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Mysterious Missile Fired from a Bradley IFV: A New Anti-Tank Capability for US Army?.
The US Army on 12 March 2025 released an intriguing image showing a Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle firing an unidentified projectile from its BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missile launcher. Designated simply as "670," this previously unseen weapon system raises numerous questions about its nature and potential role within US military forces. The test was conducted as part of Project Convergence-Capstone 5 (PC-C5), a technology experimentation exercise organized by the US Army Futures Command at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, in March 2025. This event is designed to test the integration and interoperability of new equipment in an operationally realistic environment, and the "670" may represent the Army’s efforts in modernization and multi-domain capabilities.
The image released by the US Army shows a cylindrical projectile with a rear-mounted rocket motor, deployable grid fins, a white rounded nose possibly housing a sensor or payload, and a modular body with sections that may carry submunitions or countermeasures (Picture source: US DoD)
The image released by the US Army depicts a projectile propelled by a small rocket motor located at the rear of its cylindrical body. Three deployable grid fins are visible at the tail section, and openings appear on the front portion of the fuselage. Its rounded, white-colored nose could contain a sensor, a specialized payload, or simply serve as an aerodynamic fairing. Three distinct sections are also visible along the body, suggesting a modular architecture possibly intended for carrying specialized payloads such as submunitions or countermeasures. This configuration differentiates it from standard TOW missiles while maintaining a size and shape compatible with the Bradley’s launcher.
According to defense analyst Colby Badhwar, the "670" could be a prototype of the Close Combat Missile System-Heavy (CCMS-H), a new-generation anti-tank missile intended to replace the aging TOW family. While documents from the Army’s Program Executive Office Missiles & Space (PEO M&S) have so far depicted legacy TOW missiles to illustrate this program, no official details have been provided regarding the envisioned design or characteristics of the future missile. The development of a new missile system for existing platforms like Bradley aligns with broader efforts to streamline and modernize ground combat capabilities.
Compared to the wire-guided TOW missile, which resembles in shape to ensure compatibility with existing launchers, the "670" exhibits notable differences. It does not appear to feature a wire-guided system, indicating the use of autonomous guidance technology, potentially relying on radar, infrared sensors, or a data link. A comparison can be made with the GBU-69/B Small Glide Munition (SGM), a compact guided bomb used by US forces that shares some aerodynamic features with the "670," including grid fins and a relatively small form factor. However, the absence of a main wing and the different design of the control surfaces suggest that the "670" is unlikely to be a simple ground-launched adaptation of the SGM.
The integration of this new projectile into an advanced experimentation exercise suggests several possible applications. The US Army has been exploring "launched effects" for several years, a broad category that includes loitering munitions and drones launched from various platforms to conduct reconnaissance, electronic warfare, or precision strikes. The fact that the "670" can be launched from Bradley opens possibilities for a broader tactical role, particularly for armored units seeking to extend their strike capabilities and engage moving or airborne threats at longer ranges. Such capability could transform infantry fighting vehicles into more versatile platforms capable of engaging targets beyond the traditional scope of armored combat.
Another possibility is that the "670" represents an effort to restore an air defense capability to the Bradley chassis, similar to the M6 Linebacker, an air defense variant of the vehicle that was equipped with Stinger missiles instead of TOWs. The M6 Linebacker was retired from service between 2005 and 2006 after 260 units were produced. However, recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, have highlighted the increasing importance of counter-drone systems, making such a capability more relevant for modern battlefields. BAE Systems, the manufacturer of the Bradley, has previously proposed air defense configurations for the vehicle, including versions armed with Stinger missiles or AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire missiles with radar guidance. The emergence of the "670" could indicate a new approach aimed at repurposing the Bradley’s TOW launchers for a broader mission set, including engaging aerial threats and unconventional targets.
The US Army has not yet provided official details on the exact purpose of the "670," leaving room for multiple interpretations. However, its inclusion in Project Convergence—an initiative focused on innovation and force connectivity—suggests that it is intended for multi-domain operations. Its development reflects the evolving approach of US military doctrine, which seeks to maximize the versatility of existing platforms by integrating emerging technologies. The goal is to enhance operational flexibility while minimizing costs associated with introducing entirely new systems.
As more information emerges about the "670," it will be important to assess whether this program represents a long-term transformation of the Army’s ground combat capabilities. If this missile is indeed designed to replace the TOW or complement the armament of armored vehicles, its impact could be significant, paving the way for a new generation of agile, modular, and adaptable weaponry suited to future conflicts.