Ukranian soldiers share experience of using Bradley vehicles - WP
Bradley (Photo: Getty Images)
Ukrainian soldiers have experienced the benefits of the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles during the battles in the Zaporizhzhia region. Some of the damaged vehicles have already been repaired and put back into use in combat, according to The Washington Post.
Losses of Bradley vehicles in the war in Ukraine
According to a high-ranking representative of the U.S. Department of Defense, approximately twelve Bradleys were destroyed.
The military analytical website Oryx reported that several dozen more Bradleys were damaged to some extent.
"Many have been fixed and returned to the battlefield. Some must be sent to Poland for more extensive repairs.," the report states.
What Ukrainian soldiers say about Bradley
Ukrainian soldiers have praised the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). It is noted that they have experienced the benefits of this new technology, with the most significant advantage being the protection it provides to everyone inside.
"But even amid the early damage, Ukrainian troops have experienced the benefits of the new equipment. In the biggest plus, soldiers said, the Bradley protects everyone inside — typically, soldiers suffer just minor injuries if the vehicle hits an antitank mine, for example," writes WP.
Ukrainian filmmaker and fighter of the 47th brigade, Oleg Sentsov, also reported that over the weekend, while carrying out a combat mission, he and his fellow soldiers came under heavy artillery fire. However, the Bradley once again saved their lives, as they only suffered minor injuries.
In summary, Ukrainian military personnel have a positive view of the Bradley IFVs due to their ability to protect those inside, resulting in fewer injuries even in the face of various threats.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces are not yet fully utilizing the Bradley
The Ukrainian military has not fully utilized the Bradley vehicles as intended for use in a combined arms strategy, where infantry, armored vehicles, and aviation work together to protect each other and maximize damage.
According to a high-ranking representative of the U.S. Department of Defense, in many cases, Ukrainian units have used the Bradley as part of this philosophy. However, Ukraine currently lacks significant aviation capabilities.
"In some cases, Ukrainian units are just not using them to their fullest potential with all their other assets that they have available,” the official said.
As for the repair process of the Bradley vehicles
The repair time for some Bradleys may take only a few hours, while others might require several days.
Some combat vehicles are designated as "donors." This means that usable parts are taken from these vehicles and installed in other, less damaged Bradleys. The "donor" vehicle is then filled with broken parts before being sent to Poland for more extensive repairs.
According to the representative of the U.S. Department of Defense, at least twelve BFVs have been sent to Poland for repair, while in some cases, new combat vehicles were sent directly to Ukraine to avoid waiting for repairs.
Bradley for the Ukrainian Armed Forces
In April 2023, the Pentagon confirmed the arrival of a portion of armored M2 Bradley vehicles, as previously announced in the United States. Additionally, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense showcased how Ukraine is already applying new camouflage to the new equipment.
The Washington Post reports that a total of 190 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles have been sent to Ukraine, with more than half of them delivered to operational units within Ukraine.
Recently, it was reported that a Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle destroyed two Russian tanks in the Zaporizhzhia direction, despite the initial encirclement by enemy infantry from both sides.
