BAE to upgrade Jordanian M113s

BAE Systems in the US has received a $43.3 million contract to upgrade 300 M113A1 Armored Personnel Carriers for the Jordan Armed Forces.

The M113 is a fully tracked vehicle and one of the most used military vehicles around the world, with over 80 000 in existence. First fielded in the 1960s, the M113 has seen combat in Vietnam and the Middle East.

The contract covers the production of kits for 300 vehicles to bring them from M113A1 to M113A2Mk1 configuration. The kits upgrade the vehicle’s engine and transmission, strengthen its cooling systems, improve its suspension and increase its electrical output.
“The M113 is one of the most enduring and battle-tested military vehicles in the world,” says Joe McCarthy, vice president, Heavy Brigade Combat Team Programs.

“The technical upgrades we will provide to the Jordan Armed Forces will ensure that these personnel carriers will continue to serve their mission for years to come.”

BAE Systems’ US operations includes the former United Defence that manufactured the M113.