Effectiveness of US Bradley IFV Confirmed in Ukraine Against Russian MT-LB APC.

An encounter near the village of Solovyove in the Donetsk region witnessed a Ukrainian Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) M2A2 Bradley facing off against a Russian MT-LB armored personnel carrier with decisive results. Armed with a 25mm cannon, the Bradley demonstrated its firepower by effectively targeting the Russian vehicle. Within a matter of seconds, the Russian vehicle sustained a barrage of hits from the US-origin vehicle and was rendered combat ineffective.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Russian MT-LB Armored Personnel Carrier under the fire of a US Bradley M2A2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle. (Picture source: Open Source Information)

This isn't the first time the US M2A2 Bradley has distinguished itself in combat in Ukraine, but it's always impressive to see its effectiveness on the battlefield. Although the MT-LB vehicle is an APC and the Bradley an IFV, two types of vehicles with different roles within the armed forces, it's nonetheless impressive to see how easily the US vehicle neutralized the Russian MT-LB.

Since April 2023, the United States has delivered a total of 186 M2A2 ODS Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles to Ukraine. These deliveries are part of US military aid to Ukraine. The Bradley M2A2 is an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) used by several countries including the United States, Croatia, Greece, Lebanon, and of course, Ukraine. This vehicle is well-armed and armored, designed to provide effective protection while supporting troops with considerable firepower.

In terms of armament, the Bradley M2A2 is equipped with a 25mm M242 automatic cannon, capable of firing at a high rate, as demonstrated in this engagement, and a coaxial 7.62mm M240C machine gun for close engagements. It also features TOW launchers, which are anti-tank missile systems, as well as smoke grenade launchers to provide covering and distraction options in combat.

The Bradley's armor consists of spaced laminate armor, designed to withstand anti-armor projectiles such as RPGs and 30mm armor-piercing ammunition. This armor is also effective against 155mm artillery shell fragments, thus providing solid protection around the vehicle.

The Bradley M2A2 can carry a crew of three, in addition to accommodating up to six equipped soldiers, making it ideal for missions requiring both troop transport and direct engagement. The vehicle dimensions are 6.55 meters long, 3.28 meters wide, and 2.97 meters high, with a total weight of 27,000 kg.

In terms of operational capabilities, the Bradley can reach a maximum speed of 56 km/h and has a range of up to 400 km, allowing it to operate effectively over long distances. It is also equipped with NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) protection systems, thermal night vision, and automatic fire extinguishing systems.

The MT-LB, on the other hand, is a lightly armored personnel carrier originally designed by the Soviet Union, which continues to be used by a variety of countries worldwide, including Russia, Ukraine, and several nations in Europe and Asia. This vehicle is particularly valued for its versatility and ability to operate in various environments, from muddy terrain to paved roads.

Typically armed with a 7.62mm PKT machine gun or a heavier 12.7mm machine gun, the MT-LB is not primarily designed for direct combat but rather for safely transporting troops through combat zones. Its armor is relatively light, protecting small arms fire and shell fragments, with thickness ranging from 3 to 10 mm. This characteristic makes it more suitable for transport and support missions than for frontal offensives.

The MT-LB weighs approximately 11,900 kg and can transport a crew of two plus eleven soldiers, making it ideal for operations requiring the rapid movement of soldier groups. Its dimensions of 6.45 meters long, 2.86 meters wide, and 1.86 meters high allow it to maneuver easily, even in tight spaces or urban environments.

In terms of performance, the MT-LB can reach a maximum speed of 62 km/h thanks to its powerful engine, and it has an impressive range of up to 500 km, making it effective for extended missions without frequent refueling. The vehicle is also equipped with NBC protection systems to defend its occupants against nuclear, biological, or chemical threats, as well as night vision equipment and a white projector for night operations.

In a direct combat scenario, the American Bradley M2A2 outmatches the Russian MT-LB in terms of firepower, protection, technological capabilities, and tactical versatility, making it much more capable of engaging and destroying armored targets on the battlefield. What is striking here is not only the victory of the Bradley but also how easily it disposed of the Russian MT-LB.

The role of the Bradley on the battlefield, supported by its sophisticated targeting systems and durable design, has proven to be a crucial asset for Ukrainian forces as they navigate the complexities of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine.