The United States Army is setting the stage for a significant upgrade to its Armored Brigade Combat Teams with the development of the XM30 Combat Vehicle. Slated to replace the M2 Bradley by the end of the decade, the XM30 boasts advancements in lethality courtesy of its next-generation optics, fire control systems, and a 50mm weapon system. Taking a soldier-centric design approach, this new fighting vehicle is being developed at Detroit Arsenal with contributions from General Dynamics Land Systems and American Rheinmetall Vehicles. A new milestone in its design process was reached in January during a critical soldier touchpoint event at Detroit Arsenal.
During this two-week soldier touchpoint event, personnel from Fort Riley, Kansas, were actively involved in reviewing plans and interacting with mock-ups of the XM30. Their feedback is crucial to refining its design specifications. Among them, Sgt. 1st Class Isaac Busch from the 1-18 Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division praised the vehicle's lethality upgrades based on his experiences with its predecessor. Staff Sgt. John Buenavista highlighted the importance of comfort for soldiers who may spend extended periods inside the vehicle. Activities including practical drills and discussions on vehicle access points fleshed out essential aspects of its use and maintenance.
Quotes from participants underline the collaborative spirit of this project. Sgt. Busch expressed gratitude for the attention paid to soldiers’ insights by those behind the XM30's design, while Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Norman emphasized that it's logical to involve infantry squads directly in designing a vehicle they will eventually operate on future battlefields.
With these insights integrated into its development, led by teams from Next Generation Combat Vehicles Cross-Functional Team (NGCV CFT) and Program Executive Office – Ground Combat Systems (PEO-GCS), production selection slated for late Fiscal Year 2027 promises an XM30 tailored not only to meet but exceed current standards of military vehicular capability and battlefield readiness.
The XM30 fighting vehicle is expected to be fielded by the U.S. Army by the end of the decade.
Source: U.S. Army
