A new batch of Bradley vehicles heads to Ukraine

Additional Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles are on their way to Ukraine. An online video has surfaced showcasing these American-made machines. Let's delve into what the Bradley IFVs entail.

The Bradley IFV is a familiar and tested solution for Ukrainians. It has played a pivotal role in safeguarding lives and securing victories in confrontations with Russian forces. Notable instances include an assault by two M2A2 vehicles on Russia’s premier T-90M tank near Avdiivka and a skirmish involving one such vehicle against three Russian MT-LB units north of Avdiivka. These encounters resulted in triumphs for the Ukrainian side.

In early January 2024, Forbes disclosed that the United States had provided Ukraine with 186 Bradley IFV units and four fire support team vehicles. This tally seems poised to rise, as there are indications of additional vehicles lined up for transport at the Polish-Ukrainian border, evidenced by the recent video. However, the exact date of the footage is unknown.

The Bradley vehicles are vital for bolstering the Ukrainian Armed Forces, enhancing soldiers' survival prospects amid fierce combat and on the frontline. Daniel Rice, a former advisor to Ukraine's Chief Commander, General Valery Zaluzhny, and quoted by Forbes, emphasized that the M2 Bradley fighting vehicle "is delivering on its long standing reputation as a superior Infantry Fighting Vehicle."

Developed in the late 70s by FMC Corporation (now BAE Systems), the M2 Bradley is an American infantry fighting vehicle. It typically accommodates a crew of three (driver, commander, and gunner) plus seven infantry soldiers.

The vehicle boasts a combat weight of about 25 tons, with dimensions including a length of over 20 feet, a width of 10.5 feet, and a height of nearly 10 feet. Its primary armament features a 25 mm M242 Bushmaster cannon alongside a 7.62 mm machine gun.

Powered by a Cummins VTA-903T engine, the M2 Bradley IFV generates approximately 600 horsepower. This power, combined with its tracked chassis, significantly enhances its mobility. The vehicle can reach speeds of up to 43 mph and can navigate trenches and traverse water bodies at about 4.5 mph.