Did the M2 Bradley Fail in Ukraine? A Hard Look at the Battlefield Reality

Key Factors and Abstract: The M2 Bradley Infantry Combating Automobile has seen intense fight in Ukraine, proving its survivability and firepower in engagements in opposition to Russian armor.

-Nonetheless, the extremely anticipated Western automobile has struggled to show the tide of the struggle, struggling heavy losses in Ukraine’s failed 2023 counteroffensive.

-Whereas praised by Ukrainian troops, the Bradley alone can’t overcome Russia’s deep defensive traces, evolving techniques, and overwhelming firepower.

-With out ample numbers or air superiority, even the most effective Western tools has limits. The Bradley has not failed—nevertheless it additionally hasn’t been the decisive weapon many as soon as hoped it will be.

M2 Bradleys in Ukraine: A Recreation-Changer or a Battlefield Battle?

The struggle in Ukraine has uncovered the vulnerabilities of many armored autos in fashionable warfare. Whether or not or not it’s the Russian T-90M or the German Leopard 2, each have been destroyed in massive portions, and armored losses on each side are staggeringly excessive.

 Likewise, the M2 Bradley has had a tough time on the drone-ridden battlefields of Ukraine.

Whereas the M2 has distinguished itself in some ways in Ukraine, it has in the end didn’t be the gamechanger that Ukraine wants and has failed to show the tide of the struggle.

Bradleys for Ukraine

In 2022, it was introduced that the U.S. would ship 186 M2A2 Bradleys to Ukraine (some suspect the actual quantity is far larger).

The M2A2, regardless of its age, provided a bunch of superior capabilities resembling improved armor, higher hearth management programs, and superior digital command and management programs. Despite the fact that a comparatively small variety of Bradleys had been despatched, they nonetheless provided a number of benefits, and Western analysts speculated that they might present the sting Ukraine wanted to push the Russians again.

The M2 Bradley vs. the Surovikin Line

The M2 Bradley made its fight debut in Spring 2023 when Ukraine launched its counteroffensive within the Zaporizhzhia area with the purpose of breaching Russian traces and reducing off Crimea. The offensive additionally debuted plenty of different Western-donated tools such because the Leopard 2 and the French AMX-10 RC. 

The outcomes had been underwhelming, to say the least. The counteroffensive managed to retake 370 km² of territory (most of which Russia has since recaptured). Western tools additionally suffered substantial casualties, which unfold like wildfire on Russian propaganda channels. Removed from reaching Melitopol, Ukraine barely managed to breach the primary line of Russian defenses. What went unsuitable?

The foremost concern was that the Bradley was despatched headfirst into well-prepared defensive traces with little to no air assist. 

The Russians knew the place Ukraine was planning to assault and had ready accordingly with subtle trench traces and in depth minefields. Even for the Bradley and Leopard 2, breaching such traces was a Herculean job, particularly with out air assist. Consequently, Ukraine walked proper the place the Russians needed them and proper into the awaiting minefields

Recovering from the Shock

After the Zaporizhzhia counteroffensive led to failure, the M2 Bradley was transported to different areas in Ukraine the place it noticed a bit extra success. 

Outfitted with the M2A2, Ukraine’s forty seventh brigade took half within the protection of Avdiivka and different cities within the central Donbass. Ukrainian operators praised the M2 for its firepower and survivability, which has saved many Ukrainian lives.

In a now-famous occasion, two Bradleys had been capable of go toe-to-toe with a T-90M within the city of Stepove, damaging it earlier than a kamikaze drone completed it off. Different tales surfaced of Bradleys profitable duels with different Russian IFVs and “tearing aside” Russian armored columns. Whereas a few of these tales could also be exaggerated, the Bradley has definitely distinguished itself even amongst different Western tools.

Saving Lives or Delaying the Inevitable?

Regardless of the tales of Bradleys tearing aside Russian tools, it is necessary to not miss the forest for the timber. 

Even with the Bradley profitable 1v1 duels with Russian tools, the map continues to alter in Russia’s favor. Russia was nonetheless capable of take Avdiivka regardless of its losses and has now pushed far past the town, now threatening positions that had been as soon as in Ukraine’s backline.

Whereas regarded as a possible game-changer, the Bradley has in the end didn’t push again and even halt the Russian military. 

As of January 2024, the full variety of confirmed Bradley losses in line with Oryx is 140 complete destroyed, deserted, or captured. These losses, even with extra Bradleys despatched, are a daunting prospect for Ukraine.

Has the Bradley Failed in Ukraine?

The Bradley has carried out valiantly contemplating its circumstances. Its survivability and reliability communicate to its sensible design.

 Sadly, Ukraine can solely accomplish that a lot with so few M2s, particularly within the face of ever-evolving Russian techniques. 

U.S. Military Troopers with the third Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, participated in a battalion large coaching occasion consisting of attacking and defending Bradley Combating Autos and M1 Abrams Foremost Battle Tanks, on Fort Riley, February 4, 2024. The defending groups dug hasty trench defenses to additional conceal and supply cowl for his or her tanks. (U.S. Military Photograph by Spc. Kenneth Barnet)

It might be unfair to name the Bradley a failure, particularly when in comparison with its Soviet counterparts, however with out air assist or numerical superiority, there’s solely a lot it could do.

Concerning the Writer: Isaac Seitz 

Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Protection Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry School’s Strategic Intelligence and Nationwide Safety program. He has additionally studied Russian at Middlebury Language Faculties and has labored as an intelligence Analyst within the personal sector.