Article Posted on : - Nov 03, 2010

A file photo showing small arms protective insert plates.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA (BNS): The US Defense Logistics Agency has ordered $8 million worth of enhanced small arms protective insert plates from BAE Systems.

The $8 million follow-on order is a part of a multi-year contract with a potential, cumulative value of $86 million. The original contract was awarded to BAE Systems in December 2007.

"This follow-on order underscores the continued confidence our customers have in our protection products. What we're most proud of is in knowing the Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts plates we produce help to protect US Soldiers and Marines serving in Afghanistan and Iraq," Greg Kraak, director of US Military Programs for BAE Systems' Personnel Protection Systems business, was quoted as saying in the company news release.

Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts, worn with vests, are designed to provide a wide range of ballistic protection to troops in a variety of combat conditions. BAE Systems has delivered more than 500,000 such plates to the U.S. military since it began producing the enhanced body armour plates in 2005.

The production work is being performed at BAE Systems' Phoenix, Arizona facility, and deliveries are expected to be complete by November 2010.