Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland. (December 15, 2024): There is a new hero on the battlefields of Ukraine, the U.S. Army M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle. In this photo by Specialist Trevor Wilson, members of Charlie “Wildcards” Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division drill with the Bradley and our Polish allies. The Bradley has gained iconic status among Ukrainian troops for its firepower, maneuverability, and safety.

Many Ukrainian soldiers have credited the Bradley with saving their lives.

Ukrainian troops have singled out the Bradley’s M242 Bushmaster 25 mm chain gun for its ability to conquer Russian armor. The chain gun fires up to three hundred rounds per minute and is accurate up to two miles. It is backed up by a 7.62 mm medium machine gun to the right of the chain gun for close up targets. The Bradley is also armed with a TOW missile launcher that carries two loaded missiles capable of destroying most tanks at over two miles.

Ukraine has used the Bradley as a light tank and they are prized for their mobility. Manufactured by BAE Systems, the M2 Bradley comes in two variants, an infantry fighting vehicle and a reconnaissance vehicle. The M2 holds a crew of three, a commander, gunner, driver, and six fully equipped soldiers. Their lightness and off-road ability increase their survivability in combat. The Bradley’s sturdy design has also protected numerous crews against drones, mines, and antitank weapons. Each vehicle is equipped with two four-barreled smoke grenade launchers for creating defensive smoke screens or for firing chaff or flares.

America has shipped hundreds of Bradleys to Ukraine and more are on the way. They have proven to be an iconic weapon to help Ukraine eject the Russians from their territory.