M2 Bradley: Ukrainian soldiers praise legendary combat vehicle
An article in "The Wall Street Journal" discussed the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles in service with the Ukrainian army. It emphasized that this 40-year veteran of the U.S. Army, with its features and equipment outlined here, has become a favorite among Ukrainians.
7:31 PM EDT, September 26, 2024
The M2 Bradley is a tracked infantry fighting vehicle developed by the American company FMC Corporation. Its production began in 1980. For the past several months, these vehicles have been reaching the front lines as part of support from the United States. So far, more than 300 M2 Bradley units have been sent to Ukraine.
M2 Bradley in the service of the Ukrainian army
Despite its age, the M2 Bradley has proven to be well-suited to Ukrainian combat conditions. It provides local soldiers with protection against drones and mines and the ability to conduct anti-tank engagements against various Russian equipment. In instances, the M2 Bradley eliminated not only lightly armored vehicles but even tanks considered among the best in Putin's army.
Significantly, the Ukrainians did not receive the oldest variants of this infantry fighting vehicle, but rather ODS (Operation Desert Storm) modifications, which were introduced into service in the U.S. Army in the 1990s and feature upgrades based on experiences from Operation Desert Storm. These include items such as a laser rangefinder and an improved fire control system. The M2 Bradley offers the crew a 25 mm M242 Bushmaster automatic cannon with a rate of fire reaching 200 rounds per minute, as well as a 7.62 mm machine gun and a TOW anti-tank missile launcher.
M2 Bradley becomes a legend in Ukraine
Despite weighing up to 62,000 pounds, the M2 Bradley handles difficult terrain well and maintains adequate mobility and maneuverability. It is powered by an engine with either 500 or 600 hp (depending on production years) and can accelerate to a maximum speed of approximately 40 mph.
The Ukrainians also have M2 Bradley versions equipped with additional reactive BRAT armor, which increases their protection against, among other things, fire from handheld anti-tank weapons.
Ukrainian soldiers have repeatedly spoken positively about these American infantry fighting vehicles. They emphasize that the vehicles are very durable and save their lives. In early 2024, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense stated that the M2 Bradley "has become a legend in Ukraine." These vehicles are sent to the most challenging front lines. They participated in the battles near Avdiivka and are currently being used in the Donetsk region, among other places.
