BAE Systems wins $78 million deal to upgrade more US Army Bradley IFVs
The M2A4 upgrade has included new digital electronics, improved communication systems and stronger armour. (Photo: US Army)
BAE Systems has been contracted to install modifications on older versions of the M2 Bradley IFV creating the M2A4 and these upgrades will ensure that the platform can remain viable up to 2050.
BAE Systems has received a US$78 million order to upgrade additional Bradley IFVs to the latest M2A4 configuration for the US Army and brings the total delivery order value to more than US$750 million.
The A4 variant features the latest digitised electronics for improved situational awareness, network connectivity and communication within the Armored Brigade Combat Team.
The A4 upgrade has an uprated suspension and more powerful engine which enables it to cope with the increased weight of additional upgrades and provides sufficient electrical power for new subsystems such as an active protection system (APS) to be installed on the vehicle.
The US Army has considered installing the Iron Fist-Light Decoupled (IF-LD) APS and conducted an evaluation of the system to meet its Modular Active Vehicle Protection System programme.
Initial power supply problems with IF-LD were solved but funding for inclusion in the M2A4 programme has not been provided at this stage.
Over the life of the Bradley programme, there have been several survivability upgrades, including installation of underbelly protection and the Bradley Urban Survivability Kits (BUSK), further enhancing the safety of one of the most survivable vehicles in the fleet.
In June 2022, BAE systems was awarded a $266.9 million contract for 159 Bradley A4s, meaning the most recent contract is likely to be for approximately 47 vehicles.
More from Land Warfare
-
![MyDefence delivers counter-drone system to US Army ahead of livefire exercise]()
MyDefence delivers counter-drone system to US Army ahead of livefire exercise
The Soldier-Kit system consists of detector, jammer, tablet and wideband antenna and is being evaluated as part of Project Flytrap 3.0 counter uncrewed aerial system (CUAS) exercise.
-
![Arquus and Milrem push their UGVs fitted with long-range missiles]()
Arquus and Milrem push their UGVs fitted with long-range missiles
Arquus displayed the Drailer uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) integrating the Akeron LP long-range missile at the Techterre technology demonstrator event ahead of trials in September.
-
![Czech CAESAR howitzer order at risk of cancellation]()
Czech CAESAR howitzer order at risk of cancellation
The Czech Republic ordered 52 CAmion Equipé d’un Système d’ARtillerie (CAESAR) self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) in 2021 and added another 10 a year later. A cancellation of the programme would impact both the army’s capabilities and local industry which is involved in the manufacture.
-
![Sweden turns to Nammo and Rheinmetall as world demand grows for 155mm shells]()
Sweden turns to Nammo and Rheinmetall as world demand grows for 155mm shells
Demand for ammunition continues to increase with manufacturing capability growing to match. Sweden have turned to the two supply lines of Rheinmetall and Nammo as part of a Nordic effort to meet demand. The Polish Government has also announced a US$700 million investment to boost manufacture of munitions.
-
![Malaysia signs for two additional GM400α air surveillance radars]()
Malaysia signs for two additional GM400α air surveillance radars
The order is in addition to two systems ordered in 2023. It forms part of a family of systems which is becoming widely used and part of a growing demand for the capability, both in deliveries and requirements.
