General Dynamics has joined forces with GM Defense to design and develop an optionally manned fighting vehicle (OMFV) for the US Army to replace the Bradley.
According to General Dynamics vice president Don Kotchman, the development illustrates that the company has been gaining momentum to provide an “important capability” to the army.
“This collaboration with commercial powerhouse GM Defense brings together world-class capabilities from both companies to meet the future needs of US soldiers operating in a multidomain environment,” he explained in a press release.
For GM Defense president Steve duMont, the collaboration is extremely beneficial since it leverages core capabilities in integrated vehicles, power and propulsion, and mobility and autonomy to support the OMFV program.
He stated that his team is “very excited” to work with General Dynamics, particularly in utilizing their technologies, digital design expertise, and manufacturing scale to help produce the best infantry fighting vehicle for the US Army.
A total of five firms have been selected to replace the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle: Point Blank Enterprises, Oshkosh Defense, BAE Systems, Rheinmetall Vehicles, and General Dynamics.
The competition is in its first phase, involving the vehicle’s initial design. The detailed design phase and prototyping are scheduled for 2023 and 2025, respectively.