The U.S. Department of State has approved a deal to sell Assault Amphibious Vehicles and related equipment to Spain for an estimated cost of $107 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced Thursday.
If approved by Congress, the Assault Amphibious Vehicles, or AAVs sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe, according to the DSCA.
Spain requested to buy 8 AAVP7A1; 2 AAVC7A1 Command vehicles, and one AAVR7A1 recovery vehicle. Also included are Enhanced Armor Applique Kits (EAAK), spare and repair parts, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, training and training material, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support.
The proposed addition of these eleven vehicles to Spain’s fleet will afford more flexibility and maintain Spain’s expeditionary capability to counter regional threats and continue to enhance stability in the region. Spain currently operates 19 Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) and is proficient at using them to their fullest capability. Spain will have no difficulty absorbing these additional vehicles.
The principal contractor will be BAE Systems, York, Pennsylvania, and Anniston, Alabama.
Assault Amphibious Vehicle AAV Introduced in 1984, the BAE Systems Assault Amphibious Vehicle, AAV7A1 has earned a reputation for rugged durability and superior mobility for transporting troops and cargo from ship to shore.
At sea, a 400 hp turbocharged diesel V-8 engine with propulsion enabled by two 14,000 gpm water jet pumps provides AAV7A1 vehicles with a cruising speed of 7 knots and the ability to negotiate 10-foot plunging surfs heading either seaward or to shore.
On land, the proven torsion bar suspension and BAE Systems signature “Big Foot” track makes for outstanding mobility on all terrains at a top speed of 45 mph.