US Marines introduce next-generation Amphibious Combat Vehicles in Okinawa upgrade

The III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) in Okinawa, Japan has recently welcomed a fleet of Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs) to enhance operations in the Indo-Pacific region. This upgrade from the ageing Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) represents a significant advancement in amphibious warfare technology.

The ACVs, featuring an eight-wheeled armoured design, are capable of transitioning seamlessly from water to land operations, improving Marine Corps operations across various environments. Lt. Gen. Roger B. Turner, commanding general of III MEF, highlighted the impact of these new vehicles, stating that they will further bolster the force’s ability to support deterrence efforts and respond to contingencies in the Indo-Pacific.

The US Marine Corps received its first ACV command variant from BAE Systems for testing in 2021. The recent arrival of the ACVs at Naha Military Port marks the beginning of the deployment process, with the vehicles set to be transported to Camp Schwab for training. This rollout signifies a long-anticipated enhancement to the Marine Corps’ amphibious assault capabilities, ensuring readiness to respond to crises and maintain stability in the region.

Moreover, within the past year, the US Marine Corps signed a $211.5 million contract with BAE Systems to procure 40 ACV Personnel variants. This contract is part of a larger $2.5 billion cumulative value supporting the Marine Corps’ plan to acquire 4,350 ACVs by 2040 at an estimated cost of $22.3 billion. This strategic investment demonstrates the commitment to modernizing and strengthening the Marine Corps’ capabilities for future challenges.