Oshkosh Defense joins effort to replace Bradley IFVs
Yuma Proving Ground has been preparing for potential tests of the OMFV with a surrogate Bradley IFV. (Photo: US Army)
Oshkosh Defense has been selected by the US Army to participate in OMFV programme.
The US Army has contracted Oshkosh Defense to participate in the Concept Design Phase of its Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) programme.
Oshkosh Defense will develop initial concepts supported by modelling, simulation and analysis to inform OMFV requirements up to a system functional review.
Oshkosh’s OMFV concept incorporates the capability of Hanwha’s Redback chassis and Rafael’s Samson family of turrets.
The Redback is one of two contending for Australia’s Land 400 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), while Samson turrets serve as the foundation for Oshkosh’s recently awarded Medium Caliber Weapon System contract with the US Army.
The OMFV programme was announced in 2018 as part of plans to replace the Bradley IFV, which has been in service since 1981.
The programme has faced some criticism and delays throughout its development.
In January 2020, the US Army cancelled its acquisition process of the OMFV, after only one bid was received in the competition.
Recently, in January 2021, Shephard spoke to Mark Cancian, an ex-colonel in the USMC and senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and Ryan Peoples, principal at aerospace and defence consultancy Renaissance Strategic Advisors, who both voiced concerns over the financial issues the programme might face.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Levelling up – how autonomous fire control tackles unmanned lethality head-on]()
Levelling up – how autonomous fire control tackles unmanned lethality head-on
As autonomous weapon systems proliferate, it is now essential to use the same core technologies to counteract and neutralise them.
-
![BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90120 medium tank takes shape]()
BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90120 medium tank takes shape
The new vehicle will be based on the CV90 Mk IV chassis and turret, and will be armed with a Rheinmetall 120mm L44A1 low recoil smoothbore gun.
-
![UK government argues strife has little impact on steel supply but imports reign]()
UK government argues strife has little impact on steel supply but imports reign
Speaking in the UK Parliament, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said possible changes in the country’s steelmaking industry will have little impact on defence projects; while much of the steel in British vehicles and ships is imported.
-
![Ukraine receives more Patriot batteries as Centauros break cover]()
Ukraine receives more Patriot batteries as Centauros break cover
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the arrival of more Patriot air defence systems in his country. The development follows the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha calling for 10 more systems last month and Zelenskyy reiterating the need for more.
