The U.S. Army awarded BAE Systems a $54 million firm-fixed-price foreign military sales contract to upgrade and repair 32 M109A5 self-propelled howitzers, the Defense Department said Sept. 14.

Bids were initially solicited via the internet and one was received. Under the contract terms, BAE will fully overhaul and upgrade the 32 howitzers to the M109A5+ configuration. The vehicles will also include items specifically tailored to the requirements of the Brazilian Army. BAE is also set to provide spares and training, live fire support, and field service support after vehicle delivery.

The M109A5+ update offers an increase in capabilities by digitizing the fire mission sequence, which provides a position and navigation system, commander’s display unit, digital-capable radios, weapon control system, and remotely actuated travel lock. All of these new systems improve the time from receipt of mission to mission firing by more than 80 percent over earlier variants, BAE said.

“This contract is a great example of the strong relationship developed with the Army over many years and our close cooperation with the Brazilian military. We look forward to continuing to support Brazil’s objectives of transferring technological know-how, participation, and the development of local industry, as well as the adaptation of solutions to Brazilian requirements,” Dean Medland, vice president of programs at BAE’s combat vehicles business unit, said in a statement.

Contract work is set to take place at BAE’s facilities at Anniston, Ala., and York, Pa., with production expected to begin in October and vehicle deliveries to start in 2018. The company expects final deliveries and the beginning of training and support in Brazil by the end of 2018 and the Army says the estimated completion date of the full contract is March 31, 2019.

The full contract amount of almost $54 million in FY ’10 other funds is obligated at award time. The contracting activity is Army Contracting Command in Warren, Mich.