US Announces New Military Aid for Ukraine Including M113 APCs - Bradley IFVs and MRAP Combat Vehicles.

On September 6, 2024, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) announced a new security assistance package aimed at meeting Ukraine’s urgent security and defense needs. This new tranche of equipment features a range of advanced armored vehicles, including Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), M113 Armored Personnel Carriers, and Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles.
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On September 6, 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense announced new military aid for Ukraine, including additional M113 APCs, Bradley IFVs, and MRAP Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles.  (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

These combat vehicles are vital to Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian invasion, which has persisted since the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The Bradley IFVs, known for their mobility and firepower, have been essential for Ukraine’s mechanized infantry. Since the beginning of the war, the U.S. has delivered more than 300 M2A2 ODS Bradleys, which have been used effectively in combat. The M113 APCs, more than 600 of which have been delivered since July 2022, offer valuable transportation and protection for Ukrainian infantry on the battlefield.

Since their introduction to Ukraine's arsenal, the Bradley M2A2 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) have proven to be a critical asset in the fight against Russian forces. These vehicles, delivered as part of the extensive U.S. military aid, have played a significant role in Ukraine's successful counteroffensives, particularly in contested regions of the eastern and southern fronts.

The Bradley M2A2 has been highly effective in several key areas, including its superior mobility, firepower, and protection. Equipped with a 25mm M242 Bushmaster chain gun and anti-tank TOW missiles, the Bradley offers both offensive and defensive capabilities, allowing Ukrainian forces to engage Russian armored vehicles and infantry with precision. Its advanced targeting systems and thermal imaging technology have enabled Ukrainian troops to operate in a wide range of battlefield conditions, including night operations, giving them an edge over Russian forces.

The M2A2 Bradleys have been instrumental in several successful operations, notably in areas like Bakhmut and Zaporizhzhia, where Ukrainian forces have used them to breach heavily fortified Russian positions. Their ability to transport infantry safely while providing direct fire support has allowed Ukrainian soldiers to engage in combined arms tactics, coordinating infantry, armor, and artillery to overpower Russian defenses. Reports from the front lines indicate that the Bradleys have significantly reduced casualties among Ukrainian forces, as their robust armor protects against small arms fire, artillery fragments, and anti-tank weapons.

Additionally, the aid package includes various MRAPs, which have become critical for Ukrainian forces, particularly in protecting troops from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes. Among the MRAPs sent to Ukraine are 440 International M1224 MaxxPro vehicles, delivered in mid-2022, 37 Cougar MRAPs supplied in early 2023, and Oshkosh M-ATVs first delivered in March 2023. Furthermore, the U.S. has pledged 289 additional MRAPs, with 108 of these vehicles pledged in January 2023 and another 181 in February. An additional 190 MRAPs have been earmarked for delivery to Ukraine’s Border Guard Service.

Since the start of the Russian invasion, the U.S. has consistently provided Ukraine with crucial defense equipment, helping to bolster its military capabilities significantly. The provision of armored vehicles such as the Bradleys and MRAPs has played a key role in enabling Ukraine to launch successful counteroffensives and reclaim territory. These efforts are part of broader U.S. and NATO support that includes artillery, air defense systems, ammunition, and other advanced weapons.

This new assistance package comes at a critical juncture as Ukraine continues to face heavy fighting in its eastern and southern regions. The Biden Administration’s commitment to providing military aid to Ukraine remains strong, reflecting a broader strategy to ensure Ukraine has the resources necessary to defend its sovereignty and maintain pressure on Russian forces. The continued support from the U.S. and its allies is essential as Ukraine works to solidify its defensive positions and sustain momentum in ongoing operations.