US Army selects American Rheinmetall for DAR on Bradley IFVs
American Rheinmetall has received an 18-month contract to support a rapid Damage Assessment and Repair (DAR) demonstration for the US Army and Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Awarded by the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), the $31m contract involves developing and demonstrating new damage assessment and repair processes through the creation of a forward-deployed maintenance capability.
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This initiative will enable damaged or inoperative Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) to be assessed and repaired closer to active operational areas.
Under this agreement, American Rheinmetall will use the Bradley IFV as a test platform to validate the rapid DAR team’s training, as well as the utilisation of advanced processes, tools, and a responsive supply chain.
The main objective is to bridge the gap between initial battlefield damage and full depot-level repair, allowing vehicles to return to service in less time until further parts or dedicated repair teams are available.
The programme is designed to confirm a scalable model for establishing remote damage assessment and repair sites that can function in hazardous or challenging environments.
This move will decrease equipment downtime, improve overall operational readiness, and reinforce the resilience of heavy vehicles and military infrastructure, American Rheinmetall said.
American Rheinmetall CEO Matt Warnick said: “This contract underscores American Rheinmetall’s commitment to delivering innovative, mission-critical products and services that support the highest priority operational capabilities for the US military and its allies.
“By bringing advanced repair capabilities closer to the point of need, we are helping ensure that vital equipment like the Bradley Fighting Vehicle can return to service quickly and safely at a time of crucial need for Ukrainian armed forces.”
The rapid DAR demonstration bolsters the US foreign assistance efforts by providing support for Ukrainian forces attempting to return Bradley IFVs to service during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The project is expected to be completed in March 2027, with the first batch of repaired Bradley vehicles due for delivery at that time.
BAE Systems Land & Armaments, a subsidiary of BAE Systems, manufactures the Bradley IFVs.
Powered by a VTA-903T engine, these vehicles use an HMPT-500 hydromechanical transmission from Combat Propulsion Systems, a division of L-3 Communications, which provides three-speed ranges and allows a top speed of 66km/h on land.
The tracks propel the vehicle in water at speeds up to 7.2km/h, and it has an operational range of 483 km.
In December 2024, BAE Systems Land & Armaments secured another contract from the US Army to produce additional M2A4 Bradley IFV and M7A4 Bradley Fire Support Team platforms as part of ongoing US defence procurement.
