate course of action that will reflect our long history as the premier AAV development, design, production and fielding authority.

Hmm.  Reading between the lines, I've come to this conclusion.  Yes they are working on a set of upgrades and if the EFV fails they'll be ready...BUT!  I get the feeling that the FMTV contract left a bitter taste and that they're not going to risk going public with anything until the time is right.  That whole once bitten twice shy thing.

Despite their lack of clarity I'm rather pleased.  If my suspicions are correct then defense contractors are working on a fall back position for the USMC. 

Whether we like it or not, there is an option in case of EFV failure.  And options are never a bad thing.