Bradley A4 passes conditional materiel release

The Army approved the newest upgrade to the Bradley Fighting Vehicle for a conditional materiel release on Dec. 13, an Army spokeswoman told Inside Defense this week.

Fielding of the Bradley A4 has begun to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Ashley John wrote in an email. The brigade, based at Ft. Stewart, GA, will begin field maintenance and new equipment training in January, and the final vehicle will be delivered in March.

The service plans to field the Bradley A4 to four armored brigades, as well as one pre-positioned stock, John wrote. Fielding to the pre-positioned stock will take place in FY-23.

A full materiel release for the A4 is planned for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, according to the spokeswoman.

The A4 upgrade brings improved powertrain and electrical systems to the Bradley, according to Army budget documents. The Army plans to award a follow-on contract for A4 production in FY-22 to BAE Systems, the prime contractor on the Bradley program.