Physical Security Vehicles

The Physical Security Vehicles program, as outlined in Navy budget line item 6075, is designed to procure specialized armored vehicles that support Antiterrorism (AT), Counterintelligence (CI), and Counternarcotics (CN) missions in high-threat locations outside the continental United States (OCONUS). The primary objective of this program is to ensure the safety and operational effectiveness of Navy personnel engaged in sensitive missions by providing transportation assets with enhanced protection against ballistic, explosive, and other security threats. These vehicles are essential for maintaining force protection and mission continuity in environments where conventional vehicles would not offer sufficient security.

Heavy Armored Vehicles are a key component of this line item, with procurement focused on armored sedans that offer a high level of protection. The goal for these vehicles is to support senior leadership and mission-critical personnel who require discreet yet robust armored transportation in areas with elevated risk profiles. The justification for the acquisition of heavy armored sedans is based on threat assessments and operational requirements, ensuring that individuals exposed to the greatest risks have access to vehicles capable of withstanding advanced attacks.

Light Armored Vehicles constitute the bulk of the procurement under this program, with a focus on 4x4, four-door, six-passenger platforms. These vehicles are intended for broader use among Navy personnel conducting AT, CI, and CN operations, particularly in OCONUS environments where mobility and protection are both critical. The light armored vehicles are designed to balance protection, maneuverability, and cost-effectiveness, making them suitable for routine mission support and rapid response scenarios. Procurement quantities for these vehicles are higher, with multiple units typically acquired each fiscal year.

The program is managed under the Navy's Other Procurement appropriation, specifically within the Civil Engineering Support Equipment budget activity. Contracting for the light armored vehicles has been consistently awarded to BZ Defense LLC, located in San Diego, California, using Military Interdepartmental Purchase Requests (MIPR) and Rapid Procurement Support Office (RPSO) mechanisms. The acquisition process ensures timely delivery and adherence to technical specifications, with contracts and deliveries scheduled annually to meet evolving operational needs.

A critical objective of the Physical Security Vehicles line item is to maintain a modern and reliable fleet that can be tailored to specific mission requirements and threat environments. The vehicles are procured in varying sizes and protection levels, categorized as either Commercial Heavy Armored Vehicles (CHAVs) or Commercial Light Armored Vehicles (CLAVs), depending on the operational context. This flexibility allows the Navy to deploy assets that are appropriate for the risk level and logistical constraints of each mission, thereby optimizing both safety and resource utilization.

Justification for continued investment in this program is rooted in the need to address persistent and emerging threats to Navy personnel operating abroad. The armored vehicles funded under this line item are essential for mitigating risks associated with terrorism, espionage, and narcotics trafficking, particularly in regions where conventional security measures may be insufficient. By maintaining a robust procurement schedule and ensuring vehicles are service-ready, the Navy supports its broader goals of force protection, operational resilience, and mission success in high-threat environments.