BRADLEY FIRE SUPPORT TEAM (BFIST) VEHICLE

The Bradley Fire Support Team (BFIST) vehicle program is designed to enhance the capabilities of the Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT) by replacing the older M981 Fire Support Vehicle. The main goal is to improve battlefield effectiveness by accurately locating and designating targets, which aids in developing and executing fire support plans. BFIST vehicles are crafted to operate with the same signature, survivability, and mobility as other Bradley Fighting Vehicles, ensuring seamless integration within maneuver units.

The program includes three variants of BFIST vehicles: M7A4 BFIST, A3 BFIST with FS3 (Fire Support Sensor System), and M7 BFIST SA (Situation Awareness). These variants enable company Fire Support Teams and officers to plan, coordinate, and execute indirect artillery and mortar fires with precision. Key features include automated surveillance, target acquisition, identification, designation, tracking, position location, and communication functionalities. Upgrades also incorporate Fire Observer Software on the Mounted Family of Computer System and improvements in Target Accuracy to meet specific Target Location Error specifications.

Beyond enhancing operational capabilities, the program addresses field-identified issues through engineering support for production improvements. This involves resolving obsolescence issues, integrating new equipment, developing modification kits, and ensuring compliance with transportability and recovery requirements. Modernized components such as the Bradley Common Display are integrated to maintain system relevance.

BFIST vehicles are expected to remain part of the ABCT formation until the 2050s. Resources support ongoing modifications that mitigate obsolescence and enhance safety while maintaining software and cyber capabilities. This initiative aligns with legislative mandates for use by active and reserve components in various defense missions, including homeland defense and domestic emergency responses.