At the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2025 Annual Meeting in Washington D.C., BAE Systems unveiled a significantly upgraded prototype of its Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV). The new variant integrates counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities, enhanced lethality via a remote weapon station with a 30 mm chain gun, and active protection systems—all aimed at increasing survivability and battlefield utility for U.S. Army mechanized formations.
AMPV Program Background and Modernization Context
The AMPV program was initiated to replace legacy M113 armored personnel carriers across U.S. Army Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs). First fielded in limited numbers in 2020–2021, the baseline AMPV shares approximately 70% commonality with the Bradley Fighting Vehicle chassis but is designed as a more modular platform to support multiple mission roles—general purpose transport, medical evacuation/treatment, mortar carrier, mission command vehicle, and more.
As peer threats evolve—particularly in contested airspaces saturated with drones—the Army has signaled an urgent need to adapt its vehicle fleets for both kinetic and non-kinetic counter-UAS operations. The AMPV’s large internal volume and power generation capacity make it an ideal candidate for such upgrades.
Key Features of the New AMPV Prototype
The prototype displayed at AUSA 2025 incorporates several major enhancements over the baseline configuration:
- M230LF Chain Gun: Mounted on a Kongsberg Protector RS6 remote weapon station (RWS), this 30×113 mm cannon provides significantly greater firepower than the previously integrated .50 caliber machine guns or Mk19 grenade launchers. It is optimized for engaging light vehicles, dismounted infantry, and low-flying drones.
- C-UAS Sensors: The RWS is equipped with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors and laser rangefinders capable of detecting small UAVs. While not confirmed by BAE reps at the show, industry analysts suggest integration potential for radar-based detection or RF jamming modules in future iterations.
- Iron Fist Light Decoupled Active Protection System: Developed by Elbit Systems (Israel), this hard-kill APS uses radar and infrared sensors to detect incoming projectiles such as RPGs or ATGMs. It then launches interceptors to destroy them mid-flight. This marks one of the first integrations of Iron Fist on an American armored vehicle beyond testing phases.
Together these upgrades aim to close critical protection gaps identified during recent conflicts where loitering munitions and FPV drones have inflicted disproportionate damage on armored platforms lacking layered defenses.
Operational Implications for U.S. Mechanized Forces
The enhanced AMPV variant aligns closely with evolving U.S. Army doctrine emphasizing multi-domain operations (MDO) against near-peer adversaries like Russia or China. In such environments—characterized by dense EW activity and drone swarms—the ability to detect, track, and neutralize aerial threats at the platoon/company level becomes essential.
This prototype suggests that future AMPVs may serve dual roles—not just as transport/support vehicles but also as mobile SHORAD nodes within ABCTs. When networked via C4ISR systems like TITAN or IBCS (Integrated Battle Command System), these vehicles could contribute sensor data or even engage targets cooperatively alongside dedicated air defense assets like Stryker M-SHORAD or IFPC launchers.
Industrial Partners and Integration Challenges
The upgraded AMPV reflects collaboration among multiple defense contractors:
- BAE Systems: Prime contractor responsible for chassis design and integration.
- Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace: Supplies RS6 RWS configured for heavier armaments like M230LF.
- Elbit Systems of America: Provides Iron Fist APS; already tested on Bradley IFVs under separate programs.
A key integration challenge remains power management—especially when combining high-draw systems like APS radars/sensors with weapon stations requiring independent stabilization. According to statements from BAE engineers at AUSA panels, ongoing trials are evaluating lithium-ion battery packs coupled with upgraded alternators to ensure uninterrupted operation under combat loads.
Next Steps: Testing Pathways and Fielding Outlook
The Army has not yet committed to wide-scale procurement of this specific configuration but has expressed interest in “spiral upgrades” across existing AMPV variants based on operational feedback from Europe and Indo-Pacific deployments.
A limited number of prototypes will reportedly enter developmental testing at Aberdeen Proving Ground in early Q1 2026 under PM Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles’ modernization roadmap. Key metrics will include drone detection/kill probability under cluttered environments; APS reliability against tandem-charge threats; crew workload; and maintenance burden compared to legacy variants.
If successful—and budget permitting—a low-rate initial production (LRIP) decision could follow by FY27 as part of broader ABCT modernization efforts under POM cycle planning.
A Competitive Edge Amidst Global Trends
The unveiling comes amid global demand for modular armored platforms capable of integrating layered defenses against drones—a threat environment validated by conflicts in Ukraine, Nagorno-Karabakh, Syria, and Gaza where even main battle tanks have been neutralized by commercial-grade UAVs carrying improvised munitions.
Nations including Germany (with its Boxer variants), South Korea (K808), Israel (Eitan APC), Turkey (Arma series), and France (Griffon) are all pursuing similar C-UAS-capable configurations either through turret upgrades or add-on kits. In this context, BAE’s proactive adaptation of the AMPV platform may help maintain competitiveness in both domestic programs like Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) support roles—and export markets seeking NATO-standard solutions adaptable to emerging threats.
