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
-
![March land forces roundup: A new war confronts the old drone problem]()
March land forces roundup: A new war confronts the old drone problem
The attack by the US and Israel on Iran which began at the end of February presented a Ukraine-like scenario of drone-led warfare – in fact the same drone type in the Shahed – and the problem of how to counter them.
-
![New US$1.4 billion package to boost Canada’s defence capabilities]()
New US$1.4 billion package to boost Canada’s defence capabilities
The Canadian defence department has outlined major investments in ISR solutions, small arms and ammunition production capabilities as the country pushes for greater self-reliance to bolster its forces and its supply chain.
-
![The overlooked ally: Canadian support for Ukraine surpasses some European partners]()
The overlooked ally: Canadian support for Ukraine surpasses some European partners
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Canada has committed more military assistance than France in terms of GDP.
