08:50 GMT, February 9, 2010 ANNISTON, Ala. | BAE Systems received a $32 million contract modification from the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management command to reset 417 M113 vehicles, one of the most widely used combat vehicles in the world.

The refurbishment of the M113 vehicles will include replacing old and damaged equipment with updated components, restoring the vehicles to pre-combat condition.

“The M113 plays a significant role in both urban combat and peacekeeping roles for militaries of at least 44 countries around the world,” said Joe McCarthy, vice president and general manager of Heavy Brigade Combat Team Systems for BAE Systems. “Replacing war torn equipment and providing our customers with the modern systems they need to work on the battlefield is absolutely crucial to the militaries worldwide that use this vehicle.”

The M113 is part of the largest family of armored tracked vehicles in the world and includes more than 80,000 vehicles worldwide with 40 variants. It can transport 12 troops plus a driver and is capable of amphibious operation, extended cross-country travel over rough terrain and high-speed operation on improved roads and highways.

Work on the vehicles will take place at the BAE Systems’ Anniston, Alabama facility by the existing workforce and is expected to be complete by December 2010.