The Pentagon for the first time showed an infantry fighting vehicle that will replace the “old” M2 Bradley
The U.S. Army’s procurement, logistics and technology agency has published an image of the XM30 infantry fighting vehicle concept. The machine is being developed under the OMFV program as a replacement for the M2 Bradley.
The engine and transmission department of the new BMP will be located in the front. On the sides of the armored vehicle, you can see the dynamic protection reinforced with additional overhead elements. The BMP will be equipped with an automatic large-caliber gun.
It is worth noting that the concept is quite similar to the finalists of the program. Last summer, the Pentagon signed contracts with Rheinmetall and General Dynamics for almost USD 1.6 billion. According to the agreement, the winners of the tender are obliged to create 11 prototypes.
It is likely that Rheinmetall engineers will use the F31 Lynx as a basis for the development of the M2 Bradley successor. Recently, the German concern has been actively promoting this armored personnel carrier on the international market. So far, he has not been particularly successful in this endeavor. The only contract for the F31 Lynx was signed with Hungary.
General Dynamics has the ASCOD platform, which served as the basis for the M10 Booker light tank.
It is highly likely that the Pentagon leadership will opt for the ASCOD-based BMD. By the way, Ukrainian Armor is in talks with General Dynamics to localize ASCOD production in Ukraine.
