American Rheinmetall announced today it had delivered the first Lynx XM30 prototype vehicle to the US Army. This is the first of eight prototypes being built to meet the US Army’s requirement for a replacement for the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle.
According to the company’s new release, this “initial prototype immediately enters government-led developmental and performance testing. This critical evaluation is a key component of the program’s broader Phase 3/4 Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract valued at approximately $764 million, which encompasses digital design, physical prototyping, and full-system validation.”
American Rheinmetall will deliver the remaining seven prototypes later in 2026. These vehicles will be used for operational unit training. According to the Army’s Transformation in Contact (TiC) 2.0 initiative, parallel technical and operational field testing is intended to enable more efficient new systems and technology. This will see prototypes provided directly to deployed and training units. Once the vehicles clear initial military safety checks, they will move to an intensive training phase leading to large-scale combat simulations.
The Lynx XM30 is a modular design with an adaptive open architecture. A key feature of the Lynx design concept is separating the vehicle into two primary parts: the basic vehicle and the mission module. The vehicle features a new, lethal, unmanned 50mm turret with 3rd-gen FLIR. It is optimised for a Two-Soldier Crew using next-gen technologies. The Lynx’s protection is designed to scale with the threat.
It has on-board active protection systems to ensure the highest level of survivability. A Ground Combat Systems Common Infrastructure (GCIA) supports growth and the incorporation of new technologies that may be offered in the future. Lynx XM30 employs a hybrid-electric powertrain to optimise power generation and battlefield mobility. It is a fully digital integrated fighting system with secure, real-time connectivity. It leverages embedded advanced intelligence to ensure the crew and infantry squad maintain absolute battlefield survivability.
American Rheinmetall leads Team Lynx, which combines the specialised capabilities of Textron Systems, Raytheon, L3Harris Technologies, Allison Transmission, and Anduril Industries, supported by a network of subcontractors and vendors.
The US Army U.S. Army’s XM30 Mechanised Infantry Combat Vehicle program is scheduled to begin operational testing in 2026 with the 1st Armoured Brigade (Iron Horse) Combat Team in Texas. Tests and evaluation are intended to continue through early 2027, including testing at the National Training Center. A potential contractor down-select is currently suggested for Spring 2027. Currently, American Rheinmetall has delivered one prototype, while the General Dynamics Land Systems prototype has not yet been delivered. The seven additional Lynx and all GDLS prototypes would normally all need to be on hand before training or tests would begin. The Army has also said it wants to begin low-rate production by the last calendar quarter of 2027.
by Stephen W. Miller
