The U.S. Army has tapped BAE Systems

for production of XSBI side ballistic plates for insertion in individual body armor.

The order, part of a previous award to the company, is worth $15.8 million. It brings the total value of the original 2010 contract to $50.6 million.

“We look forward to producing and delivering additional XSBI plates to the Army,” said Greg Kraak, director of warfighter equipment for BAE Systems’ Protection Systems business. “These plates offer increased protection on the battlefield, and will help protect the lives of the brave men and women serving our country.”

BAE has produced more than a million armor plates for the U.S. Defense Department since 1998, including the so-called SAPI plate, XSBI and Enhanced SAPI.

BAE said deliveries under the new order will continue through of February this year. Manufacturing of the plates will be performed at the company’s facility in Phoenix.