In a strategic move to maintain battlefield dominance and ensure operational readiness, the United States Army has recently awarded BAE Systems two significant contract modifications totaling over $22 million in September 2025. These awards are aimed at expanding the production and modernization of the Bradley M2A4 and M7A4 Fighting Vehicles, utilizing legacy hulls for efficient conversions. This decision underscores the Army’s commitment to bridging the capability gap until the highly anticipated XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle enters full service, expected around late 2027.
The Bradley Fighting Vehicle, a cornerstone of American mechanized infantry since its introduction in the early 1980s, has undergone numerous evolutions to adapt to modern warfare demands. Originally designed to transport troops safely while providing fire support, the Bradley has seen action in conflicts from the Gulf War to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Over the years, additions like enhanced armor and advanced electronics have increased its weight, necessitating upgrades to restore mobility and performance. The latest iterations, the M2A4 Infantry Fighting Vehicle and the M7A4 Fire Support Vehicle, represent the pinnacle of these efforts through the Army’s Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) program.
Diving deeper into the recent contracts, on September 22, 2025, BAE Systems received a $12.2 million modification, followed by a $10.2 million addition just two days later on September 24. These adjustments elevate the cumulative contract value to an impressive $668.4 million, with work primarily managed by the Army Contracting Command at Detroit Arsenal, Michigan. Completion timelines are set for November 2027, aligning closely with the projected rollout of the XM30. The focus on converting legacy hulls not only optimizes costs but also leverages existing assets, ensuring that armored brigades remain equipped with reliable, upgraded vehicles in the interim.
The M2A4 variant, first fielded in April 2022, incorporates key enhancements from ECP1 and ECP2. ECP1 addressed mobility issues with lighter tracks, new torsion bars, updated shock absorbers, and a revised suspension system to improve ground clearance and terrain handling. ECP2 brought a powerful new powerpack, featuring a 675-horsepower Cummins VTA903E-T675 diesel engine paired with an HMPT-800-3ECB transmission and advanced power management electronics. These upgrades enable the vehicle to handle heavier loads and support energy-demanding systems like advanced sensors and countermeasures. By June 2025, the Army had ordered 985 units out of a procurement goal of 1,329, with 583 delivered, equipping nine armored brigades plus training and support elements.
Specifications of the M2A4 highlight its robustness: weighing approximately 36,287 kg, it accommodates a crew of three plus up to seven dismounts. It boasts a top road speed of 66 km/h, a range of 402 km on 587 liters of fuel, and a ground clearance of 0.3 meters. The vehicle excels in maneuverability, capable of crossing 2.5-meter trenches, scaling 0.9-meter vertical obstacles, and navigating 60% slopes or 40% side slopes. Dimensions include a length of 6.5 meters, width of 3.2 meters, and height of 3.3 meters. Armament remains formidable, retaining the 25 mm M242 Bushmaster chain gun for rapid fire, a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun for suppressive roles, and twin-tube TOW missile launchers for anti-armor engagements. Advanced fire control systems include automated dual-target tracking, automatic boresighting, hunter-killer functionality, and a digitized ballistic computer, enhancing accuracy and lethality.
Survivability features have been significantly bolstered. The M2A4 is compatible with reactive armor, includes an upgraded fire suppression system, and integrates IED jammers. The newest subvariant, the M2A4E1, introduces the Iron Fist Light Active Protection System (APS) from Elbit Systems, integrated by General Dynamics. This system uses two launchers and four sensor arrays with radar and infrared detectors to intercept incoming threats like rockets, anti-tank guided missiles, drones, and top-attack munitions. Such advancements are crucial in contemporary battlefields where asymmetric threats and unmanned systems pose increasing risks.
While the Bradley continues to evolve, the Army’s long-term vision lies with the XM30 program, formerly known as the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV). This initiative aims to replace the aging M2 Bradley fleet with a next-generation platform that emphasizes modularity, hybrid propulsion, and optional manning for reduced crew risk in high-threat environments. The XM30 is designed to maneuver soldiers to advantageous positions for close combat, delivering decisive lethality through improved sensors, AI integration, and a larger caliber weapon system like the XM913 50 mm Bushmaster chain gun.
The program has progressed steadily after earlier cancellations of Bradley replacement efforts. In June 2023, contracts were awarded to vendors for prototypes, and by 2025, it narrowed to two competitors: Rheinmetall’s Lynx and General Dynamics’ Griffin III. Recent memos from Army leadership highlight the XM30 as a priority for acceleration, with initial production slated for late 2027 and full operational capability following rigorous testing. This vehicle promises transformational capabilities, including enhanced protection against emerging threats, better cross-country mobility, and integration with unmanned systems, addressing lessons from conflicts like Ukraine where armored vehicles face drone swarms and advanced anti-tank weapons.
The interim reliance on upgraded Bradleys reflects a pragmatic approach. As global tensions rise, from Eastern Europe to the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a ready force is paramount. The M2A4’s proven track record in urban and open-terrain combat, combined with cost-effective upgrades, ensures that U.S. troops have reliable assets until the XM30’s debut. BAE Systems’ role in this ecosystem is pivotal, with prior contracts in 2024 and 2023 demonstrating ongoing investment, such as a $656 million deal for additional variants and a $274 million order for 115 vehicles.
In summary, these latest orders for Bradley M2A4 and M7A4 vehicles not only sustain production lines and jobs but also fortify the Army’s armored capabilities during a critical transition period. As the XM30 program advances, it heralds a new era of mechanized warfare, blending human ingenuity with cutting-edge technology to outpace adversaries. The evolution from Bradley to XM30 exemplifies the U.S. military’s adaptive strategy in an ever-changing geopolitical landscape.
