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Production is expected to be completed by May 31, 2026, and will be managed by the Army Contracting Command based at the Detroit Arsenal in Michigan.
The Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) family of combat vehicles, including the M2A4 and M7A4, is critical to the mobility, protection, and firepower of US ground forces. The M2A4 is an upgraded version of the original M2 infantry fighting vehicle (IPV), which has been in service since the early 1980s. The M2A4 variant has significant improvements to the powertrain and suspension, allowing the vehicle to be equipped with heavier armor and use advanced technological systems without compromising mobility.
Updates to the M2A4 version focus on improved survivability and situational awareness, including improved armor packs and improved electronics for better communications and targeting capabilities. The M2A4 Bradley is designed to transport infantry, providing firepower and protection on the battlefield. It is equipped with a 25 mm M242 Bushmaster chain gun, TOW anti-tank missiles and a twin M240C machine gun.
The Bradley M7A4 is an upgraded version of the standard M7 Fire Support Team (FIST) vehicle, designed to improve battlefield surveillance and targeting for artillery and air support. This variant includes power, mobility and advanced electronics similar to the M2A4, but with specialized systems for coordinating indirect fire and airstrikes. The M7A4 builds on the standard capabilities of the M7, offering better protection, situational awareness and communications tools, providing more effective support to forward observation teams in today's combat scenarios.
BAE Systems has a long history of manufacturing and upgrading Bradley vehicles for the US military. In 2018, the company was awarded a $347,9 million contract for 473 units of the M2A4 and M7A4 variants, which helped modernize the Army's armored vehicle fleet. These contracts are part of an ongoing effort to ensure that the Bradley remains a core asset of the Army's mechanized forces, ensuring that it remains capable of meeting the demands of modern warfare.
As production of the M2A4 and M7A4 progresses, the US Army continues to evaluate the role of the Bradley in its future operations. Despite competition from new platforms such as the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) and the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV), the Bradley remains a critical component of the Army's strategy. Its proven combat experience and ongoing modernization efforts ensure that it will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the future.
