BAE ducks out of OMFV competition

BAE Systems will not compete for the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle program, the company confirmed today.

"Following careful evaluation, BAE Systems has decided the requirements and acquisition schedule for the U.S. Army's Optionally Manned [Fighting] Vehicle (OMFV) program -- one element of the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) program -- do not align with our current focus or developmental priorities," said BAE spokeswoman Alicia Gray.

The company's decision was first reported by Defense News.

Gray said BAE still plans to invest in the Army's Robotic Combat Vehicle and Extended Range Cannon Artillery programs. The company is currently competing in the Mobile Protected Firepower program along with General Dynamics.

GD Land Systems and a Raytheon-Rheinmetall team remain in the running for OMFV, along with a slew of interested supporting contractors.