Russian experts praise the American M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) more than other Western-made platforms. However, the IFV has weaknesses, writes military analyst Peter Suchiu in an article for The National Interest.
The modernized M2A2 Bradley IFV is among the trophies that have fallen into the hands of Russian soldiers.
Russian engineers studied the M2A2 Bradley and concluded that its frontal armor, unlike the armor of the BMP-3, will protect against a 30-mm round with an armor-piercing discarding sabot projectile (index 3UBR8), and the side armor against 3UBR6. The dynamic protection (DZ) plates will withstand a direct hit from anti-tank guided missiles.
But the M2A2 Bradley is vulnerable during attacks by improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Despite the fact that the frontal projection of the IFV with DZ blocks will withstand a hit from a PG-9VS grenade, the PG-7VL will penetrate the IFV in the side projection.
The Bradley is easier to maintain, and the IFV has convenient access to onboard components. The American fighting vehicle copes well with its main task of countering Soviet-designed IFVs.
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