Ukrainian M2A2 Bradley: A formidable force in Pokrovsk assault
The Ukrainian M2A2 Bradley, part of the Skala battalion, carried out a successful assault on Russian positions near Pokrovsk, surpassing the endurance of many Russian tanks.
Near Pokrovsk, intense battles are underway, and it is evident that the 425th Independent Assault Battalion "Skala," one of Ukraine's elite units, has reached the front line. This battalion is often deployed to critical areas, similar to the elements of the 3rd Azov Assault Brigade or the 47th Mechanized Brigade.
Below, you can witness the assault of the M2A2 Bradley, which initially engages its guns with high-explosive incendiary ammunition, M792 HEI-T, towards the tree line where Russian forces might be hiding, thus shielding the freshly formed seven-day-old assault group as they advance towards the trenches.
The Russians then attempted a counterattack using an FPV drone, which became ensnared in the protective netting, and fired an anti-tank guided missile or grenade. Despite scoring a hit, these did not significantly impact the Bradley.
M2A2 Bradley — an outdated infantry fighting vehicle from the USA is the biggest nightmare for the Russians
The M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, used during the First Gulf War and upgraded to the ODS variant in the 1990s, have become a formidable threat for Russian forces in Ukraine. Although they are a design from the 1990s, and their performance lags behind vehicles like the CV90 or Lynx, they remain highly effective.
It should also be noted that Ukraine has received significantly more Bradleys than its counterparts from other Western nations. Consequently, Bradleys have become the equipment of choice for many highly motivated battalions, translating into high combat effectiveness.
The M2A2 Bradley is a 30-ton vehicle whose armour provides all-around protection against fire from heavy machine guns with a calibre of 14.5×114 mm, such as the KPV, and the front can withstand fire from 30 mm automatic cannons.
Additionally, reactive armour blocks (BRAT) can be added to the vehicle, offering excellent protection against single-warhead anti-tank grenades like the PG-7VL, capable of penetrating 500 mm of steel armour or anti-tank guided missiles. Crews also place nets over their vehicles to neutralise FPV drones, which sometimes proves effective.
A vehicle that can withstand more than Russian tanks has been developed, with added resistance to mines. It offers very good protection for its three-member crew and seven infantry members. However, it is an outdated machine, and the US Army is actively seeking its replacement.
M2A2 Bradley — its armament allows combating many targets
In terms of armament, the Bradley is equipped with a 25 mm Bushmaster automatic cannon, a 7.62x51 mm NATO machine gun, and a dual TOW-2B missile launcher. The main gun has a range of 3.2 km and can fire either armour-piercing or high-explosive incendiary rounds. In anti-tank warfare, the TOW-2B missiles serve as the primary weapon with a range of over 3.2 km.
Although it is an older generation system requiring missile guidance until impact, its EFP warhead, which targets the tank's weakest upper armour, remains adequate.
