Specialized variant designed for precision fire missions

The M7 Bradley Fire Support Team vehicle, known as the BFIST, is a modified version of the M2A2 Operation Desert Storm Bradley fighting vehicle.

It was developed specifically for directing precision indirect fire, delivering targeting accuracy within 50 meters at ranges reaching 8,000 meters.

The fire support mission equipment package enables the crew to control artillery and mortar fires while remaining protected inside the armored vehicle.

The BFIST serves as the forward-observation "eyes" of United States artillery units by locating, identifying, tracking and designating targets under armor.

Long-range sensors allow the crew to conduct targeting operations while moving, which enhances survivability in high-threat environments.

The vehicle is assigned to Armored Reconnaissance Battalions and Combined Arms Battalions within the Armored Brigade Combat Team.

Shared Bradley mobility enhances coordination with maneuver forces

Although the M2A2 Bradley is primarily an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), the M7 BFIST uses the same chassis to match the maneuver pace of the M1A2 Abrams main battle tank and the M2/M3 Bradley family.

This shared mobility ensures the BFIST can stay integrated with armored formations during offensive and defensive operations.

The layout closely mirrors the Bradley IFV and cavalry scout configurations, but the BFIST adds distinctive features, including one antenna on each rear corner of the roof.

The crew size increases from three to four to support expanded fire-support, communications and navigation duties.

This additional crew capacity supports continuous observation, digital coordination and rapid fire-mission processing.

Advanced sensors, navigation and communications improve battlefield integration

The BFIST includes standard Bradley survivability systems, such as fire-detection and suppression equipment, nuclear-biological-chemical protection and day-night viewing devices for the commander, gunner and driver.

The gunner's sight includes an integrated sight unit with an eye-safe laser rangefinder, while the commander uses an optical relay linked to the gunner's view.

Its major subsystems include an inertial navigation system, four Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System radios, a precision lightweight Global Positioning System receiver, a Battlefield Combat Identification System, a mission processor unit, a handheld terminal unit, a lightweight computer unit and two tactical interface modules.

Modern upgrades allow the BFIST to integrate with Link 16 digital communications, enabling it to receive and send target data to US Air Force and US Navy aircraft.

This joint-connectivity improves the speed, accuracy and coordination of fires across multiple domains.