The United States Army has started testing the XM913 Bushmaster 50mm cannon as part of the development of the new XM30 infantry fighting vehicle, designed to replace the M2 Bradley.
A total of 16 units of the weapon have been ordered from Northrop Grumman and have already begun being delivered to the units responsible for evaluating the system.
The XM30 is seen as a transformational project, focusing on greater firepower, enhanced protection, and wide modernization capability through a modular architecture. The goal is to overcome the Bradley’s upgrade limitations and offer a platform more adaptable to future battlefield needs.
The XM913 cannon, the largest of the Bushmaster line, uses 50×228 mm ammunition and was designed to ensure stable firing even while moving. Weighing approximately 314 kg, the system is already being integrated into XM30 prototypes developed by GDLS and Rheinmetall, and has also been tested previously on platforms like the LAV 700 during the Convergence 21 project.
Meanwhile, BAE Systems is leading the development of a next-generation combat vehicle in partnership with Elbit America, Curtiss-Wright, and QinetiQ. Elbit is contributing the unmanned UT50 turret, equipped with the XM913 cannon and an advanced ammunition feed system, reinforcing the trend of increased automation and flexibility in the US Army’s future armored vehicles.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @Defence_IDA | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
The US Army has ordered 16 XM913 50mm Bushmaster chain guns to support testing of its future XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle, marking a major upgrade in battlefield firepower. The 50mm cannon offers higher lethality, dual-feed ammunition selection, and reliable… pic.twitter.com/B2lRAMw1fR
— International Defence Analysis (@Defence_IDA) January 12, 2026
