Bradley IFV tests new "670" projectile amidst tech upgrades
During exercises at Fort Irwin, California, the M2A2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) fired a mysterious projectile labeled "670." Here's what the U.S. Army might be working on.
The portal The Warzone reports that during the Project Convergence-Capstone 5 exercises at Fort Irwin, the Bradley vehicle fired a mysterious projectile labeled "670." It differs from the known versions of the BGM-71 TOW, although it is launched from the same launcher.
Project Convergence is an initiative by the U.S. Army that began in 2020, aimed at testing and incorporating new technologies into older weapon systems. The mysterious cylindrical projectile with a tri-part folding stabilizer casing may be a new "fire-and-forget" solution like the FGM-148 Javelin. Alternatively, it could contain a reconnaissance drone, a strike drone, or a cluster warhead. Unfortunately, the specifics remain unknown.
M2/M3 Bradley — The U.S. Army's workhorse that requires improvements
It is worth noting that the U.S. Army is simultaneously working on upgrading the M2/M3 Bradley IFV until a successor is selected and brought into service, with entry into service planned for 2029. One of the key areas that requires improvement is the Bradley's anti-tank weaponry.
This includes the dual BGM-71 TOW missile launcher, which has been in production since the 1970s. Although it has been upgraded numerous times along with the missiles, certain system shortcomings have persisted.
In the 1990s, the Americans introduced TOW-2B missiles that attack from above during flight over the target, which, along with the classic TOW-2A, are effective measures against Russian tanks in Ukraine. However, the guidance system requires maintaining control of the fired missile until it impacts the target. This necessitates a stationary position and is only effective for conducting ambushes.
This is an outdated concept in the era of developing "fire-and-forget" missiles, which could be launched while on the move. It is possible that the mysterious 670 projectile could be such a solution. It is worth noting that the Americans cancelled the TOW-FF Fire and Forget missile program in 2002, but amid the war in Ukraine, it might have been resumed.
