Bradley IFVs: Ukraine's shield against Russian threats
The Western infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) delivered to Ukraine are very valuable because, unlike their Soviet-era counterparts, they offer protection against mines. One of the more numerous and highly praised designs of this type in Ukraine is the American M2A2 Bradley.
A Ukrainian crew from an M2A2 Bradley IFV, part of the 100th Mechanized Brigade, gave an interview to Army TV. They discussed, among other things, the vehicle's counter-mine defense. The commander mentioned that at one point, they hit an anti-tank TM-62 mine, but no one was hurt. The track rollers were blown off, but everyone was alive and unharmed, with not even a concussion.
This is one of many testimonies from Ukrainian soldiers who credit the M2A2 Bradley, made famous by the 47th Mechanized Brigade, with saving lives from mines, drones, anti-tank guided missiles, and automatic gunfire from Russian vehicles.
M2A2 Bradley — old yet very threatening to Russians, a gift from the USA
Ukraine received M2A2 Bradley ODS IFVs from the USA, veterans from the Gulf War. This variant is significantly enhanced compared to the version that debuted in the 1970s.
Modifications have caused the A2 version to lose its amphibious capability due to its 30-ton weight. Changes in the 1990s included the installation of improved optronic systems, featuring higher-resolution thermal sights and a laser rangefinder.
Even though the Bradley's weight is less than that of heavier IFVs like the CV90 or Puma, which weigh nearly 44 tons, it still offers excellent protection for its crew of three and a squad of seven soldiers.
The basic armor provides protection against fire from large-caliber machine guns like the KPW caliber 14.5×114 mm, and the front armor can withstand 30 mm rounds fired from 2A42 automatic guns. Additionally, the Bradley can be equipped with BRAT reactive armor, significantly boosting its resistance to fire from handheld anti-tank weapons and FPV drones.
Armament of the M2A2 Bradley — an effective tandem for most targets
The primary armament is the M242 Bushmaster automatic cannon, 25 mm in caliber. It can fire armor-piercing and high-explosive incendiary M792 HEI-T ammunition at a rate of 200 rounds per minute, hitting targets up to 2 miles away. Additionally, there is a dual launcher for BGM-71F (TOW 2B) anti-tank guided missiles. These missiles can destroy tanks at a distance of up to 2.3 miles by attacking their weakest, upper armor.
However, it's an older system, requiring missile guidance until impact, and can only be fired while stationary. Furthermore, new Russian active defense systems like Arena-M, which have started to appear on the front, may counter these missiles. Nevertheless, the old yet still formidable M2A2 Bradley remains the most numerous type of Western IFV that has arrived in Ukraine.
