US Army steps up firepower with 50mm cannon for future combat vehicle

The US Army is advancing its armored modernization by adopting a new 50mm cannon, the XM913, for its future combat vehicle program known as XM30, formerly the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle effort. Northrop Grumman has confirmed orders for 16 of these cannons, with deliveries already underway to the Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM). The XM30 aims to replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle with a next-generation mechanized infantry platform that significantly enhances lethality, survivability, and upgrade potential. Central to the program is a modular open systems architecture that supports unmanned or remotely operated turrets, advanced sensors, and future weapon integrations. The XM913 cannon features an external drive system for consistent firing and a dual-feed, first-round-select capability, allowing rapid switching between ammunition types. This weapon shares training and maintenance protocols with the existing Bushmaster systems, facilitating faster operational readiness. Although the XM30 will carry fewer rounds than the Bradley, the increased lethality of the