The U.S. Army is making significant strides in the development of its Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle, specifically the XM-30, following the cancellation of two previous replacement programs for the aging M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle. This next-generation combat platform, which was rebranded from the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle in June 2023, has entered its detailed design phase. The vehicle is projected to reach Milestone B by the second quarter of fiscal year 2025.
The XM-30 is designed to operate either with a crew or autonomously during close combat scenarios, providing enhanced lethality and operational flexibility. It is being developed with a modular open system architecture, marking it as the U.S. Army’s first ground combat vehicle to leverage cutting-edge digital engineering methods, as highlighted in a report by the Congressional Research Service. This advanced vehicle is set to replace the Bradley, which has been in service since 1981.
The acquisition program for the XM-30 consists of five distinct phases, starting with initial market research and requirement development. The second phase saw the proposal of a hybrid electric vehicle concept, which garnered interest from five firms: Point Blank Enterprises, Oshkosh Defense, BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and American Rheinmetall Vehicles.
Contracts for the third and fourth phases, focused on detailed design and prototyping, were awarded to General Dynamics and American Rheinmetall Vehicles, totaling approximately $1.6 billion. Looking ahead, the combat vehicle is expected to transition to its fifth phase, which involves low-rate initial production and fielding, projected for the first quarter of fiscal 2028. This will ultimately lead to a decision regarding full-rate production by fiscal 2030.
The development of the XM-30 comes on the heels of two previous unsuccessful efforts to find a replacement for the Bradleys: the Future Combat System (FCS) and the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) programs. The FCS program, launched in 1999, was discontinued in June 2009 due to various challenges, including delays and cost overruns. Similarly, the GCV initiative faced obstacles and was ultimately canceled in February 2014 as military strategies evolved.
With the XM-30, the Army aims to overcome the hurdles of the past and provide a modern, effective solution for its mechanized infantry needs.
