Regarding the combat use of the American-made M1224 MaxxPro International wheeled explosive-resistant armored vehicle (hereinafter referred to as VBM) by units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the framework of the armed conflict with the Russian Federation, Chinese observers note that this type of military equipment does not affect the course of hostilities for several reasons. The significant mass of the M1224 (13.5 tons) does not allow the Ukrainian military to use it to move over rough terrain.
As you know, during 2022, the US Armed Forces transferred about 440 units of the M1224 to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, a significant part of which were practically not serviced and prepared for active operation in combat conditions. In addition, the American side does not transfer replacement and spare parts to these machines. In total, about 9,000 units were produced. MaxxPro International, delivered to 20 countries.
Explosion-proof BM M1224 MaxxPro International
As a result, the Ukrainian military is forced to use components from some machines to repair damaged ones. There is an extreme shortage of special engineering equipment for evacuation. It was found that during towing (dragging), the lower armor plates of the M1224 hull receive an incorrigible deformation – the armored capsule completely loses its rigidity.
An analysis of the photos and videos collected by Chinese observers suggests that in the process of performing combat missions, the crews of the M1224 hit anti-tank mines of the TM series, the firepower of which leads to the complete destruction of the front part, namely the engine and transmission compartment (MT). The high-explosive impact of TM series mines (after being hit by a wheel) leads to the separation of the MTO from the armored hull. At the same time, cracks appear in the body itself, through which the shock wave and fragments penetrate. As a result of the explosion, the displacement of the armored half-tower installed in the center of the roof of the armored vehicle is noted.
VBM M1224 MaxxPro International after hitting a mine
According to calculations by Chinese analysts, the losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in terms of the M1224 MaxxPro International as of the end of August 2024 amounted to at least 100 units, excluding those captured by the Russian military.
The disadvantages of the M1224 include the height of the armored vehicle (3.08 m), which makes it a notable target for Russian armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. In this aspect, it is noted that the Russian Typhoon-AIRBORNE wheeled armored vehicle has greater attractiveness due to the automatic cannon located in a remote-controlled turret.
As part of this armed conflict, American military experts expect to transfer to Ukrainian units a certain number of JLTV–type armored vehicles equipped with 25 mm automatic cannons, an analog of the cannon mounted on the M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle.
Although the spaced booking of the M1224 effectively protects against small arms fire, however, the penetration capacity of 30 mm ammunition is quite sufficient to penetrate the body of the armored vehicle in question.
Chinese experts are comparing the level of protection of the M1224 with other samples of the VBM of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It is stated that the Turkish armored vehicle "Kirpi" (manufactured by the Navy Otomotiv) has the weakest armor protection in the lateral projection. The vehicle is equipped with armored windows with a low level of protection, which causes a significant amount of losses among the crews and troops as a result of penetration by a cumulative jet.
On the one hand, the unsatisfactory results of combat operation provoked the decision of the Turkish side to suspend supplies (it was planned to transfer 192 vehicles, of which only 42 units were actually delivered). On the other hand, it was the experience of its own that was taken into account by the Turkish designers of the Otomotiv Navy company in their work on the armored vehicle under the designation "Kirpi-2".
Based on materials from Chinese specialized publications
