General Dynamics to begin testing advanced XM30 IFV in 2026

General Dynamics Land Systems has announced the successful completion of a critical analysis of the new XM30 infantry fighting vehicle.

This is reported by Defence Industry Europe.

According to the schedule, the first prototype will be delivered for testing in 2026.

The XM30 is part of the Army’s digitally-enabled program and demonstrates a new approach to armored vehicle development – with fully digital design, modular architecture, and support for the MOSA (Modular Open Systems) standard in both software and hardware.

The platform is designed to meet the US Army’s requirements for increased productivity and efficiency on the battlefield.

According to the company, the use of a digital flow – from engineering to support – will ensure continuous modernization of the system throughout its life cycle.

XM30

The XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle (formerly known as the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle, or OMFV) is a promising infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) that the US Army is developing to replace the outdated M2 Bradley.

In early 2020, the Lynx KF41 from the Raytheon and Rheinmetall consortium and the Griffin III from General Dynamics Land Systems competed in the competition for a new infantry fighting vehicle.

However, both proposals were disqualified: the first due to the lack of a ready-made prototype, and the second due to non-compliance with the requirements. After that, the US Army announced the restart of the program.

In July 2021, the competition was officially resumed.

The new participants included Point Blank Enterprises, Oshkosh Defense, BAE Systems, GDLS, and Rheinmetall. The total budget at this stage was $299.4 million.

In June 2023, Rheinmetall and GDLS remained the finalists. The contract for the further development of the project increased to $1.6 billion.