BAE Systems has secured a substantial contract worth $390 million to manufacture additional Bradley A4 infantry fighting vehicles for the US Army, aiming to replace older variants within the military. This initiative is part of an effort to bolster protection, firepower, and crew survivability for ground forces.
Since its introduction in the early 1980s, the Bradley vehicle has been a fundamental element of the US military’s Armored Brigade Combat Teams, with over 6,500 units currently operational. The latest upgrade to the Bradley, known as the A4, incorporates advanced digital systems, enhanced network communications, and improved situational awareness capabilities. These enhancements are designed to enable warfighters to navigate and operate more efficiently within increasingly complex and challenging environments.
Production of the new vehicles will take place at BAE’s various facilities across the United States, including locations in South Carolina, Alabama, Minnesota, California, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, the Red River Army Depot, a significant Pentagon facility spanning 15,375 acres in Texas, will play a key role in supporting maintenance, refurbishment, and logistical operations for these combat vehicles.
The first deliveries from this contract are slated for October 2026. Commenting on the importance of this deal, Bill Sheehy, Ground Maneuver product line director at BAE Systems, emphasized the critical necessity of modernizing the Bradley fleet to ensure that soldiers are equipped with the most advanced capabilities available on the battlefield. “Lethality, performance, and next-generation capability is what the Bradley A4 brings to the fight,” he stated.
The Bradley vehicle measures 22 feet long and can transport up to 10 individuals. It features specialized laminate armor, offering protection against armor-piercing rounds, with thickness ranging from 14.5 to 30 millimeters based on its configuration. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with explosive reactive armor to defend against threats from rocket-propelled grenades.
In terms of armament, the Bradley is typically outfitted with a Bushmaster 25-millimeter chain gun, tube-launched anti-tank missiles, and M240 medium machine guns. For mobility, the vehicle is powered by a Cummins VTA-903T diesel engine, producing 600 horsepower, enabling it to reach a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour and travel up to 250 miles on a single fuel tank.
This contract not only highlights BAE Systems’ commitment to keeping American forces and their allies prepared for combat but also ensures that US manufacturing capabilities remain robust and ready for future production needs.
