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The US Army has announced two contracts worth US$1.6 billion for the detailed design and prototype build and testing phases, using full and open competitive procedures for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle replacement program.
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The contracts were awarded to General Dynamics Land Systems and American Rheinmetall Vehicles, with the total award value for both contracts approximately at US$1.6 billion.
As part of the next phase of the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program, the program will now be redesignated the XM30 Mechanised Infantry Combat Vehicle program, with the initial design phase now complete.
The US Army anticipates that the XM30, which will replace Bradley Fighting Vehicles, will bring new capabilities that will transform the way formations fight in the future. Developed with a modular open system architecture, the XM30 will allow new, developing technology to be added to the vehicle as that technology matures, ensuring overmatch against any future adversary.
Major General Glenn Dean, Army’s program executive officer for Ground Combat Systems said, “The XM30 program has been highly successful. The Army’s iterative concepting and digital design approach, combined with increased emphasis on competition, continues to allow the program to quickly design a transformational capability for the Army of 2030 and beyond.”
Doug Bush, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology expanded on these comments, saying, “Competition remains a vital aspect of the XM30 program. Fully funding two companies for the next phases of the program will allow the Army to place the XM30 on a rock-solid foundation from a resourcing perspective, while also maintaining a competitive environment.”
The XM30 will combine transformative improvements in lethality, vehicle and soldier survivability, and upgradability that are beyond the physical and economic limits of the Army’s existing Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
As part of the next two phases of the program, the US Army will conduct activities to mature XM30 designs and will verify prototype performance during test activities, including a limited user test.
The awardees will be required to deliver up to 11 prototype vehicles, as well as two ballistic hulls and turrets, armor coupons, and digital engineering data.
Brigadier General Geoffrey Norman, director of the Next-Generation Combat Vehicles Cross Functional Team said, “The XM30 brings a transformational change to how our armoured brigade combat teams will fight in the future, bringing more lethality to the battlefield and reducing risk for our soldiers.”
Following the detailed design and prototype build and testing phases, the Army intends to have a limited competition to downselect to one vendor at Milestone C near the end of fiscal year 2027, with first unit equipped anticipated in fiscal year 2029.
