Ukraine deploys American tanks in Kursk push
Facing increasing resistance from Russian forces, the Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region is ongoing and involves the use of NATO armored equipment. Recently, Abrams tanks and M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles have been added to the list of machinery used in this operation, and their capabilities are noteworthy.
7:51 AM EDT, October 22, 2024
The equipment held by the 47th Mechanized Brigade is visible in a video posted on social media. Some analysts quickly identified that these scenes indeed originate from the Kursk region in Russia. Ukrainian journalist Illia Ponomarenko also confirmed this information.
Abrams and M2 Bradley in the Kursk reserve
"The Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, in coordination with the Abrams tank, represents a formidable force and a significant threat to the invaders! American equipment is influential on the battlefield, providing personnel rotation, fire support, and the destruction of enemy infantry," stated a brief communiqué from the 47th Mechanized Brigade.
Valuable American vehicles in the Ukrainian army
Abrams tanks and M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles are among the most valuable NATO armored assets sent to the frontline. Ukrainian soldiers have repeatedly emphasized that these vehicles offer significant offensive capabilities and considerably enhanced protection compared to older Soviet-era equipment.
The Ukrainians have received 31 Abrams tanks in the M1A1 variant, which are equipped with a 120 mm cannon and 0.50-caliber and 0.30-caliber machine guns. The United States modified the armor for these tanks, using tungsten inserts instead of the standard depleted uranium panels, to mitigate concerns about sensitive technologies falling into Russian hands.
The M2 Bradley is an infantry fighting vehicle equipped with a 25-mm M242 Bushmaster automatic cannon, which can fire up to 200 rounds per minute, a 0.30-caliber machine gun, and a TOW anti-tank missile launcher. The Ukrainians have received significantly more of these vehicles, totaling over 300 units.
Ukrainian actions in the Kursk region
In addition to other NATO equipment in the Kursk region, British Challenger 2 tanks, Polish PT-91 Twardy tanks, American Stryker armored personnel carriers, and German Marder infantry fighting vehicles have also been observed. The Russians are increasing pressure on Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region. Analysts from ISW believe that they will make every effort to push the Ukrainians back beyond their country's borders before winter.
