WASHINGTON — The United States is considering sending Bradley fighting vehicles [BFV or AFV] to Ukraine. The transfer of these armored vehicles is seen as part of an additional package of military support. Sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that a final decision has not yet been made.
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Bradleys will provide a significant increase in the combat capability of the Ukrainian ground forces. Unlike earlier M113s, the Bradley is armed with a powerful 25mm cannon and TOW anti-tank systems.
“The United States has a lot of Bradley armored vehicles, although some of them are outdated and in need of modernization, so stockpiles are not a problem,” said Mr. Mark Kanchian, a former White House defense budget analyst who now works at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Kanchian added that it will take several months before Ukraine can deploy these machines to the front, as crews and service personnel must first be trained. “Bradley is more than a worthy match for Russian infantry fighting vehicles and their T-72 tanks,” said David Perkins, a retired U.S. general, and Iraq war veteran.
US to replace Bradley
From past agreements between the US and partners, it is known that 89 fighting machines in the Bradley M2A2 ODS modification cost 196 million dollars. That is approximately 2.2 million per car. Although these agreements also include the acquisition of 25 mm automatic cannons, 7.62 mm machine guns, anti-tank missiles, and other related equipment.
The US plans to replace all its Bradley armored vehicles. In 2021, the US Army selected candidates under the OMFV program to develop a replacement for this infantry fighting vehicle. The Department of Defense plans to spend $4.6 billion between fiscal years 2022 and 2026 on the OMFV program.
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