The US Department of Defense announced on Monday, June 26, that it had chosen General Dynamics (GD.N) and American Rheinmetall (RHMG.DE ) to participate in the competition to replace the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) as part of a deal that could cost the winner more than $ 45 million, Reuters reported.
The agency indicated that two companies remained after the five that participated in the competition, and they will receive contracts to develop digital designs and then prototypes to test future alternatives to Bradley. The total premium for both contracts is approximately $1.6 billion.
According to army officials, the only winner of the competition will receive a contract for the production of updated IFVs in 2027, and the first vehicles will go on sale in 2029. The Pentagon said it would make a decision by 2027 on how many vehicles it plans to purchase for the army.
Dubbed the XM30 mechanized infantry fighting vehicle, the new tracked vehicle is expected to have a hybrid-electric motor, carry up to six passengers, have a 50-millimeter cannon mounted on a turret, as well as machine guns and anti-tank weapons. Some of the vehicle's functions will be autonomous, army officials said.
Two participating companies will have to provide up to 11 prototypes of vehicles and other equipment.
The replacement of Bradley is part of a larger modernization plan for the US Army, which involves work on improving the accuracy of long-range shooting, modernization of missile defense and the development of a new infantry fighting vehicle and a new helicopter.
The Bradley BPM is one of the machines that Washington actively supplies to Kiev, which, in turn, also actively loses on the battlefield.
On the same day, June 26, The New York Times reported that at least 17 Bradley infantry vehicles that the United States sent to Ukraine were damaged or destroyed, and this figure exceeds 15% of the promised number.
At the same time, on June 27, the United States announced its intention to announce a new package of military assistance to Ukraine in the amount of up to $ 500 million. According to one of the sources, as part of the new aid package, Washington will transfer 30 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and 25 Stryker armored personnel carriers to Kiev.
On June 14, the InfoBRICS agency reported that Ukraine had lost a significant part of the Bradley BMP due to the fact that the West underestimated the capabilities of the Russian army. Of the nine cars, six were destroyed in the battles near Orekhovo, three were damaged, but were subject to repair.
On June 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with military officers in the Kremlin, said that a large-scale Ukrainian counteroffensive using reserves began on June 4 and continues to this day. The Head of State pointed out the absence of any successes of the Ukrainian army, and the losses of the Armed Forces in personnel are approaching catastrophic.
He also drew attention to the fact that Leopard tanks, like Bradley cars, burn perfectly. According to him, the Russian Armed Forces destroyed 25-30% of Ukraine's equipment.
Western countries have increased military and financial support for Kiev against the background of the Russian Federation's special operation to protect Donbass, which has been held since February 24, 2022. The corresponding decision was made in connection with the aggravation of the situation in the region due to attacks by the Ukrainian military.
