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Upgrade those AAVs

Just two years after completing a decade-long rejuvenation designed to extend the service life of the Corps’ aging amphibious assault vehicles, the service is signaling interest in another round of upgrades.

Good thing.

The much-delayed and over-budget Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle is still years away — if it’s ever built at all. And with the average age of the AAVs creeping past 33 years, in a few years, these vehicles will be as old as the average Marine’s parents.

Upgrades now being contemplated include improved armor, smarter computers and a better turret. They’re based, says Marine Corps Systems Command, on “lessons learned in combat.”

AAVs are critical to Marines’ mobility, not just in Afghanistan, but also in amphibious operations. Improving them and buying time for the EFV or a successor to be developed is essential. Meanwhile, the AAVs are running ragged after eight years of combat. Even after the first round of upgrades, more can and should be done.

Best-case estimates now suggest the EFV won’t reach the field until at least 2015. More likely, it will be later, if at all. The House already has voted to cut $50 million in funding for 2010. And although the Senate doesn’t support any cuts, it’s unclear if any of that money will be restored.

The Corps cannot afford to bet its amphibious assault capabilities on the shaky EFV. It needs a back-up plan, and this is it.