Production Base Support (WOCV-WTCV)

The Production Base Support (WOCV-WTCV) program is a critical line item in the Army's FY 2026 budget, focusing on the sustainment, modernization, and expansion of the industrial base supporting the production and testing of Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles (WTCV) and their components. The primary objective is to ensure that government-owned and, in some cases, privately owned facilities are equipped to meet current and future production requirements for key Army combat systems. This includes investments in infrastructure, equipment, and process improvements at several major sites: the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Lima, OH; Watervliet Arsenal (WVA) in Watervliet, NY; the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (JMTC) at Rock Island Arsenal, IL; Selfridge Air National Guard Base (SANG) in Michigan; BAE Systems Vehicle Upgrade and Overhaul Center (VUOC); and Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) facilities.

At the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Lima, OH, funding supports the production and modernization of Abrams tanks. Projects include the design and development of a new armor building to increase turret production capacity, modernization of digital engineering infrastructure, and upgrades to production equipment and utilities. Other objectives include improving material handling and storage through new hardstand areas, enhancing process automation, and aligning modernization efforts to optimize manufacturing spaces and material flow. These investments are intended to address aging infrastructure, reduce downtime, and ensure JSMC remains a center of excellence for armored vehicle production.

Watervliet Arsenal (WVA) in Watervliet, NY is slated for projects aimed at modernizing cannon production capabilities. Key efforts include the conversion of chrome plating processes from hexavalent to trivalent chromium to meet environmental and performance requirements, acquisition of advanced machining and inspection equipment, and upgrades to forging and profile verification systems. These objectives are designed to increase production flexibility, improve product quality, and reduce reliance on obsolete processes and equipment. The investments also support risk reduction and process qualification for new manufacturing techniques.

Recent investments at Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (RIA-JMTC) have focused on modernizing production lines for Abrams tank components, including installation of flexible plating lines, sand handling systems, robotic paint automation, and advanced machining centers. These upgrades aim to improve production efficiency, reduce environmental and safety risks, and enable rapid adaptation to changing production requirements for both steel and aluminum weapon system parts.

At Selfridge Air National Guard Base (SANG) in Michigan, previous funding supported the design and site preparation for a new high-bay facility to support Abrams modernization. This facility is planned to provide secure areas for software and hardware integration, prototyping, and logistics support, independent from original equipment manufacturers. The objective is to enhance operational security and flexibility for government-led vehicle integration and support activities.

Funding for the BAE Systems Vehicle Upgrade and Overhaul Center (VUOC) is directed toward automating production lines for vehicles such as the AMPV, Paladin, and Bradley. The goals include increasing throughput, maintaining weld quality, reducing hours per vehicle, and minimizing defects and rework through expanded use of robotics and automated inspection systems. These efforts are expected to reduce bottlenecks, improve quality control, and support future production requirements.

Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) facilities are receiving support to modernize test instrumentation and infrastructure at Aberdeen Test Center, White Sands Test Center, and Yuma Test Center. Objectives include upgrading fire control instrumentation, replacing obsolete video and telemetry systems, and acquiring new equipment for electromagnetic interference testing and advanced ballistics data acquisition. These investments are intended to ensure test facilities keep pace with evolving weapon system technologies and maintain compliance with regulatory and mission requirements.