Battelle awarded Diplomatic Security Service vehicles contract

The U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) has awarded a contract to Battelle to produce specialized armored vehicles.

The scope of work involves Battelle converting Toyota’s Land Cruiser 200 series standard SUVs via a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) calling for 229 armored Land Cruisers with delivery slated to begin in March 2022 and be completed in June 2023.

Battelle re-engineers existing commercial vehicles, equipping them with protective armor and bolstering performance by redesigning and installing stronger suspensions for operations in rugged terrain.

“Battelle has a proven track record of performing sophisticated systems integration for military and commercial applications,” George Lecakes, vice president and general manager for Battelle’s national security business, said. “Under this contract, our ground systems team will execute on its custom designs and integrate complex systems to meet mission requirements–at a competitive cost.”

Over the course of the last 10 years, Battelle has advanced its specialty automotive manufacturing capabilities on the west side of Columbus, Ohio, producing hundreds of armored vehicles for the Department of Defense.

Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and executes critical services for government and commercial customers.