M2 Bradley: Russia Fields Captured Vehicle with 30mm Cannon
Russia is deploying captured M2 Bradley fighting vehicles, a meaningful shift in the ongoing conflict.News reports confirm Russian forces are utilizing these formerly Ukrainian assets, adding a new dimension to battlefield tactics.These Bradleys, known for thier 25mm Bushmaster guns and powerful armor, have been observed sporting additional protection against drone attacks. Evidence suggests a strategic move by Russia, leveraging the M2’s capabilities. Analyzing the use of captured equipment provides critical insights into the evolving nature of modern warfare, with more than a dozen confirmed captured. The Russian forces have shown a preference for the M2 Bradley partly due to its heavy armor and effective fire-control system. News Directory 3 delivers an exclusive look at this unfolding story. Discover what’s next in the conflict, and the full extent of this progress.
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Bradley IFV Capabilities: The Ukrainian M2A2 ODS Bradley infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), supplied by the US, uses a 25mm Bushmaster gun. This gun can fire depleted uranium (DU) armor-piercing rounds effective against IFVs and even tanks.
Effectiveness: DU rounds are powerful enough to penetrate one side of an armored personnel carrier or IFV and disable another vehicle behind it. Videos show Bradleys successfully engaging Russian T-90M tanks.
Losses and Capture: While over 300 Bradleys have been supplied to Ukraine, some have been captured, abandoned, or destroyed. Oryx open-source tracking group confirms at least 12 captured by Russian forces.
Russian Use of Captured Bradleys: There is evidence that Russia is using captured Bradleys on the battlefield. These vehicles have been fitted with additional anti-drone protection (“cope cages”).
* Russian Assessment: Russian soldiers prize the Bradley for its heavy armor, troop compartment size, and fire-control system. However, some prefer the 30mm gun on the BMP-2 to the Bradley’s Bushmaster, likely due to ammunition limitations.