The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded a contract to BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P. to manufacture and supply an undisclosed number of infantry fighting vehicles for the U.S. Army.
U.S. Army orders procurement of M2A4 and M7A4 Bradley IFVs
Photo credit: BAE Systems
The contract is for two modifications of the M2 Bradley – the M2A4 and M7A4. The contract is worth just over $656 million. The requirement is that the vehicles be delivered by the end of November 2027.
The M2A4 and M7A4 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles represent two distinct evolutionary steps in the Bradley series, each engineered to meet the demands of modern and future combat.
While they share the same core mission of delivering infantry to the battlefield and providing fire support, their differences highlight the U.S. Army’s shifting priorities in mobility, survivability, and battlefield connectivity.
The M2A4 builds on the foundation of the Bradley with a suite of upgrades aimed at improving reliability and operational capability. It features a redesigned drivetrain and suspension system to handle increased weight from enhanced armor packages.
The powertrain has been modernized with a new engine and transmission, improving mobility across rugged terrain. Its focus lies in achieving superior battlefield endurance, ensuring the platform remains effective even under the rigors of sustained combat operations.
Enhanced situational awareness is supported by upgraded onboard electronics and improved night vision capabilities, giving the crew a tactical edge in complex environments.
On the other hand, the M7A4 takes the advancements of the A4 and pushes them further, reflecting the Army’s vision of multi-domain operations. This variant incorporates advanced protection systems, including active protection technology capable of intercepting incoming anti-armor threats.
Beyond survivability, the M7A4 integrates state-of-the-art sensors and targeting systems for precise engagement in a variety of scenarios, from urban combat to open battlefields.
The platform also includes expanded power generation capabilities to support the Army’s shift toward energy-intensive systems like directed energy weapons and networked communication suites.
Where the M2A4 focuses on refining proven systems to deliver a more resilient and reliable infantry carrier, the M7A4 embraces the future of warfare with a comprehensive modernization package that ensures the Bradley remains a lethal and connected asset on tomorrow’s battlefield.
Together, they demonstrate the U.S. Army’s commitment to evolving its armored platforms to address emerging threats and maintain battlefield superiority.
The announcement of such an order comes as no surprise, given the sustained U.S. support for Ukraine’s defense since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. Over this period, the U.S. has supplied approximately 186 M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, a vital component in strengthening Ukraine’s armored capabilities on the battlefield.
This figure reflects deliveries made through a series of targeted military assistance packages, each designed to enhance Ukraine’s ability to resist and respond to Russian aggression. Among the most notable contributions was a tranche of 59 Bradley M2A2s included in a $3.75 billion aid package unveiled in January 2023.
The M2A4 and M7A4 Bradleys’ role in the evolving landscape of armored warfare demands comparison with the competition. While the U.S. has heavily invested in refining its Bradleys, the global market for infantry fighting vehicles [IFVs] is competitive, with powerful alternatives offering different tactical advantages.
The Russian BMP-3, for example, remains a significant rival in terms of firepower and amphibious capability, while Germany’s Puma IFV has garnered attention for its high-tech systems and modular design.
The U.S. Army’s emphasis on mobility and survivability, particularly with the M7A4’s focus on multi-domain operations, positions the Bradley family as a key tool for future combat scenarios, especially when compared with these more specialized platforms.
However, the Bradleys maintain their edge in interoperability, given their longstanding integration within NATO and other allied forces’ doctrines. In this regard, their capability to support coordinated actions across a network of platforms in modern, high-intensity warfare is unmatched.
As the battle for IFV superiority heats up, the question becomes whether Bradley’s legacy can withstand the rise of more specialized or modular platforms from its competitors.
Strategically, the M2A4 and M7A4 represent more than just a tactical asset for the U.S. Army—they are a cornerstone of the broader multi-domain operations concept that is reshaping how the military plans for conflict.
The Army’s focus on connectivity and adaptability, particularly in the face of emerging threats, is a direct response to evolving warfare trends that see both conventional and hybrid tactics becoming more common.
This push toward a fully integrated, networked battlefield means the Army is not only preparing for combat with a near-peer adversary but is also taking into account the possibility of engagements involving cyber warfare, electronic warfare, and AI-driven systems.
The Bradleys, with their advanced sensors, energy capabilities, and open-architecture design, are critical to this vision. As the U.S. military continues to evolve in its thinking about large-scale combat operations, these vehicles will be crucial in supporting future operational flexibility.
However, this shift is not without its challenges. The increasing reliance on networked systems and energy-intensive technologies raises questions about vulnerability in highly contested environments, where adversaries could disrupt communications or target critical infrastructure.
As such, the M2A4 and M7A4 are not just part of a hardware evolution—they are central to a broader strategic vision that could redefine how the U.S. Army fights in the coming decades.
***
Follow us everywhere and at any time. BulgarianMilitary.com has responsive design and you can open the page from any computer, mobile devices or web browsers. For more up-to-date news, follow our Google News, YouTube, Reddit, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook pages. Our standards: Manifesto & ethical principles.