Russian army integrates captured M2A2 Bradley into forces
According to reports by Forbes and others, one of the M2A2 Bradley fighting vehicles captured by the Russians has been incorporated into their army. This marks the first such occurrence since the start of the war. The M2A2 Bradley, which is widely considered one of the finest NATO vehicles supplied to Ukraine by its allies, boasts impressive features.
The United States has already delivered over 300 M2A2 Bradley units to Ukraine. These have been, and are being, utilised by the defending army even in the most challenging sections of the front. Valued for their exceptional durability and significant offensive capabilities, which enable them to compete effectively even against tanks, these vehicles have contributed to numerous victorious engagements for the Ukrainians. However, naturally, there have been some losses. The Russians have destroyed several dozen M2A2 Bradleys. Nonetheless, the Russians have captured a small number of these vehicles.
M2A2 Bradley in Russian service
Forbes reports that the Russians have captured at least five M2A2 Bradleys since the beginning of the war. Like other captured NATO equipment, these were taken to Russia as war trophies and have been analyzed by local experts or displayed in propaganda military parades.
However, a video has recently appeared online showing the Russians using one of the five captured Bradleys. A slightly modified M2A2 Bradley (with added features intended to enhance protection against drones) is reportedly in service with the 30th Motorized Rifle Brigade of the Russian army.
It remains uncertain how the Russians plan to use this captured vehicle. Ukrainian soldiers received thorough training in NATO countries, enabling them to fully utilise the M2A2 Bradley's capabilities. There may also be concerns about the technical state of the captured vehicle (it might have minor damages that could only become evident in combat situations) and how the Russians intend to arm it.
Tank killer from the USA
Forbes suggests the Russians might eventually use the M2A2 Bradley as an evacuation vehicle. Thanks to its armour, it could perform significantly better than the outdated Soviet-era BMPs. The M2A2 Bradley is considered one of the world's most robust infantry fighting vehicles. It features armour made from steel, aluminum, composite materials, a spall liner, and an efficient fire extinguishing system. There have been reports confirming that the M2A2 Bradley survived, among other things, an encounter with a Russian T-72 tank.
Regarding armament, this American-made vehicle is equipped with a 25 mm M242 Bushmaster cannon, a 7.62 mm machine gun, an anti-tank guided missile launcher, and a smoke grenade launcher. It is powered by an engine rated at 372 kilowatts or 447 kilowatts (depending on the production year), allowing it to reach speeds over 65 kilometres per hour.
"The Bradley is not a tank, but it can be a tank killer," retired U.S. Army General Mark Hertling once wrote on the X platform. He commanded this type of vehicle during Operation Desert Storm.
