Presentation: Bradley M2A2 ODS-SA for the Greek Army

The M2A2 Bradley AIFV (Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle) entered service with the US Army in 1988. It is an improved version of the earlier M2A with increased vehicle survivability, protection of key components, anti-fragmentation lining, turret and additional armor on the turret. , and an upgraded suspension system.

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The US Army has upgraded M2A1s already in production to this new standard. After the first Gulf War in 1991, the M2A2 was further upgraded with the addition of a new laser, another navigation and combat recognition system, and thermal optics for drive. So the 1,423 M2A2s that went to this standard were designated M2A2 ODS (Operation Desert Storm).

M2A2s also became the main export version, as they were the type used by many countries. Of interest here is the US announcement of possible hardware sales to Croatia to rebuild/modernize and support 76 M2A2 ODS (with associated equipment) at a cost of $757 million. The U.S. has delivered several M2A2s to Ukraine, and deliveries continue, while the vehicle has seen extensive combat action there.

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In June 2020, it was announced that Greece would receive several Bradley M2A2s from the United States, but the delivery was not finalized. On March 12, 2023, the United States approved the delivery of 300 M2A2 Bradley IFVs to Greece. As our page has also written, LOA is expected very soon for the free offer of the first 62 vehicles of this category.

Bradley's editions

• Bradley M2 (or M2A0): The base production model was first in service in 1981.
• Bradley M2A1: It is a further development of the original M2 vehicle with an improved ATGM (anti-tank guided missile, anti-tank missiles) launcher, higher firing accuracy and a new image transmission system.
• Bradley M2A2: Entering service in 1988, new engine, new armor provides protection against 30mm APDS projectiles and RPGs (or similar weapons).
• Bradley M2A3: Entered service in 2000. A3 level upgrades made the Bradley fully digital. It provides the crew with improved target detection, improved fire control system, navigation and tactical situational awareness. Also, survivability is enhanced with several armor enhancements, passive and active armor fitting, as well as improved fire suppression systems and advanced NBC equipment.
• Bradley BCP It is a vehicle of communication and administration. It is designed to provide necessary support and coordination to the operations of tank and infantry forces.
• The Bradley M6 Linebacker is a Short Range Air Defense System (SHORAD). It replaces the dual TOW missile launcher with a new missile consisting of 4 Stinger surface-to-air missiles. He has retired from work.
• The Bradley M7 FIST Designed to support infantry operations, direct artillery fire.
• The Bradley AMEV Acts as a crash exit.
• The Bradley AMDV Assists in positioning medical teams and providing security on the battlefield.
• The Bradley Motor Vehicle 120mm motor carrier and carries 115 rounds of ammunition per gun.

Bradley with Ukrainian colors in the front row

M2A2 Bradley, version acquired by the Greek Army

In terms of equipment, the M2A2 is similar to the earlier M2A1 version. with the M242 25mm Bushmaster gun and the M240C 7.62mm machine gun to its right. At the front of the turret are eight smoke launchers, four on each side. The vehicle is also equipped with twin ТОW 2 anti-tank missile launchers on the left side of the turret. TOW 2 has a dual warhead to penetrate the armor of advanced tanks protected by Active Armor (ERA). Five TOWs or three TOWs and two spears can be carried inside the vehicle.

The Bradley M2A2 features improvements over the earlier version M2A1, such as an advanced fire control system (FCS). It has also improved defenses against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other modern battlefield threats. It has an automatic fire extinguishing system (proved very effective in Ukraine) and ventilation to protect personnel from possible chemical weapons attacks.

Also, armor plates were added to the front and sides of the turret, as well as the turret to withstand hits from 30mm APDS rounds. Internally, ammunition has been moved to the bottom and rear of the gun to reduce its exposure to enemy fire. Spall liners are also installed.

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The troops' gun bays on the sides of the hull were covered with new armor, while two on the rear hull were retained. The protective cover was removed from the M240C machine gun and a semi-circular shield was added to the rear of the turret for extra storage and added protection.

These improvements increased the M2A2's weight from 25 to 33 tons. The group of soldiers again increased to seven, six of whom sat on two 3-seater benches in the passenger compartment. A seventh sits behind the driver, similar to the M2/M2A1 seating arrangements.

The vehicle has a new Cummins VTA-903 engine that puts out 600 hp compared to the original 500 at a heavier weight. The gearbox is new and stronger torsion springs are added to the suspension, again for better weight management.

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