Echoes of the Cold War: a revealing insight into tense IFV duels and tactical battles in Awdijiwka
The footage below demonstrates a Ukrainian M2A2 Bradley ODS infantry fighting vehicle encountering a Russian BMP-1/2 in a tree line as it clears Russian trenches. The Bradley can be seen firing at the BMP-1/2, initially without effect despite significant explosions, suggesting the use of M792 HEI-T ammunition. Such ammunition is effective against infantry, but ineffective against armored vehicles.
1:03 PM EST, December 15, 2023
After a few seconds, a distinct characteristic of hits can be perceived on the BMP-1/2 from the M242 Bushmaster's anti-tank rounds. The Russian BMP attempted to escape the line of fire, inadvertently exposing its poorly protected side to the Bradley.
The Russian crew, reliant on outdated night vision technology – if it was functioning at all, was effectively blind in the dark and in a state of panic, unable to perceive the direction of the incoming fire. Towards the end of the footage, the BMP-1/2, now stationary, was hit by a mortar or artillery shell with a cluster warhead.
M2A2 Bradley ODS vs BMP-1/2: Technological Advantage
The American M2A2 Bradley ODS highlights 1990s technology levels as it is modified from the 1980s A2 variant. Improvements include better optoelectronics and a thermal sight, enabling easy detection of heat-generating objects in all kinds of weather conditions.
Thermal imaging is especially valuable in winter conditions as it considerably eases the spotting of camouflaged enemies in trenches and vehicles. As a result, the Bradley crew had superior situational awareness than the Russians and managed to take the first shot.
On another note, the automatic M242 Bushmaster 25mm cannon, with a fire rate of 200 rounds/min and an effective range of approximately 1.24 miles, is quite effective. Despite this, 30mm guns from armored transporters KTO Rosomak or BTR-4 Bucefal, or 40mm from the CV90 offer superior armored target engagement capabilities.
Besides, the M2A2 Bradley comes equipped with a 7.62x51 mm NATO machine gun and a dual launcher for the BGM-71F (TOW 2B) guided anti-tank missiles capable of destroying tanks nearly 2.33 miles distant.
