Battelle announced that it has secured a Large Sport Utility Vehicle (LSUV) design contract from the Department of State (DoS) to develop armored Ford Expeditions for the the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).
“Battelle is proud to bring its depth of engineering skills to DSS and other government agencies seeking armored vehicles manufactured in the United States,” Sara Kuczek, Battelle’s ground systems division manager, said.
The DoS pact would involve modifying existing commercial items and the delivery of four prototype armored vehicles possessing distinct requirements for protection missions.
“We’re looking forward to supporting DSS, in collaboration with Ford, building upon its long-standing history of innovation and well-known reputation as a global leader in the truck market,” Kuczek said.
Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), ranking member of House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific with jurisdiction over Afghanistan, said keeping State Department and embassy personnel safe is of utmost importance.
“Battelle’s armored vehicles have been keeping the men and women in our armed services safe for decades, and they will now employ their cutting-edge technology to protect our diplomatic personnel as they perform their important duties,” he said.
The DoS tabbed Battelle to build 229 armored Land Cruisers earlier this year. Vehicle delivery is slated to begin in March 2022.