It has been reported that BAE Systems and Iveco Defense Vehicles announced Tuesday they are teaming up to make a bid for the U. S. Marine Corps Personnel Carrier requirement with a tough new amphibian vehicle unveiled last year.

The two companies will be pooling resources with hope they will fulfill the requirements for the MPC program, which could be a hugely lucrative deal for both.

It was also reported that winning the bid in the United States will also clear the way for the SUPERAV 8x8 personnel carrier to get attention from armed forces worldwide.

BAE Systems and Iveco Defense Vehicles announced they signed a licensing agreement as the basis of a business arrangement to pursue the Marine Corps bid. The licensing agreement covers production and further development of the SuperAV 8x8.

It was further noted by the report that the armored vehicle was unveiled at the Brno arms fair in the Czech Republic in 2009. Iveco sources said the vehicle was practically designed from the ground up for the amphibious environment and current combat conditions.

The new vehicle incorporates information gleaned from the combat experience of earlier models and responds to the currently perceived operational threats, where survivability of the vehicle and the fighters as well as the vehicle's weight is critically important.

For successful amphibious operations, at a lighter weight of 25 tons, Iveoco says the SUPERAV 8x8 retains the necessary characteristics. (With Inputs from Agencies)