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American Rheinmetall and GDLS Advance in Development of XM30 Future Replacement for US Army's Bradley IFV.
In the race to develop the U.S. Army’s next Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), set to replace the renowned Bradley, American Rheinmetall and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) have recently achieved a key milestone. Both companies have completed preliminary design reviews of their respective candidates, marking a significant advancement in the XM30 program. This development was confirmed by Major General Glenn Dean, the Army’s Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems, during the annual U.S. Army Association conference.
The vehicle will include a remote-controlled turret with a 50 mm cannon, and the possibility of a 30 mm version upgrade, along with advanced self-protection capabilities and digital architecture (Picture source: RTX)
In June 2023, GDLS and American Rheinmetall were selected from five competitors to continue into the detailed design phase, while Point Blank Enterprises, Oshkosh Defense, and BAE Systems were eliminated. Both companies are now working on an armored vehicle featuring a remotely operated 50 mm cannon, anti-tank missiles, active protection systems, and a wide array of sensors.
The U.S. Army aims to replace approximately 3,800 Bradley vehicles, in service since the 1980s, through the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program. The new vehicles, which will be hybrid, will offer enhanced lethality and advanced sensor systems, while reducing crew size and improving protection and versatility.
The XM30 will be part of the Army’s next-generation vehicle portfolio. It is designed to meet modern battlefield requirements, integrating hybrid-electric drive systems and a two-person crew with space for six infantrymen. The vehicle will include a remote-controlled turret with a 50 mm cannon, and the possibility of a 30 mm version upgrade, along with advanced self-protection capabilities and digital architecture.
Contracts for the development phase of this program are valued at approximately $1.6 billion, with the overall program expected to require $45 billion by its conclusion. Major General Dean noted that the Army may receive prototypes earlier than anticipated, with the first prototypes expected within 18 to 20 months following final design approvals.
The final selection for the XM30 design is projected for fiscal year 2027, with full-service entry planned for two years later. The use of digital tools has accelerated the design process, allowing rapid feedback from soldiers at every stage.
The U.S. Army aims to replace approximately 3,800 Bradley vehicles, in service since the 1980s, through the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program (Picture source: US DoD)
Colonel Kevin Bradley, head of combat vehicle modernization, highlighted the benefits of soldier feedback during virtual and physical tests, which have resulted in design adjustments to meet operational requirements better. Both companies have made various modifications, from interface tweaks to significant structural changes.
American Rheinmetall’s team includes Textron Systems, RTX, L3Harris Technologies, and Anduril Technologies, while GDLS is collaborating with GM Defense, Applied Intuition, and AeroVironment, which is integrating its Switchblade loitering munitions into the vehicle. GDLS is also working with General Dynamics Mission Systems to incorporate advanced network, radio, and cyber capabilities.
With American Rheinmetall and GDLS competing to replace the Bradley, the XM30 program represents a major technological challenge for the U.S. Army, while providing an opportunity to innovate and adapt combat vehicles to evolving battlefield needs.