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Ukraine Could Snap Up US Bradley-Based Armored Vehicles as Pentagon Cuts Production
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
Ukraine could buy the US-made Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), Ukrainian defense outlet Defense Express reported, citing a letter obtained by Breaking Defense from Glenn Dean, Executive Director for Ground Combat Systems on May 3.
The Pentagon is canceling or downsizing several major programs once central to its armored vehicle fleet. Among them are the M10 Booker light tank, the ongoing competition for a new self-propelled howitzer, and further procurement of Stryker vehicles, Humvees, and JLTVs.
Importantly, the letter also notes that production of the AMPV —a turretless version of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle built by BAE Systems will be reduced.
“AMPV production will be reduced to a minimum sustainment rate but mitigated by Ukraine buyback,” the letter says.
The AMPV was originally designed to replace the aging M113 armored personnel carriers, maintaining the same level of protection, mobility, and platform flexibility as the Bradley, but configured for roles such as troop transport, command and control, and medical evacuation.
Weighing 36 tons, it can carry up to six troops in its APC variant. Full-scale production began in 2023, with over 3,000 vehicles originally planned.
Now, with Pentagon demand declining, Ukraine could become a key buyer of this modular platform—especially as BAE Systems has begun showcasing new versions of the AMPV equipped with full combat turrets, effectively transforming it into a modern infantry fighting vehicle.
The company has emphasized that the AMPV is highly customizable. “BAE Systems is ready to install any turret that fits the AMPV’s dimensions and meets the customer’s operational needs,” the firm has stated.
Recent demonstrations have included several potential weapon and sensor configurations. These options include various calibers of main guns, different anti-tank missile systems, advanced sighting packages, and panoramic optics, depending entirely on the customer’s budget and mission requirements.
Beyond infantry support, the AMPV is being developed in additional configurations. One version, tailored for counter-drone operations, is designed to protect assault groups and convoys from UAV threats.
Another concept integrates the Finnish Patria NEMO 120mm mortar turret—an automated, rapid-fire indirect fire system capable of 10 rounds per minute—making it a highly mobile self-propelled mortar.
Still, the pace of production and potential delivery to Ukraine remains uncertain. The US Army has placed two firm orders totaling $1.6 billion for 628 AMPVs—roughly $6.9 million per unit.
As of now, production was set at 91 vehicles in 2024, 81 in 2025, and 122 units annually in both 2026 and 2027, with another 87 planned for 2028.
Which versions Ukraine might receive, how many units could be procured, at what cost, and under what terms—all remain open questions.
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. Repair units have mastered the servicing of engines, components, specialized electronics, and weapon systems for the M2A2 ODS-SA variant.
-924c3c302c27387e19f6c44aaeb98745.png "Photo of Maryna Kulakova")
