VIRGINIA Class (VACL) Spares and Repair parts

The AAV7A1 Product Improvement Program (PIP) is a line item in the Department of the Navy's FY 2026 budget request, focused on the sustainment, modernization, and eventual retirement of the Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) Family of Vehicles (FOV) for the U.S. Marine Corps. The program's primary objective is to ensure cost-effective combat readiness and safe operation of the AAV fleet through targeted modifications, system upgrades, and lifecycle support activities. This includes continuous review of subsystems to maintain supportability and safety, procurement of replacement systems to address obsolescence, and implementation of Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) for capability-based improvements.

The program encompasses several specific goals, including the modernization of critical vehicle components such as intercom systems, tactical communications, and the replacement of legacy manned turret systems with remote weapons stations for personnel variants. For command variants, the program funds technical refreshes of servers and laptops to maintain effective command and control capabilities. These upgrades are justified by the need to maintain operational safety, reliability, and interoperability with newer platforms, especially as the AAV fleet approaches retirement.

Another key objective is the sustainment of the fleet through Engineering Maintenance and Technical Support (EMTS), material procurements to replace legacy parts, and continued Integrated Logistics Support (ILS). As the AAVP7 and AAVC7 variants are scheduled for retirement by the end of FY 2027, and the AAVR7 by the end of FY 2029, the program's funding profile reflects a transition from active sustainment and modernization to system retirement. This shift is evidenced by a decrease in requested funding from FY 2025 to FY 2026, attributed to reduced requirements for engineering change orders, logistics support, and technical data publications.

The Vehicle Modifications budget line supports software updates and Authority to Operate (ATO) certifications for command variants, but these requirements will migrate to the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) program as AAVs are retired. No further software or firmware updates are planned for the AAVC7 after FY 2027. Reserve Vehicle Modifications funding is similarly reduced, with remaining resources directed toward sustaining the fleet via EMTS and material procurements until retirement.

The Engineering Change Orders (ECO) line item is also decreasing, reflecting the anticipated reduction in new ECOs as the AAV fleet is phased out. This element previously supported capability-based improvements and safety initiatives, but as retirement nears, fewer changes are required. The program's support cost elements, including peculiar training equipment, production engineering support, acceptance testing, and support equipment, are maintained at minimal levels to ensure continued fleet readiness and safe operation until the vehicles are fully retired.

Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) remains a critical component, providing engineering maintenance, technical support, field service representatives, and material procurements necessary to sustain the fleet. However, as the AAVs transition out of service, ILS requirements are declining, and funding is correspondingly reduced. Publications and technical data support are also maintained at a declining rate, ensuring that necessary documentation is available for maintenance and retirement activities.