Mysterious '670' projectile: Could it be a game-changer?
During exercises at Fort Irwin in 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 the Bradley vehicle fired this mysterious projectile during the Project Convergence-Capstone 5 exercises at Fort Irwin. It stands out from the known versions of the BGM-71 TOW, although it is launched from the same system.
Project Convergence is an initiative by the U.S. Army that started in 2020. It aims to test and integrate new technologies into older weapon systems in service. The mysterious cylindrical projectile, featuring a tri-part folding stabilizer casing, might be a new "fire-and-forget" solution like the FGM-148 Javelin. It could also possibly contain a reconnaissance drone, a strike drone, or even a cluster warhead. Unfortunately, the details remain under wraps.
M2/M3 Bradley — the U.S. Army's workhorse that needs upgrades
It is important to note that the U.S. Army is also working on upgrading the M2/M3 Bradley IFV while a successor is being developed, with entry into service planned for 2029. One key area needing improvement is its anti-tank weaponry.
This includes the dual BGM-71 TOW missile launcher, in production since the 1970s. Although it has been modernized several times, certain system shortcomings have persisted.
In the 1990s, the U.S. introduced TOW-2B missiles that attack from above during flight over the target. Together with the classic TOW-2A, they are effective against Russian tanks in Ukraine. However, the guidance system requires controlling the missile until it hits the target. This demands a stationary position, mainly effective for ambush scenarios.
This concept is outdated in the era of "fire-and-forget" missiles, which can be launched while on the move. It's possible that the mysterious 670 projectile could be such a solution. It's worth mentioning that the Americans canceled the TOW-FF Fire and Forget missile program in 2002. However, given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, it might have been resumed.
