The US Marine Corps Systems Command has awarded a $317.4m delivery-order modification to GD Land Systems Canada for upgrade kits for RG-31 Mk5E mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles.

The upgrade kits include the addition of spall liners, an independent suspension axle system and an improved power pack, which will enhance the survivability and mobility of the vehicles to the latest production configuration.

The RG-31 MRAP vehicles have consistently delivered superior levels of protection from mines, improvised explosive devices and other threats to the US forces in Afghanistan.

GD has delivered over 1,600 RG-31 vehicles in total under the MRAP programme with an additional 566 delivered to US forces under separate contracts.

The contract was signed through the Canadian Commercial Corporation, a Crown Agency of the Canadian Government and the deliveries are expected to be completed by November 2011.