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Croatian Army Modernization Advances with Successful First Tests of M2A2ODS Bradleys.
On October 10, 2024, the Croatian Ministry of Defense announced the successful testing of three M2A2ODS Bradley infantry vehicles, marking a key step in modernizing Croatia’s armed forces with advanced American military technology. Croatia has acquired a total of 89 M2A2ODS units from U.S. surplus stock to strengthen its mechanized infantry capabilities. This acquisition strategy aims to replace the outdated BVP M-80A vehicles, which have served Croatia for decades but are now technologically obsolete.
The M2A2ODS provides reinforced crew protection, with a multi-layered steel and aluminum armor capable of withstanding small-arms fire, shell fragments, and certain anti-tank mines (Picture source: MoD Croatia)
The initial delivery of 22 vehicles took place last December. These units were immediately sent to the Đuro Đaković Specijalna Vozila d.d. factory for comprehensive refurbishment, including a thorough inspection of each vehicle’s technical condition and the application of protective coatings to meet modern operational standards. Recently, three fully refurbished units completed rigorous testing at the Kindrovo and Gashintsi test ranges near Đakovo, confirming their operational readiness.
The Bradley A2 ODS-SA is a robust combat vehicle designed to offer firepower, mobility, and enhanced protection in close-combat, urban, and open battlefield scenarios. Equipped with advanced digital technologies, it improves situational awareness, connectivity, and communication within armored combat brigades. Powered by a 600-horsepower engine, it can reach speeds of up to 61 km/h and has a range of 402 km. Its resilient design and modular structure ease maintenance demands, ensuring durability and effectiveness on the battlefield.
In terms of armament, the Bradley A2 ODS-SA features a 25mm Bushmaster cannon capable of firing explosive and armor-piercing rounds, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun for close-range defense, and TOW anti-tank missiles to engage armored threats at long range. Its protection includes reinforced armor to withstand small-arms fire and shell fragments, and it can be fitted with additional armor tiles for added defense against shaped-charge munitions. These features make it well-suited to meet modern battlefield challenges while ensuring crew safety.
The Bradley A2 ODS-SA is a robust combat vehicle designed to offer firepower, mobility, and enhanced protection in close-combat, urban, and open battlefield scenarios (Picture source: MoD Croatia)
Croatia acquired these vehicles under the U.S. Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program. Of the 89 units, 62 will be deployed to frontline units, five will be allocated for training, and the remaining 22 will be reserved for spare parts, ensuring fleet sustainability. The agreement also includes an option to acquire up to 93 additional Bradleys. However, this may be challenging, as many Bradleys in good condition have either been upgraded to the M2A4 standard or sent to Ukraine as part of international aid, leaving the remaining units in need of more extensive refurbishment, potentially raising costs.
The modernization of Croatia’s mechanized units with the M2A2ODS Bradley represents a significant step forward in enhancing national defense capabilities. Compared to the BVP M-80A, the Bradley offers notable improvements in firepower, protection, and battlefield visibility, bringing Croatia’s forces in line with modern operational requirements. Additionally, the M2A2ODS provides reinforced crew protection, with a multi-layered steel and aluminum armor capable of withstanding small-arms fire, shell fragments, and certain anti-tank mines. Equipped with smoke grenade launchers, the Bradley can obscure its movements in combat, adding a layer of safety for its three crew members and the six infantry soldiers it can transport in the rear compartment.
As Croatia integrates the Bradley into its forces, it lays the foundation for a modernized, more capable military, prepared to address current security challenges both domestically and as a NATO member. In the long term, the addition of Bradley vehicles will enable Croatia to enhance its contributions to NATO operations and collective defense initiatives, strengthening the alliance as a whole.
Upgrading Croatia's mechanized units with the M2A2ODS Bradley enhances defense capabilities with superior firepower, protection, and battlefield visibility (Picture source: MoD Croatia)