Ukrainian paratroopers of the 25th Sicheslav Separate Airborne Brigade have been equipped with American M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles.
The 25th Airborne Brigade demonstrated training exercises using their new armored vehicles.
“Mobility, firepower, and troop protection — these are the three key components of the Bradley’s effectiveness in modern warfare,” the brigade noted.
The M2 Bradley IFV is a versatile and formidable “warrior” on the battlefield. Its 25mm M242 Bushmaster cannon can pierce through most Russian armor, delivering precise single shots or devastating bursts at a rapid rate of up to 500 rounds per minute.
Equipped with advanced optics, the Bradley can spot targets clearly at distances up to 10 kilometers — almost as if they were right before your eyes. Its fire control system is like a sharpshooter among cannons, ensuring deadly accuracy with every shot.
A powerful diesel engine enables speeds of up to 66 km/h, allowing for agile maneuvering on the battlefield.
Recently, even Russian military experts examined a captured M2A2 Bradley and concluded that the American vehicle holds a clear advantage over the BMP-3.
In terms of mine protection, it also outperforms its counterparts, thanks to a double-layered hull (aluminum + steel), an additional anti-mine polymer mat, and shock-absorbing seats for the troops.
The side armor provides protection against 30mm 3UBR6 rounds but cannot withstand hits from 3UBR8 rounds. In contrast, the frontal armor can resist 30mm 3UBR8 rounds, providing a higher level of protection than the BMP-3’s frontal armor.
Additionally, the frontal armor equipped with reactive armor blocks can withstand hits from shaped-charge grenades such as the PG-9VS and PG-7VL. The side armor with reactive protection defends only against the PG-9VS but cannot withstand the PG-7VL.
There have been recorded instances where elements of the Bradley Reactive Armor Tiles successfully absorbed impacts from anti-tank missiles hitting the side armor.
In terms of firepower, the M2A2 ODS-SA Bradley also outperforms the BMP-3. The accuracy of its 25mm M242 automatic cannon is twice as high as that of the 30mm 2A42 and 2A72 cannons, significantly increasing its effective firing range. The armor penetration capability of the 25mm armor-piercing sub-caliber round is also twice that of the 30mm 3UBR8 round.
