M2 Bradley: The $3.2 Million Infantry Fighting Vehicle Explained

The M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle represents one of the U.S. Army’s most significant armored vehicle investments, with each unit costing approximately $3.2 million. First entering service in 1981, the Bradley has evolved through multiple variants and remains a cornerstone of American mechanized infantry operations more than four decades later.

Development and History

The Bradley program emerged from the Army’s recognition that the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier, while reliable, lacked the firepower and protection needed for modern mechanized warfare. Development began in the 1960s under various names—XM723, MICV-65, and finally the Fighting Vehicle System—before culminating in the M2 Bradley, named after General Omar Bradley.

The vehicle entered production in 1981 at BAE Systems’ facility in York, Pennsylvania. Over 6,700 Bradleys have been produced in various configurations, making it one of the most prolific Western infantry fighting vehicles.

Specifications and Capabilities

The M2 Bradley measures 21.5 feet long, 11.8 feet wide, and 9.8 feet tall. Combat weight varies by variant but typically ranges from 27 to 33 tons. The 600-horsepower Cummins VTA-903T turbocharged diesel engine provides a top speed of 41 mph on roads and 4.5 mph in water, as the Bradley is fully amphibious with preparation.

Primary armament consists of the M242 Bushmaster 25mm chain gun, capable of firing 200 rounds per minute with an effective range of 2,000 meters against ground targets. The dual TOW missile launcher provides anti-armor capability against tanks at ranges up to 3,750 meters. A coaxial M240C 7.62mm machine gun provides additional firepower.

Armor Protection

Bradley armor has improved significantly through its service life. Early models featured aluminum armor supplemented by spaced laminate armor. The A3 variant introduced explosive reactive armor tiles, while recent upgrades include the Bradley Urban Survival Kit (BUSK) with reactive armor tiles, transparent armor gunner’s shield, and improved belly armor against IEDs.

Variants

The M2 serves as the infantry carrier, transporting a crew of three plus six dismounts. The M3 Cavalry Fighting Vehicle variant carries scouts and additional TOW missiles. Specialized versions include the M6 Linebacker air defense variant, M7 Bradley Fire Support Vehicle (BFIST), and M270 MLRS which uses the Bradley chassis.

Combat History

Bradleys saw their combat debut during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, where they destroyed more Iraqi armored vehicles than M1 Abrams tanks—primarily due to their higher numbers and aggressive reconnaissance tactics. During the Iraq War, Bradleys proved effective in urban combat despite their size, though several were lost to IEDs and RPG attacks, spurring armor upgrades.

Most recently, the United States has provided over 300 M2A2 ODS-SA Bradleys to Ukraine, where they have seen extensive combat against Russian forces. Ukrainian crews have praised the vehicle’s firepower and survivability, with multiple documented instances of Bradleys surviving direct hits from Russian anti-tank missiles.

Future of the Bradley

The Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program aims to eventually replace the Bradley, though multiple attempts have faced cancellation. Until a successor enters service, Bradley modernization continues with planned upgrades including improved engines, transmissions, and digital systems to keep the vehicle relevant into the 2030s and beyond.