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Captured US Bradley IFV Stuns Russian Analysts as it Outperforms BMP-3 in Every Category
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![Vlad Litnarovych]( "Vlad Litnarovych")
A Russian military analysis of a captured American M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle has concluded that the US armored vehicle significantly outperforms Russia’s BMP-3 in nearly every key category, Ukrainian military outlet Militarnyi reports, citing Russian military blogger Andrei Tarasenko on April 6.
The report, titled “Results of Research Trials of the M2A2 ODS SA (USA) Infantry Fighting Vehicle”, was conducted by Russia’s 38th Research Institute of Armored Vehicles in Kubinka.
Despite technical errors in the study, Tarasenko acknowledged that the findings highlight a “complete failure of the Soviet and Russian design school for infantry fighting vehicles.”
The analysis found that the M2A2 Bradley offers superior protection compared to the BMP-3. Its hull incorporates aluminum and steel layers, a polymer mine-protection mat, and shock-absorbing seats for dismounts. This design provides better survivability against mines and ballistic threats.
The vehicle’s frontal armor can withstand 30mm 3UBR8 rounds—something the BMP-3’s armor cannot. The Bradley also features explosive reactive armor tiles (BRAT), which have reportedly resisted direct hits from anti-tank guided missiles in combat, including a dual ATGM strike in March 2024.
In terms of firepower, the M2A2 Bradley’s 25mm M242 autocannon proved more accurate and effective than the BMP-3’s 30mm 2A42 and 2A72 guns. The Bradley’s rounds offer nearly double the armor penetration compared to their Russian counterparts, extending its effective combat range.
The study also noted Bradley’s operational advantages: better internal ergonomics, easier maintenance, and improved crew access between compartments.
While it does lag behind the BMP-3 in maneuverability, operational range, and amphibious capability, its battlefield survivability and combat effectiveness far outweigh these drawbacks.
The authors recommended that Russian designers incorporate Western technologies to modernize their own systems—such as better crew compartments, enhanced firepower, and improved armor protection.
However, Tarasenko pointed out that similar warnings have gone overlooked for over a decade. As far back as 2013, Russian military journals acknowledged that the BMP-3 was unsuitable for offensive operations against fortified positions due to its vulnerability.
Russia’s next-generation BMP, the Kurganets, reportedly suffers from many of the same critical flaws.
In addition, there is a known case of a Ukrainian M2 Bradley IFV successfully countering one of the Russia’s most modern and valuable tanks, the T-90M. In the video, Bradley made the first impact with its cannon, alternately with its missile launcher, which damaged the Russian armored vehicle’s guidance system. Then, in a coordinated action with the Brigade’s drone operators, the Ukrainians finished off the Russian tank with a suicide drone.
War in Ukraine
— ACONTECENDO (@Acontece_ndo) January 14, 2024
BRADLEY vs T-90M
Interesting images of a clash between an American Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, belonging to the Ukrainian 47th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, and a Russian T-90M tank, supposedly the best tank in that country, since the T-14 Armata, in fact,… pic.twitter.com/Ts6B7Rp2Kh
Earlier, reports emerged that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have significantly expanded their capacity to repair US-supplied M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles.
The intensification of frontline operations and the growing number of Bradley vehicles in service have required Ukrainian specialists to accelerate repair timelines.
According to the Logistics Forces, repair units have mastered the servicing of engines, components, specialized electronics, and weapon systems for the M2A2 ODS-SA variant.
