Since the Ukrainian Forces received from United States M2 Bradley combat vehiclesthe Russians managed to take over at least five machines. Intercepting the vehicles given to Ukraine by the West became very beneficial for the Russians – the occupiers are currently using them at least one of these machines to fight against Kiev.
Moreover, Russian soldiers are modifying machines owned by the 30th Motor Rifle Brigade of the Russian Army. On one of the carts they installed a camouflage netwhich increases protection against target identification and strikes by Ukrainian drones.
War in Ukraine. The Russians intercepted the Bradleys. They have a problem with spare parts
“The 30th Brigade is part of the Russian field army attacking through the Selydove ruins in the east Ukraineheading for the fortress city of Pokrovsk,” said analyst David Ax in the English-language edition of Forbes.
As we read, the Russians took over both relatively intact combat vehicles and their wrecks. They can serve as a source of spare parts. Due to the fact that the M2 models manufactured by BAE Systems, are incompatible with Russian vehicles, and stealing parts from damaged vehicles and putting them into machines that need repairs “is the only way the Russians will be able to keep the captured Bradleys.”
The analyst also notes that it is unclear how the occupiers will be able to equip the seized combat vehicles. When the Bradleys were in Ukraine's possession, they were equipped with 25 mm autocannon and missile launcher. However, it is not known whether the Russians also managed to obtain ammunition for these systems, which would allow them to conduct long battles.
War in Ukraine. Improving the Russian army, increasing the chance of survival
After all, these machines are not tanks. – The Bradley is not a tank, but it can be a tank killer, said Mark Hertling, a retired US Army general.
As we read, even if the Bradleys taken over by Russian forces are not fully equipped, they are still an improvement to their army. American combat vehicles are more durable than Soviet BMP infantry vehicles, which have weak armor and often explode if hit.
– The Bradley may be hit, but its crew will survive – emphasized Ukrainian Army Lieutenant Mykola Melnyk. However, if a missile hits a Soviet machine, the soldiers have no chance of survival.
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