Cracking this Marine Corps MPC requirement programme would be hugely lucrative for Iveco as well as BAE Systems and significantly bring the new SUPERAV 8X8 to the attentions of major armed forces across the world and it comes just as Russia considers buying 3,000 units of Iveco highly-regarded Light Multirole Vehicle.

"BAE Systems and Iveco Defence Vehicles have signed a licensing agreement to form the basis of a business arrangement for the pursuit of the U.S. Marine Corps Personnel Carrier (MPC) programme, with a vehicle based on the SUPERAV 8x8," read a press release jointly issued by the two defence companies.

In 2009, Iveco Defence Vehicles unveiled the SUPERAV 8x8 as the newest MPC candidate on the market. The SUPERAV has capabilities based on previously fielded vehicles that include enhanced survivability, mobility performance, and amphibious capability with growth potential. The MPC is designed to fill the medium-armour ground vehicle gap and complements the capabilities of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) and the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). It will be a flexible and highly mobile asset for the Marines that will be well protected, sustainable, networked and include a strong swimming capability.

Both BAE Systems and Iveco Defence Vehicles have extensive experience across a range of mine-protected and armoured vehicles, including several 8x8 models. This breadth of experience positions the team to jointly address the specific requirements of the MPC programme.

BAE Systems is a global defence, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of £22.4 billion (US$36.2 billion).