Modern Infantry Fighting Vehicles: A Comprehensive Comparison Guide

Infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) represent a critical category of armored combat vehicles designed to transport infantry into battle while providing substantial fire support. Unlike simpler armored personnel carriers that primarily focus on protection and mobility, IFVs mount sophisticated weapon systems capable of engaging enemy armor, fortifications, and aircraft. This comprehensive guide examines the world’s premier infantry fighting vehicles, comparing their capabilities, combat records, and future development.

Defining the Infantry Fighting Vehicle

The concept of the infantry fighting vehicle emerged during the Cold War as armies sought vehicles that could keep pace with main battle tanks while delivering infantry with the firepower to engage enemy armor. Early armored personnel carriers like the M113 could transport troops but lacked the weaponry to fight alongside tanks effectively.

Modern IFVs typically feature a medium-caliber automatic cannon, anti-tank guided missiles, machine guns, and sophisticated fire control systems. They carry a squad of infantry in a protected troop compartment with firing ports or roof hatches for dismounted engagement. Protection levels vary significantly between designs, with some emphasizing mobility and others prioritizing armor.

The balance between firepower, protection, mobility, and troop capacity defines each IFV design. No vehicle optimizes all parameters simultaneously, so designers make deliberate trade-offs based on intended operational requirements and doctrinal preferences.

M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle (United States)

The M2 Bradley has served as the primary American infantry fighting vehicle since entering service in 1981. Developed by FMC Corporation (now BAE Systems), the Bradley replaced the M113 armored personnel carrier in mechanized infantry units and has undergone continuous upgrades throughout its service life.

The Bradley’s main armament consists of the M242 Bushmaster 25mm chain gun, capable of firing armor-piercing and high-explosive rounds at 200 rounds per minute. This weapon can defeat light armored vehicles and fortifications at ranges exceeding 2,000 meters. The dual-feed system allows rapid switching between ammunition types without crew intervention.

A twin launcher for TOW (Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided) anti-tank missiles provides the Bradley with capability against heavy armor. Current TOW 2B variants feature top-attack profiles that strike the thinner roof armor of enemy tanks. The missiles can engage targets beyond 3,750 meters, allowing Bradleys to fight tanks from outside their effective range.

The M240C 7.62mm coaxial machine gun provides suppressive fire against infantry and unarmored targets. An additional M240 or M249 machine gun can be mounted at the commander’s station for local defense.

Protection on the Bradley has increased substantially over successive variants. The original M2 featured aluminum armor supplemented by spaced laminate armor on the turret. Current M2A3 and M2A4 variants incorporate explosive reactive armor tiles, steel appliqué panels, and improved belly armor against mines and IEDs. Urban warfare kits add slat armor against rocket-propelled grenades.

The troop compartment accommodates six fully equipped infantrymen, reduced from the original seven to make room for additional equipment and armor. Roof hatches allow mounted engagement, though firing ports from earlier variants have been eliminated on current models.

The Bradley’s combat record includes extensive action in Operation Desert Storm, where it proved devastatingly effective against Iraqi armor. Bradleys destroyed more Iraqi armored vehicles than M1 Abrams tanks during the ground campaign. Subsequent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan demonstrated both strengths and vulnerabilities, driving the continuous upgrade program.

BMP Series (Russia)

The Soviet BMP-1 established the modern IFV concept when it entered service in 1966. Its combination of a 73mm gun, Malyutka anti-tank missiles, and troop capacity in a tracked chassis influenced virtually all subsequent IFV designs. However, the BMP-1’s thin armor and cramped conditions drew criticism from crews.

The BMP-2, introduced in 1980, addressed armament shortcomings by replacing the 73mm gun with a 30mm autocannon. The 2A42 autocannon offers better engagement flexibility than the low-velocity 73mm weapon, though it lacks punch against heavy armor. Konkurs or Kornet missiles provide anti-tank capability.

The current BMP-3 features an unusual weapon arrangement with a 100mm gun/missile launcher and 30mm autocannon mounted coaxially. The 100mm gun fires conventional shells and Arkan laser-guided missiles, providing firepower rivaling some light tanks. Critics note the complexity of this arrangement and its maintenance challenges.

BMP variants have seen combat worldwide, from Afghanistan to Ukraine. Their light armor has proven vulnerable to modern anti-tank weapons, but their combination of firepower and numbers makes them significant threats. Export customers include over 50 nations.

CV90 (Sweden)

The Combat Vehicle 90 represents Sweden’s approach to IFV design, emphasizing survivability in Nordic conditions and adaptability through a modular family of vehicles. BAE Systems Hägglunds produces the CV90 in numerous variants for different customers.

Standard armament includes a Bofors 40mm L/70 autocannon, one of the most powerful weapons mounted on any IFV. This gun can engage helicopters, light vehicles, and fortifications with devastating effect. Some export variants mount 30mm or 35mm cannons instead, based on customer preference and ammunition compatibility.

The CV90 emphasizes crew survivability through a variety of features. The hull design directs mine blast energy away from the crew compartment. Spall liners reduce secondary fragmentation effects. Active protection systems are available on some variants.

Eight infantry dismounts ride in the rear compartment with access through a powered ramp. The vehicle can accommodate different mission equipment including mortar carriers, command vehicles, and recovery variants.

Customers include Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, and Switzerland, each with customized configurations. Combat experience in Afghanistan demonstrated the type’s survivability against IED attacks and small arms fire.

Puma (Germany)

The Puma represents Germany’s replacement for the aging Marder IFV, entering service in 2015. Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann jointly developed this heavy IFV that emphasizes protection at the cost of increased weight.

At over 40 tons in combat configuration, the Puma is one of the heaviest IFVs in service. This weight provides protection levels approaching main battle tanks, with modular armor packages allowing adjustment based on threat level. Transport configuration reduces weight for strategic mobility.

The unmanned turret mounts a 30mm MK30-2/ABM autocannon and Spike anti-tank missiles. Removing crew from the turret reduces the protected volume required and allows a lower profile. Crew members operate the weapon systems from protected positions in the hull.

Six dismounts ride in the rear compartment, fewer than many competitors but better protected. An innovative decoupled running gear system reduces noise and vibration, improving crew comfort during extended operations.

The Puma program faced significant delays and cost overruns during development. Reliability concerns emerged during initial fielding, though subsequent improvements have addressed most issues. The type represents German industry’s capabilities in armored vehicle development.

Warrior (United Kingdom)

The Warrior has served British mechanized infantry since 1988, though its future remains uncertain following the cancellation of the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP) in 2021. BAE Systems manufactured nearly 800 Warriors in multiple variants.

The original Warrior mounted a 30mm RARDEN cannon, optimized for accuracy over rate of fire. This slow-firing weapon proved effective against light armor but lacked the volume of fire desirable for suppression missions. The cancelled WCSP would have replaced this with a 40mm CTA cannon.

Protection provides resistance against 14.5mm heavy machine gun fire and artillery fragments, typical of 1980s designs. Additional armor packages improve protection against specific threats. The vehicle lacks integral anti-tank missiles, relying on dismounts carrying Javelin missiles for heavy armor engagement.

Seven dismounts ride in the rear compartment, more than some competitors but in relatively cramped conditions. The vehicle’s reliable Perkins diesel engine provides good mobility across European terrain.

Warriors saw extensive combat in Iraq, where their protection proved adequate against the threats encountered. The type’s future remains uncertain as the British Army evaluates replacement options including the Boxer armored vehicle.

Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle (United States)

While technically an armored personnel carrier rather than an infantry fighting vehicle, the Stryker deserves mention for its role in American military structure. The eight-wheeled Stryker emphasizes strategic deployability over protection, filling a gap between light infantry and heavy mechanized forces.

The base Infantry Carrier Vehicle carries nine dismounts and mounts a remote weapons station with a .50 caliber machine gun or 40mm grenade launcher. Other variants include the Mobile Gun System with a 105mm cannon, the Anti-Tank Guided Missile variant with TOW missiles, and various reconnaissance and command configurations.

The M1296 Stryker Dragoon mounts a 30mm cannon, approaching true IFV capability. This variant provides Stryker brigade combat teams with direct fire support that base vehicles lack. The Army continues evaluating enhanced weapon options for the platform.

Stryker’s wheeled design provides superior road speed and strategic mobility compared to tracked vehicles. A C-130 transport aircraft can carry a Stryker, enabling rapid deployment to crisis areas. However, wheeled vehicles generally offer less cross-country mobility and protection than tracked alternatives.

Combat experience in Iraq demonstrated both strengths and weaknesses. Strykers proved highly mobile on improved roads but vulnerable to IEDs and anti-tank weapons. Slat armor additions improved protection against shaped charge warheads.

Future Developments

Next-generation IFV programs are underway in several nations. The American Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program aims to replace the Bradley with a more survivable, networked vehicle capable of manned or unmanned operation. General Dynamics and Rheinmetall are competing for this contract.

Active protection systems represent a significant trend across IFV development. These systems detect and intercept incoming anti-tank weapons before impact, dramatically improving survivability against missiles and rockets. The Israeli Trophy system has demonstrated combat effectiveness on several platforms.

Unmanned turrets continue gaining favor, reducing crew exposure and allowing improved protection within weight constraints. Some concepts envision fully autonomous IFVs operating alongside manned vehicles, though this remains technologically and ethically challenging.

Electric and hybrid propulsion systems promise reduced fuel consumption, lower thermal signatures, and improved acceleration. Several development programs are exploring these technologies for future armored vehicles.

Comparative Analysis

Comparing IFVs requires understanding different operational philosophies. American doctrine emphasizes combined arms operations where Bradleys support tanks and are in turn supported by artillery and air power. Russian doctrine historically favored mass and shock effect over individual vehicle capability.

Protection levels vary dramatically. The Puma approaches main battle tank protection but sacrifices capacity and deployability. The BMP-3 offers impressive firepower but minimal protection. These trade-offs reflect different assessments of future combat requirements.

Firepower has generally increased over time, with 30mm cannons now standard and larger weapons appearing on some designs. Anti-tank missiles provide all modern IFVs with capability against heavy armor, though missile types and engagement ranges vary.

Cost represents an increasingly important factor. Modern IFVs cost millions of dollars per vehicle, limiting procurement quantities. Some armies are exploring lower-cost alternatives that accept reduced capability in exchange for numbers.

Conclusion

Infantry fighting vehicles remain essential components of modern armored forces, providing the combination of mobility, protection, and firepower that mechanized warfare demands. Current designs represent decades of evolution and combat experience, while future developments promise even greater capability.

The selection of an IFV reflects national strategy, industrial capability, and threat assessment. No single design serves all requirements optimally, explaining the diversity of approaches seen worldwide. As threats continue evolving, IFV development will adapt to meet new challenges while preserving the core mission of delivering infantry into battle with the means to fight and win.

Infantry Fighting Vehicle Crew Training and Operations

Operating an infantry fighting vehicle requires specialized training that goes beyond basic armor crewman skills. IFV crews must master vehicle operation, gunnery, communications, and coordination with dismounted infantry. This combined arms aspect distinguishes IFV service from other armored vehicle roles.

American Bradley crews undergo training at Fort Moore, Georgia (formerly Fort Benning), learning to operate the vehicle’s complex weapon systems and fire control equipment. Gunnery qualification includes engaging moving and stationary targets at ranges from 200 to 3,000 meters. Crew certification requires demonstrating proficiency in both mounted and dismounted operations.

Dismount integration poses particular challenges. Infantry squads must coordinate movement with their vehicle, knowing when to fight mounted and when to dismount for close combat. Urban warfare has emphasized dismounted operations, as vehicles become vulnerable in confined spaces. Training programs now incorporate extensive urban combat scenarios.

Maintenance responsibilities consume a significant portion of crew time. Track tension, weapon cleaning, electronics checks, and fluid levels require daily attention. Mechanics work closely with crews to keep vehicles mission-capable, but crews handle many tasks independently in field conditions.

Night operations represent a particular IFV strength. Thermal sights allow crews to detect targets invisible to the naked eye, while dismounts may lack such capability. Coordinating these asymmetric capabilities requires practice and clear communication protocols. Modern training simulators allow crews to practice night operations safely and repeatedly.

Tactical Employment of Infantry Fighting Vehicles

Infantry fighting vehicles typically operate as part of combined arms teams alongside main battle tanks, artillery, and aviation assets. The classic tank-infantry team pairs IFVs with tanks for mutual support: tanks provide heavy direct fire while IFVs protect tanks from infantry anti-tank teams and engage lighter targets.

Attack missions see IFVs advancing behind tanks to suppress enemy positions and deliver infantry to assault objectives. The combination of 25mm or 30mm cannon fire with infantry maneuver creates dilemmas for defenders who cannot simultaneously counter both threats. Well-trained mechanized forces can overwhelm defensive positions through coordinated fire and movement.

Defensive operations leverage IFV mobility for counterattack and position shifting. Prepared positions with good fields of fire allow IFVs to engage enemy armor at advantage. Anti-tank missiles extend defensive reach beyond direct fire range, allowing engagement of enemy formations before they close.

Urban warfare presents unique challenges for IFVs. The tall buildings and narrow streets of cities limit fields of fire and create dead zones where vehicles are vulnerable. Recent conflicts have demonstrated the need for improved situational awareness, protection against attacks from above, and close infantry support. Doctrine now emphasizes combined arms operations at very small unit levels in urban environments.

Air defense has become an increasing IFV mission as drone threats proliferate. Many IFV autocannons can engage low-flying aircraft and drones, providing point defense for ground units. Dedicated air defense variants of some IFVs mount specialized radar and weapons optimized for this role.

Logistical Considerations

Infantry fighting vehicles require substantial logistical support to maintain operational capability. Fuel consumption, ammunition expenditure, and maintenance requirements all factor into operational planning and sustainability calculations.

Fuel consumption varies significantly between designs. Diesel engines generally offer better fuel economy than turbines but may sacrifice power. A typical IFV consumes 50-100 gallons of fuel per 100 miles of cross-country movement, requiring frequent resupply during sustained operations. Fuel trucks and forward arming and refueling points must keep pace with advancing formations.

Ammunition loads include main gun rounds, anti-tank missiles, machine gun ammunition, and smoke grenades. A Bradley carries approximately 900 rounds of 25mm ammunition and seven TOW missiles, adequate for several engagements but requiring resupply after significant combat. Ammunition trucks carrying mixed loads support IFV units in the field.

Spare parts and repair capability limit operational reach. Track and road wheel replacements occur frequently in harsh conditions. Engine and transmission issues can immobilize vehicles for extended periods without depot support. Units plan operations around anticipated maintenance requirements and position recovery assets accordingly.

Modern IFVs incorporate extensive electronics requiring specialized support. Software updates, diagnostic equipment, and trained technicians are essential for maintaining complex fire control and communications systems. This electronic sophistication improves capability but adds logistical burden.