BAE Systems has received a $15.8 million award from the U.S. Army for the production and delivery of side ballistic insert plates, also known as XSBI hard body armor.

XSBI hard body armor inserts are worn on the inside of a Soldier's vest to protect against a variety of ballistic threats. The protective plates, worn on both sides of the torso, offer greater ballistic protection over soft armor alone and are fully qualified by the U.S. Government to meet the military's rigid requirements and specifications. BAE Systems first introduced the SAPI plate in 1998 and has produced more than 1 million hard body armor inserts, including XSBI and Enhanced SAPI, under multiple Department of Defense contracts.

"We look forward to producing and delivering additional XSBI plates to the Army," said Greg Kraak, director of warfighter equipment for BAE Systems' Protection Systems business. "These plates offer increased protection on the battlefield, and will help protect the lives of the brave men and women serving our country."

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, Ariz. facility, with deliveries scheduled through February 2012.

BAE Systems is a leading provider of Soldier protective and load carrying equipment in the United States, producing a significant portion of the nation's body armor, tactical vests, combat helmets and load carrying systems. Not only is the company focused on the design, development and production of leading edge survivability products, its integration of advanced materials into manufacturing, rigorous product testing and field trials support the company's focus on the men and women who serve in the armed forces.

BAE Systems
Heather Russell, +1 602 643 7260
Mobile: +1 602 373 8625
heather.russell@baesystems.com
www.baesystems.com