Russian Kornet strike vs M2A2 Bradley: A testament to US durability
A video has emerged on social media showcasing an attack by Russian forces on a Ukrainian M2A2 Bradley fighting vehicle crew. This incident once again illustrates the durability of the vehicles supplied from the United States.
Analysts sharing the video on their profiles on X (formerly Twitter) point out that the Russians used Kornet anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). These are formidable weapons, even against units generally considered heavily armoured. There have been documented attacks in the past where M1A1 Abrams tanks were destroyed using Kornet ATGMs.
M2A2 Bradley vs Russian Kornet
The new video featuring the M2A2 Bradley was taken near Pokrovsk. The city, located in eastern Ukraine, is currently a primary target for Russian forces. On Monday, September 23, the British Ministry of Defence reported in its daily intelligence update that the invaders were about 8 kilometres from the city, but their progress had slowed during the past week.
Kornet anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) can hit targets up to 5.5 kilometres or 8 kilometres away (depending on the version). Although the M2A2 Bradley was hit, the video shows that Ukrainian soldiers were able to evacuate. If they had been in a less armoured vehicle, they wouldn’t have had a chance.
The M2A2 Bradley has long been considered a vehicle that saves Ukrainian lives. Units equipped with the M2A2 Bradley are deliberately sent to the toughest front lines. They have participated in battles around Avdiivka and are currently in use in the Donetsk region, including around Pokrovsk.
The American beast serving the Ukrainian army
In discussing the attack near Pokrovsk, analysts also remind us that Ukrainians are using M2A2 Bradley in ODS (Operation Desert Storm) variants. These were introduced into the U.S. Army in the 1990s and feature improved thermal sights. Additionally, it's often noted that American vehicles are fitted with additional BRAT reactive armour, which increases the level of protection against, among other things, hand-held anti-tank weapons.
The M2A2 Bradley also has offensive capabilities. These are mainly provided by the M242 Bushmaster 25mm automatic cannon with a rate of fire reaching 200 rounds per minute and a range of about 1.9 kilometres. Additionally, the Americans installed a 7.62mm machine gun and a TOW anti-tank missile launcher on such vehicles.
