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Key Points and Summary – The M2A4/A4E1 Bradley is the U.S. Army’s near-term answer while the XM30 (ex-OMFV) matures.
-Upgrades include a stronger powerpack, transmission and suspension, digital architecture, and Active Protection Systems—highlighted by Iron Fist—to counter drones and modern ATGMs.
Aerial drone image of Bradley Fighting Vehicle crews from the 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conducting Table XII gunnery at Fort Stewart, Ga. December 7, 2016.
Aerial drone image of Bradley Fighting Vehicle crews from the 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conducting Table XII gunnery at Fort Stewart, Ga. December 7, 2016.
-Refreshed electrics support future tech, comms, and networking. Recent Ukraine combat use underscores the Bradley’s mobility, firepower, and survivability, while a contract now totals $668M toward continued improvements through 2027.
-The XM30 aims for a hybrid-electric drive, 50mm gun, and optional unmanned ops by FY2029. Until then, upgraded Bradleys will remain core to mechanized infantry and operate alongside XM30s for years.
The Bradley A4 variant and subsequent upgrades, such as the A4E1, are designed to keep the Infantry Carrier relevant and highly capable in the near term. However, it is considered a stopgap until the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) fully replaces it.
The Bradley A4 is the most advanced variant of the Army’s long-serving infantry fighting vehicle. It has planned developments and improvements that are designed to enable the platform to host future technologies, including Active Protection Systems and advanced communications.
The Bradleys’ recent combat performance in Ukraine, along with their proven firepower and mobility, demonstrates that the latest variants remain potent assets on the modern battlefield.
According to a War Department announcement, the modification to the current contract brings the total cumulative value of the contract to $668,442,599. The Army Contracting Command at Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is overseeing the effort. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with completion expected by November 11, 2027.
Aerial drone image of Bradley Fighting Vehicle crews from the 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conducting Table XII gunnery at Fort Stewart, Ga. December 7, 2016.
Key M2E4 improvements
Aerial drone image of Bradley Fighting Vehicle crews from the 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conducting Table XII gunnery at Fort Stewart, Ga. December 7, 2016.
The improved Bradley has enhanced power and mobility. The M2A4E1 features a new engine, an upgraded transmission, and an improved suspension system. This enhanced mobility allows it to keep pace with the M1 Abrams tank, while a new electrical system is designed to support future technological upgrades.
The Bradley is being upgraded to counter threats from modern anti-tank systems, including drones, which will increase its survivability, especially in the modern battlefield with threats from drones.
The M2A4E1 features the Iron Fist Active Protection System, which detects and neutralizes incoming threats, such as anti-tank missiles and rockets, before they can reach the vehicle. The Iron Fist configuration on the M2A4E1 is also reportedly significantly different from previous iterations the Army has tested, but the specifics are unclear.
Troopers with 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division firing the 25mm canon on a Bradley fighting vehicle in order to zero the vehicles weapons systems at a range in Poland. Ranges such as these familiarize troopers with the vehicles systems in order to ensure combat readiness.
Next-Generation Electronics
Troopers with 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division firing the 25mm canon on a Bradley fighting vehicle in order to zero the vehicles weapons systems at a range in Poland. Ranges such as these familiarize troopers with the vehicles systems in order to ensure combat readiness.
The upgrade includes a digitalized electronic architecture; the Israeli Trophy System is a so-called “hard kill” active protection system for tanks and other armored vehicles. It combines a radar with launchers that shoot a burst of metal pellets, akin to a large shotgun, to destroy incoming anti-tank rockets and missiles. This improves situational awareness and network connectivity for the crew. This allows the Bradley to be better integrated into a modern, networked combat force.
The Bradley has demonstrated its effectiveness in conflicts like the Gulf War and the Iraq War. Its combat debut in Ukraine has reinforced its reputation, with Ukrainian forces praising the vehicle’s survivability and firepower against Russian forces.
Even with the development of the OMFV, the Bradley’s legacy and continued upgrades ensure its relevance for the foreseeable future.
The M2 Bradley has been in service for decades and has outlasted multiple programs intended to replace it. The A4 upgrades, which have been proven in combat in Ukraine, suggest the platform can continue to adapt to new threats.
The Bradley A4 and A4E1 variants are an excellent stopgap measure that ensures a high level of capability while the Army waits for the new OMFV to enter service and scale up production.
When the OMFV is eventually fielded, it will likely serve alongside modernized Bradley Fighting Vehicles for a number of years. The sheer number of Bradleys in service means they will remain a core part of the Army’s mechanized infantry for decades.
The Bradleys’ Legacy Continues With The XM30
The U.S. Army is already developing the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle as the Bradley’s official replacement. The XM30 is being developed to offer several key advantages over the Bradley.
The XM-30 program is developing a next-generation Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle (MICV) for the U.S. Army to replace the M2 Bradley, formerly known as the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program.
A hybrid-electric drivetrain, a modular open system architecture for easy upgrades, and digital engineering are its key characteristics. General Dynamics Land Systems and American Rheinmetall Vehicles are in the final design stage, with prototypes expected to be tested, a winner to be selected by FY2027, and fielding to occur by FY2029.
It will feature a Hybrid-electric engine for increased efficiency, a more lethal 50mm cannon, optionally manned capability for remote control, and built-in digital integration with modern battlefield networks.
This multi-year process means the Bradley A4 will serve a critical role for years to come, but it will not keep the vehicle relevant indefinitely. Instead, the A4’s robust upgrades extend the Bradley’s service life and ensure its continued effectiveness until the XM30 is ready for full-rate production.
About the Author: Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
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Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He has served as a US Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer before injuries forced his early separation. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and his work was regularly featured in the Millbury-Sutton Chronicle and Grafton News newspapers in Massachusetts.
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