Article Posted on : - Jan 13, 2012

PHOENIX, ARIZONA (BNS): The US Army has awarded a $15.8 million contract to BAE Systems for the production and delivery of side ballistic insert plates, also known as XSBI hard body armour.

"These plates offer increased protection on the battlefield, and will help protect the lives of the brave men and women serving our country," Greg Kraak, director of warfighter equipment for BAE Systems' Protection Systems business, said in the company statement.

XSBI hard body armour inserts are worn on the inside of a Soldier's vest to protect against a variety of ballistic threats.

This $15.8 million order is part of a previous contract awarded to BAE Systems in September 2010. The most recent award brings the total contract value to approximately $50.6 million.

Production is being performed at BAE Systems' Phoenix, Arizona facility, with deliveries scheduled through February 2012.