BAE Systems Platforms & Services

BAE Systems Platforms & Services

Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Defense
Predecessor	United Defense, BAE Systems Land Systems, Armor Holdings
Founded	June 24, 2005 (2005-06-24)
Headquarters	Arlington County, Virginia , United States
Area served	Global defense markets
Key people	Bob Murphy (President, as of 2009)
Products	Armored combat vehicles, naval artillery, ship modernization and repair services, missile systems, precision-guided munitions, small arms ammunition, military bridging equipment
Parent	BAE Systems Inc.

BAE Systems Platforms & Services operates as a fully owned subsidiary of BAE Systems Inc. and stands as a leading supplier of tracked and wheeled armored combat vehicles, naval artillery, ship modernization and repair services, missile systems, precision-guided munitions, and associated technologies catering to both US and global defense markets.

The division was established on 24 June 2005 following BAE Systems’ 2004 acquisition of United Defense and its subsequent integration with BAE Systems Land Systems. Its growth accelerated considerably after acquiring Armor Holdings in 2007. These strategic acquisitions elevated BAE from a relatively minor participant in land systems to one of the foremost global defense contractors in this field.

History

BAE Systems was formed in 1999 through the merger of British Aerospace (BAe) and Marconi Electronic Systems (MES). Within BAe, the land systems segment known as RO Defence focused on explosives, ammunition, and small arms, while MES included Vickers Shipbuilding, the manufacturer of the M777 howitzer.

In June 2003, BAE successfully outbid General Dynamics to acquire Alvis plc, the UK’s premier land systems company. This merger combined Alvis with RO Defence to establish BAE Systems Land Systems, reflecting a strategic emphasis on land defense under chairman Dick Olver’s leadership.

In March 2005, BAE announced its $3.174 billion purchase of United Defense Industries (UDI), a prominent US land systems manufacturer specializing in combat vehicles, artillery, naval guns, missile launchers, and precision munitions. This acquisition significantly enhanced BAE’s footprint in North America.

By June 2004, BAE restructured its operations to form Land and Armaments within BAE Systems Inc., consolidating its land systems businesses under its US headquarters.

The division secured multiple contracts for Bradley Fighting Vehicle upgrades, amounting to $477.9 million by August 2006.

Nevertheless, BAE encountered setbacks in major US military vehicle procurement programs. In July 2008, it lost the $1.06 billion MRAP All Terrain Vehicle contract for the US Marine Corps to Oshkosh Corporation. Subsequently, in September 2009, it was unsuccessful in securing a multibillion-dollar Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles contract following a contract reevaluation. These defeats resulted in a £592 million impairment charge related to the former Armor Holdings business.

Despite these hurdles, BAE Systems Platforms & Services continues to hold a significant position in the armored vehicle and artillery sectors through sustained contracts and strategic investments.

Global Tactical Systems

Global Tactical Systems (GTS) was established through the integration of Mobility & Protection Systems' Medium/Heavy Vehicle division (previously Armor Holdings) and BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa.

US Combat Systems

Originating from the former United Defense enterprise, BAE's US Combat Systems specializes in manufacturing combat vehicle platforms and weaponry.

Global Combat Systems

Formed on 1 February 2009, Global Combat Systems (GCS) resulted from the consolidation of BAE Systems' Land Systems Weapons & Vehicles, Land Systems (Munitions & Ordnance) Ltd, and BAE Systems AB in Sweden. Additionally, GCS operates CTA International, a 50/50 joint venture with Nexter, headquartered in Bourges, France.

Historical Background

Royal Ordnance plc was founded in 1985 to manage key Royal Ordnance Factories and associated sites until its acquisition by British Aerospace in 1987. British Aerospace later merged with Marconi Electronic Systems in 1999, forming BAE Systems. In 2004, BAE acquired Alvis plc and combined it with RO Defence and former GEC facilities to create BAE Systems Land Systems. Following the 2005 acquisition of United Defense, BAE integrated it with Land Systems to establish BAE Systems Land and Armaments. RO Defence was rebranded as BAE Systems Land Systems Munitions and incorporated into GCS as Global Combat Systems Munitions in 2009.

Product Portfolio

GCS Munitions produces small arms ammunition including 4.6×30mm, 5.56×45mm NATO, and 7.62×51mm NATO calibers, along with mortars and artillery shells for both land and naval applications. Its offerings encompass explosives, guidance kits, propellants, demolition charges, initiators, pyrotechnics, and warheads for missiles, torpedoes, and depth charges. A notable product is the BROACH multi-stage warhead developed collaboratively with Thales Missile Electronics and QinetiQ.

GCS Weapons

This division manufactures advanced ammunition systems, artillery platforms, combat vehicle turrets, naval guns, and air defense weapon systems, including the M777 howitzer.

GCS Vehicles

Global Combat Systems Vehicles designs and supports a range of military vehicles such as main battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, armored engineering vehicles, all-terrain armored units, and military bridging equipment. Prominent models include the Challenger 2 main battle tank and the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle series.

Security & Survivability

The Security and Survivability (S&S) sector encompassed three key areas: Platform Survivability (PS), Individual Protection Systems (IPS), and Advanced Materials. PS focused on producing armored and crashworthy seating for aerospace applications as well as mineblast-resistant seats for vehicles. IPS specialized in manufacturing individual small arms. In July 2010, BAE announced plans to disband S&S by January 2011, reallocating its responsibilities to Global Tactical Systems (GTS) or the BAE Systems Products Group.

Support Solutions

BAE's Support Solutions division provides sustainment services for the US Navy's Aegis combat system and serves as the prime systems integrator for ballistic missile systems on US and Royal Navy submarines.

BAE Systems Ship Repair, based in Norfolk, Virginia, stands as a leading US non-nuclear ship repair provider primarily supporting the US Navy, other military branches, and commercial cruise operators such as Royal Caribbean. Originally known as United States Marine Repair (USMR), it expanded by acquiring Norfolk Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company (NORSHIPCO) in 1998 and Honolulu Shipyard Inc. (HSI) in 2004 for $16 million. USMR was under ownership of the Carlyle Group before being sold to United Defense in 2002; subsequently, BAE acquired United Defense in 2005. The company manages seven shipyard locations: Norfolk, San Francisco, Pearl Harbor, San Diego, Mobile, Mayport, and Jacksonville.

Management

In November 2009, Bob Murphy assumed the role of president for BAE Systems Land & Armaments Operating Group following Linda Hudson's advancement to president and CEO of BAE Systems Inc.

Prior to this, Tom Rabaut led the newly established BAE Systems Land and Armaments as president after serving as CEO of United Defense since January 1994. Upon his retirement in January 2007, Linda Hudson took over the position. Hudson brought experience from her leadership at General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, along with senior positions held at Lockheed Martin, Martin Marietta, Ford Aerospace, and Harris Corporation.

External links

• BAE Systems Inc. Businesses