Army takes delivery of first XM30 combat vehicle to replace M2 Bradley fighting vehicle

On Sept. 1, 2026, American Rheinmetall announced delivery of the first Lynx XM30 combat vehicle prototype to the U.S. Army. The first of eight contracted prototypes, the XM30 will start developmental and performance testing with the Army. Designed and intended to replace the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, this first delivery is a significant milestone in the combat vehicle program.

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On Aug. 7, 2023, the Rheinmetall-Army XM30 contract was publicly announced with a full contract value in excess of $700 million.

“American Rheinmetall Vehicles and our teammates are excited about the award and we look forward to continuing our important work with the Army in this critical modernization program,” said Matthew Warnick, then-Managing Director for American Rheinmetall Vehicles, in a press release. “Team Lynx brings together some of the finest defense technology companies in the world and will deliver a truly transformational, modern Infantry Combat Vehicle that ensures our Soldiers can fight, survive, and win on future battlefields.”

With eight prototypes confirmed, Rheinmetall noted that the Phase 3/4 Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract is valued at approximately $764 million. The EMD contract encompasses digital design, physical prototyping, and full-system validation.

rheinmetall xm30 — The first Lynx from Hungarian production is handed over to the Hungarian military. (Rheinmetall)

“Delivering our first prototype to the Army is an important step as the XM30 Combat Vehicle program enters a more visible phase,” said Warnick, now the CEO of American Rheinmetall, in a press release. “Team Lynx now has the opportunity to show the Army that we can deliver on the promise of a modern replacement for the Bradley.”

The remaining seven prototypes will be delivered later in 2026 for use in operational unit training. Following initial military safety checks, troops will immediately launch into active field maneuvers, an intensive training phase that culminates in large-scale combat simulations.

The XM30 is based on Rheinmetall’s Lynx KF41 armored fighting vehicle. Originally unveiled in 2016, the Lynx aims to reduce initial cost, through-life cost, and overall complexity compared to legacy armored fighting vehicles. Interestingly, Rheinmetall developed the Lynx privately. While it lacked a request or specifications from a military, the Lynx gained interest from NATO militaries including Hungary, Italy, and Romania.

On Jan. 12, 2026, Rheinmetall announced the delivery of a first batch of KF41s to Ukraine. Funded by Germany, this initial delivery is the first step to eventual production in Ukraine for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. A Hungarian-built Lynx prototype reportedly saw combat with a Ukrainian crew in 2024.

xm30 concept art bradley replacement — The XM30 is designed to be better protected and more lethal than the Bradley. (Rheinmetall)

With a crew of two and space for six dismounts, the XM30 is designed to integrate with and support infantry units. In addition to a 50mm XM193 chain gun, anti-tank missiles, and machine guns, the XM30 will feature an active protection system to defeat incoming missiles and drone threats. A C-17 Globemaster III will be able to carry two XM30s.

Following the introduction and cancellation of the M10 Booker assault gun, the XM30’s future lies in the hands of the soldiers who evaluate it and the Army leaders’ vision of the fighting force.

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