American Rheinmetall has secured a $31-million contract from the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) to strengthen battlefield repair capabilities for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) operated by both U.S. and Ukrainian forces. The 18-month program aims to establish a forward repair network designed to restore damaged vehicles closer to the frontlines.
Under the agreement, the company will develop and demonstrate advanced damage assessment and repair processes, introducing a forward-deployed maintenance model. The initiative will utilize the Bradley IFV as a surrogate platform to showcase rapid repair operations and reduced dependency on distant depots.
A key element of the project is the creation of a Rapid Damage Assessment and Repair Team, equipped with cutting-edge tools, digital diagnostics, and a streamlined supply chain. This team will be tasked with evaluating, repairing, and returning combat vehicles to service swiftly, ensuring sustained operational readiness during intense military operations.
Once proven, the concept will serve as a scalable model for remote and austere environments, reducing vehicle downtime and enhancing fleet resilience. By bridging the gap between frontline damage and depot-level maintenance, the Rheinmetall initiative reinforces both U.S. and allied capabilities for sustained combat readiness in dynamic battlefield conditions.
