Russian Forces capture Bradley M2A2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle in Ukraine
On July 12, 2023, a captured American Bradley M2A2 was observed for the first time. Russian forces apparently seized this armored vehicle in the Zaporizhzia region. These images mark the first known instance of Russian troops obtaining a fully operational Bradley M2A2 IFV, as previous images and videos only showed destroyed or damaged vehicles.
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The Russian soldiers are showing a video of a captured M2A2 Bradley. (Picture source Screenshot Lord Bebo video footage )
The capture of the Bradley M2A2 IFV was reportedly carried out by the Kerch detachment, a Russian military unit operating in the Zaporizhzia region. This event was documented in a tweet by NOELREPORTS on July 12, 2023.
The Bradley M2A2 IFV, an American armored vehicle designed for combat operations, offers a combination of advanced firepower and enhanced protection. It is used by several countries, including Croatia, Greece, Lebanon, and the United States.
Equipped with armament, the Bradley M2A2 IFV features a 25mm M242 cannon, a coaxial 7.62mm M240C machine gun, two TOW launchers, and two sets of 4 smoke grenade launchers. This array of weapons enables the vehicle to confront various threats and engage ground targets with precision.
In terms of protection, the Bradley M2A2 IFV is fitted with spaced laminate armor, providing all-around defense against RPG projectiles, 30mm APDS shells (with armor upgrades), and 155mm shell fragments. Weighing approximately 27,000 kg, the Bradley M2A2 IFV can reach a maximum speed of 56 km/h. With a range of 400 km, it can engage in operations over long distances without constant refueling.
As for accessories, the Bradley M2A2 IFV is equipped with an NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) protection system, thermal night vision, and automatic fire extinguishers to handle emergency situations.
The Bradley M2A2 IFV is operated by a crew of three personnel, supported by six additional soldiers transported inside the vehicle. Measuring 6.55 meters in length, 3.28 meters in width, and 2.97 meters in height, the Bradley M2A2 IFV is an imposing vehicle.
However, some skeptics argue that the captured Bradley M2A2 may not actually be functional, suggesting that the Russians simply recorded a video in front of the vehicle. Others question its operational status, pointing out the need for an MT-LB to recover the IFV.
The capture of a Bradley M2A2 by Russian armed forces is a first, but serious doubts arise regarding the Russians' ability to maintain such a vehicle.
US Army Bradley M2A2 IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle (Picture source US DoD)