Russians examine captured Ukrainian Bradley and admit that their BMP-3 is not even close
The results of research tests of the M2A2 Bradley trophy infantry fighting vehicle, conducted at the 38th Research Institute of Armoured Vehicles of the Russian Ministry of Defence, have been made public.
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In the document, Russian experts recognise the significant advantage of the American vehicle over the Russian BMP-3 in key tactical and technical parameters.
The most notable advantage of the M2 Bradley is its level of protection. The Russian institute explicitly points to the higher anti-surface, anti-tank and anti-mine resistance of the American BMP. These conclusions coincide with the combat experience of the Ukrainian military, which notes the Bradley's ability to withstand anti-tank mine blasts and ATGM attacks without crew losses.
The report also recognises that the US 25mm gun is superior in terms of armour penetration and shot density to the 30mm gun of the Russian BMP-3. In particular, the Bradley is twice as good as its Russian counterpart in some respects.
Nevertheless, the Russians say that the BMP-3's advantage is the presence of a 100-mm gun combined with an ATGM, which, however, does not compensate for the overall defensive and firepower deficiencies.
Soviet/Russian armoured combat tracked vehicle. Illustration: Wikipedia
The Bradley's operational advantages are also mentioned: ergonomics, maintainability, easy access to the combat compartment and the presence of an amphibious landing ramp. While the BMP-3 has the advantage only in its power reserve, cross-country ability and ability to overcome water obstacles by swimming.
The Russians acknowledge the need for technical upgrades to their vehicles, including the installation of armoured screens, a protective cockpit for the commander and new weapons. In its conclusions, the institute explicitly points to the need to use "Western design solutions" to modernise their equipment.
Source: Defence Express
