According to publications by Chinese specialized publications, units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine equipped with American-made M2A2 infantry fighting vehicles (Bradley infantry fighting vehicles), in the ODS-SA modification (according to the results of Operation Desert Storm), lost 113 units out of 186 (according to other sources, 189) delivered vehicles in the period from June 2023 to May 2024. armored vehicles of this model, of which:
- 78 units were completely destroyed (according to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, 68 units).;
- About 30 units were abandoned in combat areas.;
- 4 units were captured by the Russian military and successfully exported for study and demonstration at exhibitions of captured equipment.
In the process of monitoring the actions of servicemen of the 47th separate Magura mechanized brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (equipped with American-made armored vehicles, military advisers from among active US military personnel are constantly present at the control points), it was established that this unit lost about 50 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles of the specified model as a result of ATGM hits (from Ka-52 helicopters), "Kornet" and "Krasnopol" shells, as well as explosions on minefields.
Bradley M2A2 ODS-SA BPM in Ukraine
According to Chinese experts, the transfer of the specified number in batches of 60 vehicles was carried out with the support of military personnel of the 405th Field Support Brigade of the US Armed Forces (DPA in Kaiserslautern, Germany), who carried out the simplest maintenance and inspection of armored vehicle systems before their delivery by train to the territory of Ukraine. According to available information, the duration of the training courses for Ukrainian crews of the M2A2 ODS-SA BMP Bradley, organized in Germany, is no more than 4 weeks.
It is reliably known that the US military did not plan to repair and restore the M2A2 ODS-SA infantry fighting vehicles, since these vehicles were removed from storage and are not intended for modernization under the M2A4E1 program.
It is reported that several cases of delivery of damaged armored vehicles by road (without the use of visual camouflage) from the territory of Ukraine, through the Republic of Poland and further to Germany have been recorded in order to study the nature of damage sustained by infantry fighting vehicles from the effects of various anti-tank weapons.
Thanks to several samples of the affected equipment, American experts have established that Russian 3BM59 "Lead-1" / 3BM60 "Lead-2" armor-piercing feathered projectiles penetrate the body of the Bradley M2A2 infantry fighting vehicle with dynamic protection units installed from a distance of 1385 m or more. In addition, according to the results of the analysis of photos and video materials, it was determined that the BRAT A2 type DZ units effectively protect against a single hit by FPV drones with RPG shots, as well as ATGM of the Fagot type. It is also noted that the ammunition in the amount of two Tow-type anti-tank missiles placed in a turret-mounted launcher is insufficient for modern combined-arms combat.
The disadvantages of American-made infantry fighting vehicles include the systematic failure of the rear door-ramp drive, which does not allow the troops to disembark from the vehicle. During the fighting, it was established that the BMP tower is the most unprotected.
Taking into account the information received, it was planned that in 2024, the U.S. Armed Forces would supply Ukraine with a batch of upgraded M2A4E1 infantry fighting vehicles, which differ from the considered modification as follows:
- A VTA903E-T675 V-shaped diesel engine with a capacity of 675 hp (previously 600 hp) is installed.;
- NMRT-800-3ESV hydromechanical transmission (formerly NMRT-500);
- 27.7 kW and 990 amp electric generator (previously 11.2 kW and 400 amp);
- new T161 (formerly T157i) double-row tracked trucks;
- modified suspension, cooling, braking, and fire extinguishing systems;
- The CREW Duke V3 electronic warfare system has been installed to interfere with radio fuses.
BMP "Bradley" M2A4E1 with KAZ "Iron fist"
The main distinguishing feature is the installation of the Iron Fist Active Protection System (KAZ) (an adapted version of the Israeli Trophy KAZ), which is located on the tower and consists of a target detection radar, four launchers for barrage charges and a control unit.
BMP M2A4E1. The components of the KAZ "Iron Fist" are highlighted in blue, yellow and brown
Taking into account the set of updated and additional equipment, the total curb weight of the Bradley BMP in the M2A4E1 modification is 36.2 tons. For comparison, the mass of the M2A2 ODS-SA is about 30 tons. According to this parameter, the infantry fighting vehicles under consideration approach the category of light tanks, but they do not have comparable firepower and ammunition.
Source: Chinese specialized publications
