Refurbished AAVs going to Chile Marines

via Defense Market Intelligence.

The first batch of armored amphibians AAV7 commissioned by Chilean Marines to equip its Amphibious Expeditionary Brigade (BAE), modernization is underway in the U.S. and will be delivered in early 2014.
The order is composed of twelve AAV7 purchased second hand surplus U.S. Marine Corps. The lot, which is composed of ten vehicles AAVP7 A1 troop transport, vehicle control and recovery AAVC7 AAVR7 A1 A1, is being renovated by Global Combat Systems (GCS) , a U.S. subsidiary of British industrial group BAE Systems .
The vehicles will be equipped with improved shielding apliqu (EAAK), are being modernized by GCS to standard RAM / RS, which includes the installation of a more powerful engine and new suspension for improved mobility on land.

A few takeaways....

*The market for refurbished AAVs is growing rapidly.  I remember Brazil, and now Chile getting them...I don't know if Japan is seeking new builds or refurbed models but knowing the Japanese it'll be new vehicles.

*I think we're beginning to see the roadmap here. The Marine Corps basically held a competition between vehicle concepts AND manufacturers.  Not only did they pit Lockheed Martin, BAE, General Dynamics and Singapore Kinetics against each other but they also pitted the MPC vs. the AAV Upgrade vs. the Amphibious Combat Vehicle.

*I said it once, I'll say it again.  Its a shame but the Marine Personnel Carrier is dead.

*Question.  Did the Marine Personnel Carrier and Amphibious Combat Vehicle die so that the JLTV could live?  Of all the vehicles that I deem unnecessary, the JLTV would be at the top of that list.  But the Marine Corps leadership STILL PUSHES IT WITHOUT ADDRESSING WHY WE NEED IT.

Note:  Isn't it time someone somewhere replace that EAAK armor with something more modern?