Article Posted on : - Oct 28, 2011

The Warrior infantry fighting vehicle. A Lockheed photo

AMPTHILL, UK (BNS): The UK Defence Ministry, which announced a £1 billion (USD 1.6 billion) upgrade for the British Army's Warrior combat vehicles, has selected Lockheed Martin as the lead contractor of the programme.

Under the contract, the UK subsidiary of Lockheed Martin will be responsible for upgrades and enhancements extending the vehicles' service life to beyond 2040.

The company will receive £642 million (USD 1 billion) as part of the £1 billion upgrade under the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP).

The Lockheed-led team will introduce major improvements to the current Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle, including fitting and integrating the CT40 weapon system, as well as an open electronic architecture system and improved armour protection.

"We are delighted that the MoD has selected us to lead this critical upgrade effort designed to maximise the investment made in Warrior vehicles to extend their lives into the 2040s," said Alan McCormick, vice president and managing director in Lockheed Martin UK's Ampthill business.

British Prime Minister David Cameron had announced the combat vehicles' upgrade programme on October 25.

Under the programme, the Warrior IFVs will be fitted with an improved turret and new stabilised 40mm cannon, enabling them to fire while on the move.

The upgraded vehicles will also benefit from a new standard armour mounting system, providing the flexibility to fit different types of armour and adapt to future protection technology.

The Warrior has been in service with the British Army since 1989.

The upgraded Warriors are expected to enter service by 2020, with the first deliveries beginning in 2018, the UK MoD said.