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U.S. Army Deploys Abrams Tanks and M2A3 Bradley IFVs in Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercise in Bulgaria.
U.S. Army armored forces from the 1st Infantry Division conducted a combined arms live-fire exercise in Bulgaria, integrating M1A2 Abrams tanks and M2A3 Bradley fighting vehicles. The training underscores Washington’s continued emphasis on heavy armored readiness as NATO reinforces deterrence along its eastern flank.
On January 24, 2026, U.S. Army armored units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division carried out a combined arms live-fire maneuver at the Novo Selo Training Area, according to imagery released by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. Soldiers from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, part of the division’s 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, employed M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks alongside M2A3 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, rehearsing coordinated movement, direct fire, and command and control under realistic battlefield conditions. Beyond its training value, the exercise marks the sustained presence and operational readiness of U.S. heavy forces deployed along NATO’s eastern flank, at a time when armored maneuver warfare has returned to the center of European security planning.
U.S. Army Abrams tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles conducted a live-fire maneuver in Bulgaria, highlighting sustained armored readiness along NATO’s eastern flank (Picture Source: DVIDS)
The combined arms live-fire exercise at Novo Selo reflects a deliberate effort by U.S. forces to rehearse high-intensity combat scenarios under realistic conditions. Crews are trained to integrate direct fire, maneuver, and command-and-control functions while operating in complex terrain and under simulated combat pressure. By executing live engagements rather than relying solely on simulation-based training, the unit tested not only individual platform performance but also the coordination between armored, mechanized, and command elements at the company level. This approach reinforces collective lethality and prepares units for contested environments where speed, precision, and communication are decisive.
The centerpiece of the exercise was the M1A2 Abrams main battle tank, the U.S. Army’s go-to heavy weapon for direct fire. With its 120 mm smoothbore gun and advanced fire-control technology, the M1A2 is built to take on armored vehicles, fortified targets, and enemy positions at long distances with impressive precision. Its layered composite armor, high-tech thermal sights, and digital command systems help the crew stay effective even in poor visibility or high-risk situations. Thanks to the commander’s independent thermal viewer, the tank can quickly switch between targets in fast-moving battles. During live-fire drills like those at Novo Selo, these systems are put to the test in realistic conditions, making sure crews can tap into everything the Abrams has to offer when the pressure is on.
Operating alongside the Abrams, the M2A3 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle played a critical role in transporting and supporting mechanized infantry elements. Equipped with a 25 mm chain gun, coaxial machine gun, and TOW anti-tank missiles, the Bradley provides a versatile mix of firepower suited to counter infantry, light armor, and main battle tanks. The A3 variant integrates improved survivability features and a fully digital architecture, enhancing situational awareness and coordination with other combat systems. During combined arms maneuvers, the Bradley serves as the connective element between heavy armor and dismounted infantry, enabling armored units to seize, clear, and hold key terrain rather than simply maneuver through it.
Both the Abrams and Bradley have decades of real-world use behind them, bringing that experience into today’s training exercises. First introduced near the end of the Cold War, these vehicles were built for large-scale conventional warfare in Europe and later proved their worth during the 1991 Gulf War. Later missions in Iraq and Afghanistan forced the Army to adapt them for urban combat, counterinsurgency, and long deployments far from home. Over the years, upgrades have boosted their armor, sensors, and digital systems so they can keep up with modern peer and near-peer threats. The training in Bulgaria marks a shift back toward high-intensity, combined-arms operations, exactly the kind of fight these vehicles were originally designed for, now sharpened by hard lessons from recent wars.
From a tactical perspective, exercises such as the one conducted at Novo Selo allow U.S. armored units to validate combined arms concepts under live-fire conditions. The integration of Abrams tanks and Bradley infantry fighting vehicles enables synchronized engagement of enemy forces, rapid transitions between offensive and defensive postures, and effective control of terrain. Live-fire training also exposes logistical and sustainment challenges inherent to heavy armored operations, including fuel distribution, ammunition resupply, and vehicle recovery, all of which are critical factors in any sustained combat operation.
U.S. heavy armor training in Bulgaria carries wider significance for NATO’s overall deterrence strategy. Stationing and exercising Abrams and Bradley units along the Alliance’s eastern flank highlights America’s commitment to collective defense and its ability to quickly deliver real combat power in Europe. For regional partners, these operations strengthen coordination and joint readiness; for potential adversaries, they stand as a clear signal of NATO’s preparedness and determination. In today’s security climate, where conventional ground warfare is once again a central concern, the capability to deploy and sustain armored brigade combat teams across Eastern Europe remains a key element of NATO’s defensive strength.
The combined arms live-fire exercise conducted by the 1st Infantry Division at Novo Selo illustrates the continued relevance of heavy armored forces in modern deterrence and defense. Through realistic training that integrates proven platforms, experienced crews, and complex operational scenarios, the U.S. Army reinforces its ability to operate effectively alongside allies in high-threat environments. The images released from the exercise are not merely records of training activity; they reflect a broader strategic message that armored maneuver, backed by sustained readiness and alliance cohesion, remains a decisive factor in European security.
Written by Teoman S. Nicanci – Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Teoman S. Nicanci holds degrees in Political Science, Comparative and International Politics, and International Relations and Diplomacy from leading Belgian universities, with research focused on Russian strategic behavior, defense technology, and modern warfare. He is a defense analyst at Army Recognition, specializing in the global defense industry, military armament, and emerging defense technologies.