Includes Spares and Upgrades for M2A4 IFV and M7A4 FSTV
The US Army has awarded BAE Systems a contract, valued at $269 million (€246 million) for continued production of the BRADLEY Fighting Vehicle, the company announced on 8 October.
The award for an additional 168 upgraded BRADLEY A4 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) is part of the Army’s combat vehicle modernisation strategy and helps ensure force readiness of the Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT).
The BRADLEY A4 is equipped with an enhanced powertrain that maximises mobility and increases engine horsepower, providing rapid movement in reaction to combat or other adverse situations. Wide-angle Driver’s Vision Enhancer, improved Force XXI Battle Command Bridge and Below (FBCB2) software integration improves friendly and enemy vehicle identification, enhancing situational awareness. The addition of a High-Speed Slip Ring, greater network connectivity and smart displays that simultaneously display classified and unclassified information also improve situational awareness.
“The BRADLEY is one of the most critical vehicles in the Army’s ABCT today because it allows the Army to transport troops to the fight, and provide covering fire to suppress enemy vehicles and troops,” commented the company’s Vice President of Combat Vehicle Programmes, Scott Davis. “Upgrading to the A4 configuration provides soldiers with more power to increase their speed and ability to integrate enhanced technology to ensure they maintain the advantage on the battlefield.”
Previously awarded funding for initial production of 164 Bradley A4 vehicles allowed BAE Systems to begin production. The award of this option brings the total production funding to $578 million and includes upgrades and associated spares of two BRADLEY variants: the M2A4 IFV and the M7A4 Fire Support Team Vehicle (FSTV).
