Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukraine has received significant military support from its Western allies, with the United States playing a key role in providing advanced weapons. One of the most influential weapons systems is reportedly the more than 300 M2A2 Bradley armored fighting vehicles.
The Bradley has played a key role in Ukraine’s war operations, providing mobility, protection, and the ability to provide heavy fire support for infantry, while facing fierce battles with Russian armored forces. The Russians have a clear advantage in terms of tanks and armored personnel carriers, and this has been – and remains – a disadvantage in the field. However, the Bradley, despite its numerical disadvantage, has proven to be a valuable asset on the front lines.
The Bradley offers an impressive combination of being equipped with a 25mm M242 Bushmaster cannon, TOW anti-tank guided missiles, and advanced armor. It carries a crew of three operators and six infantry soldiers. The TOW in particular remains highly capable, in the 2 RF version, and allows the Bradley to engage enemy tanks at very long ranges.
Ukrainian soldiers who have shared their experiences using the Bradley in combat, either in interviews or on social media, emphasize the vehicle’s effectiveness and reliability.
One Ukrainian soldier described the vehicle as a “mobile fortress” in combat against Russian motorized infantry. He noted how its ability to provide fire support has allowed Ukrainian forces to engage Russian forces from long range, significantly reducing the risk, while effectively neutralizing enemy armor.
In a critical engagement near Kherson, Ukrainian soldiers used Bradleys to support a counterattack on Russian fortified positions. The TOW missile system played a key role in destroying several Russian T-72B3M tanks and BMP-3 TOMAs, allowing Ukrainian infantry to advance and capture the objective with minimal casualties. Soldiers also speak of the Bradley’s versatility, both in urban environments and in open fields.
The M2A2’s protection has also been well-appreciated by Ukrainian forces. In a war marked by the extensive use of artillery and anti-tank weapons, the vehicle’s armor has allowed it to withstand hits from enemy RPGs and small arms fire, as well as the hail of shrapnel from exploding shells. In a battle in the Donbas region, a Bradley took a direct hit from an anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) fired from a Russian T-80BVM tank. Although the explosion caused extensive damage to the vehicle, the crew and battle group it carried survived. Of course, in the ongoing fighting, many Bradleys have been rendered useless, but Ukrainians retain their confidence in the vehicle, due to its ability to protect – in most cases – its occupants.
Ukrainian commanders have also noted the M2A2 Bradley’s versatility in combined arms operations. During operations in the Donbas region, the vehicle was often used in coordination with HIMARS systems and self-propelled artillery, providing direct fire support for Ukrainian infantry as they cleared Russian positions.
The 25mm Bushmaster cannon can effectively engage infantry, light vehicles, and even drones. In addition, the vehicle’s compatibility with modern targeting data transmission systems has allowed it to seamlessly integrate into the integrated command and control network, improving coordination on the battlefield.
In addition to the tactical superiority of the American TOMA, Ukrainians claim that the Bradley also has… a psychological effect on the Russians. Its presence in the field has intimidated Russian units, who often avoid confrontation or retreat when they realize they will face units using this vehicle.
Video: Bradley vs. T90M, an unequal duel
Finally, the Ukrainians have delved into learning how to operate and maintain these complex vehicles, which has allowed them to continue operating even under conditions of high wear and tear.
Thus, the use of the M2A2 Bradley shows that, with proper maintenance and appropriate technological upgrades, the vehicle, although a Cold War-era design, remains modern and efficient.
