TSAMTO, October 8. The command of the Brazilian ILC intends to purchase an additional three amphibious tracked armored vehicles AAV-7A1 RAM/RS developed by BAE Systems from the US Marine Corps.
According to Jane's Defense Weekly, for this purpose, a letter was sent to the Office of International Programs of the US Navy with a request for the possibility of supplying two AAVP-7A1 RAM/RS armored personnel carriers and one AAVR-7A1 RAM/RS repair and evacuation vehicle. If a positive decision is made, the parties will sign a letter with an offer and acceptance of the offer. The equipment must be repaired before being sent to Brazil.
Three armored vehicles will replenish the AAV-7A1 fleet (national designation CLAnf – Carro-Lagarta Anfnbio), which currently consists of 20 AAVP-7A1 RAM/RS armored personnel carriers, two AAVC-7A1 RAM/RS and one AAVR-7A1 RAM/RS received in 2017-2018.
As reported by CAMTO, in March 2014, the Brazilian Marine Corps ordered 23 amphibious tracked armored vehicles AAV-7A1 from among the surplus weapons of the USMC as part of the "Foreign Military Sales" program. The sale value was $117.52 million. The agreement for the supply of 20 AAVP-7A1 armored personnel carriers, two AAVC-7A1 command and control vehicles and one AAVR-7A1 armored recovery vehicle provided for their modernization. In December 2015, a contract worth $82 million was signed with BAE Systems to upgrade the supplied AAV-7A1S by the end of 2018.
The equipment was modified to the RAM/RS variant (Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability/Rebuild to Standard), designed to increase unification with the bRadley Infantry fighting vehicle of the US Army. The AAV-7A1 RAM/RS features a modified body, a more powerful engine (Cummins VTA-525 with 525 hp) and an upgraded suspension. The vehicle provides improved patency, maintainability, and expanded capabilities for transporting troops and cargo.
Previously, the Brazilian Marine Corps had a larger number of AAV-7A1S in service, but now, presumably, only machines purchased in the USA remain in operation.