Russia captures first US-supplied Bradley M7 BFIST Fire Support Vehicle in Ukraine.

On May 2, 2024, several Russian media reported that Russian forces had captured a US-supplied Bradley M7 Fire Support Vehicle (B-FiST), used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, in the Avdiivka direction. Out of 55 manufactured, four Bradley M7 BFIST vehicles were reportedly received by Ukraine, with its initial deployment by Ukrainian Forces on the Zaporizhzhia front in September 2023.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

This vehicle, equipped with Bradley Reactive Armour Tiles (BRAT), was part of a batch of four vehicles delivered to Ukraine from a total of 55 manufactured. (Picture source: Russian social media and US DoD)

Tactically, the M7 BFIST is specifically designed to enable precise coordination of indirect fire at distances of up to 8,000 meters, effectively integrating artillery support with ground forces. Should Russian forces gain access to and analyze the operational capabilities of the captured M7 BFIST, it could furnish them with valuable insights into U.S. artillery support tactics, potentially influencing their own military operations.

From a technological standpoint, the M7 BFIST incorporates advanced targeting and sensor technologies designed to operate under armored protection, thereby enhancing crew survivability while maintaining operational effectiveness in diverse combat scenarios. Analysis of these systems by Russian forces could lead to advancements in their own military vehicle designs, potentially incorporating similar or counter technologies.

In terms of engineering, the vehicle's design features a Cummins VTA-903T diesel engine and robust mobility and armor systems, essential for operations across varied environments. A thorough examination of these features could enable Russian military engineers to gain insights into the vehicle's performance characteristics and durability, potentially influencing future developments in Russian military vehicle design. Additionally, such analysis could aid in developing strategies to counter similar systems provided to allies of Ukraine in the field.

On September 5, 2023, Army Recognition reported that Ukrainian Forces had deployed the Bradley M7 BFIST, designed for target identification and coordination of indirect artillery fire, for the first time on the Zaporizhzhia front. This vehicle, equipped with Bradley Reactive Armour Tiles (BRAT), was part of a batch of four vehicles delivered to Ukraine from a total of 55 manufactured, according to available information. Originally based on the Bradley M2A2 ODS-SA Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), the M7 BFIST has undergone significant modifications, replacing the traditional launcher unit for TOW anti-tank missiles with advanced target location equipment and sensors.

The M7 Bradley BFIST, operational up to 20 kilometers, is compatible with systems such as the M142 HIMARS, M270 MLRS, and various munitions including the M982 Excalibur 155mm precision howitzer rounds. It is based on the Bradley M2A2 ODS-SA Infantry Fighting Vehicle but has been modified to replace the traditional launcher unit for TOW anti-tank missiles with advanced target location equipment and sensors, enhancing its target spotting and artillery coordination capabilities.

Introduced into service in 2000, the M7 Bradley BFIST is operated by a crew of four. It is powered by a 600hp Cummins VTA-903-T600 engine, achieving a maximum road speed of 61 km/h and an amphibious speed of about 6 km/h. The vehicle is capable of handling gradients of up to 60%, side slopes of 40%, vertical steps of 0.76 meters, and trench crossings of 2.54 meters. With appropriate preparations, it can ford water to a depth of about 1.2 meters.

The vehicle's armament includes a 25 mm Bushmaster chain gun and a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun, with ammunition loads suitable for various defensive and offensive operations. It is armored to withstand impacts from 30 mm armor-piercing rounds and 14.5 mm heavy machine gun fire, with options for additional protection through explosive reactive armor. Its transportability by military aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster III or C-5M Super Galaxy enhances its deployment capabilities.