Ukraine receives more Bradley and Stryker armored vehicles from the US.

On July 7, 2023, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional assistance to meet Ukraine's defense needs. This package will provide Ukraine with more armored vehicles, 32 Bradleys and 32 Strykers. It also includes additional air defense munitions, artillery systems, ammunition, anti-armor weapons, and other equipment to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
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Stryker Infantry Fighting vehicle (Picture source: Army Recognition )

This aid package includes a significant amount of additional equipment for Ukraine, but in this article, we will focus on the Bradley and Stryker armored vehicles. For more information on the entire package, we refer you to our other two articles dedicated to the subject, available HERE on mortars and clusters bomb, and HERE on anti-aircraft equipment, both published on July 10, 2023, on Army recognition.

The US assistance package includes 32 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and 32 Stryker Armored Personnel Carriers. Up until now, the United States had provided 157 Strykers (as of March 2023) and 186 Bradleys (as of April 2023) to Ukraine.

Since its introduction in 2002, the Stryker has become a crucial asset in modern military operations. This armored vehicle, which serves as both a troop transport and an infantry fighting vehicle, is the result of a collaboration between Canada and the United States. It is produced by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada and is primarily used by the US Army.

The Stryker has a unit cost of approximately $4.9 million. Over 4,900 vehicles have been built to date, with 4,466 of them in service with the US Army. The transport variant of the Stryker weighs 18.16 tons, while the Mobile Gun System variant weighs 20.69 tons. With a length of 6.95 meters, a width of 2.72 meters, and a height of 2.64 meters, the vehicle strikes a good balance between maneuverability and carrying capacity. It can accommodate a crew of two and up to nine passengers, depending on the configuration.

The Stryker's ballistic protection is reinforced by ceramic armor, providing protection against 14.5x114 mm caliber shots. The vehicle is powered by a 350-horsepower Caterpillar C7 engine, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 97 km/h. Its eight-wheeled suspension system ensures excellent mobility on various types of terrain.

Since its introduction in 1981, the Bradley has continued to be used by many countries worldwide. Its primary role is to provide direct fire support to infantry troops while offering increased protection to the soldiers being transported.

The Bradley weighs 27.6 tons. With a length of 6.55 meters, a width of 3.6 meters, and a height of 2.98 meters, it provides sufficient space for a crew of three. The vehicle's ballistic protection is provided by spaced laminate armor, offering all-around protection against penetrators ranging from 14.5 to 30 mm, depending on the variant. Additionally, the Bradley is equipped with explosive reactive armor for increased protection against RPG anti-tank missiles.

The main armament of the Bradley consists of a 25 mm M242 Bushmaster chain gun. It is also equipped with two BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missiles for engaging enemy armored vehicles. A secondary armament of a 7.62 mm M240C machine gun is mounted for close defense against light threats. With an operational range of 400 kilometers and a maximum speed of 56 km/h, the Bradley is a fast and mobile vehicle.

These new supplies will significantly enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities against ongoing Russian aggression. The Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and Stryker Armored Personnel Carriers will provide the Ukrainian army with increased mobility and enhanced protection during ground operations. These vehicles are specially designed to withstand threats on the modern battlefield and provide support to engaged troops.