In the dim hours of a recent Wednesday night, a remarkable demonstration of combat capability was captured by a Ukrainian drone.An M-2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, an asset of the Ukrainian 47th Mechanized Brigade, engaged a Russian T-80 tank from a distance of a mile away.

Using a TOW wire-guided anti-tank missile, the Bradley crew delivered a devastating blow to the 43-ton Russian armor, achieving one of the most extended direct tank kills recorded in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

This engagement underscored the M-2 Bradley’s lethal potential in the tank-destroyer role, a fact well-understood by military analysts and combat veterans alike.

Retired U.S. Army General Mark Hertling, who had commanded a scout variant of the Bradley during Operation Desert Storm, articulated the vehicle’s capacity: “The Brad…is not a tank, but it can be a tank killer.”

The Bradley has been part of the U.S. Army’s mainstay since the 1980s and now has found a new theater of operations in Ukraine, where it significantly bolsters the capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces.

The recent addition of these vehicles to Ukraine was made possible through a $1 billion aid package, part of a broader $61 billion funding effort for Ukraine’s war effort, sanctioned by the U.S. Congress and promptly put into action by the Pentagon.

Fielded by the elite 47th Mechanized Brigade, the M-2 Bradley plays a dual role. Primarily, it is designed to transport infantry into battle, supporting them with a 25-millimeter auto-cannon capable of delivering precise fire.

Its secondary, but no less critical role, is that of a tank hunter. While lighter and less armored than a main battle tank, the Bradley’s TOW missiles and advanced sighting technology, particularly its superior night vision capabilities, allow it to punch above its weight class.

This was evident in the recent engagement. The Bradley’s infrared optics gave it the advantage, allowing its crew to detect and engage the T-80 before it could respond—an edge that the Pentagon and defense experts like Laura Cooper, a deputy assistant secretary of defense, had anticipated would be a game-changer for Ukrainian forces.

The recent success is part of a broader pattern of the 47th Mechanized Brigade’s use of the M-2 in an anti-armor role.

Last summer, another Bradley reportedly took out two Russian T-72 tanks during a skirmish in southern Ukraine.

These vehicles have provided a countermeasure against the heavy armor of the Russian forces, but not without cost. Open-source intelligence collective Oryx has cataloged the loss of 37 Bradleys and damage to dozens more, indicating the heavy toll of sustained combat operations.

As new Bradleys arrive to reinforce depleted stocks, the 47th Mechanized Brigade’s resolve remains unshaken. The recent nighttime engagement is a testament to their continued efforts and the effectiveness of the M-2 in their arsenal.

The brigade’s statement, “We continue to work!” reflects a determination that is likely to see more M-2s challenging Russian armor in the foreseeable future.

This incident represents not just a tactical victory but also a strategic signal to the adversaries in this protracted conflict. The Bradley’s capability to engage enemy armor from afar, especially under the cover of darkness, has revealed a critical advantage for Ukrainian forces. It is a poignant reminder of the evolving dynamics on the battlefield, where technological superiority and tactical acumen can yield decisive results.

Relevant articles:
– Ukrainian M2A2 Bradley Takes Out Russian T-80 Tank in Video , Newsweek, 05/10/2024
– A Ukrainian M-2 Fighting Vehicle Sneaked Up On A Russian T-80 Tank at Night—And Hit It With A Missile From A Mile Away, Forbes, 05/08/2024
– Israel’s Rafah Operation May Not Weaken Hamas, Newsweek, 05/09/2024