October 19, 2024: The United States has donated over 300 M-2 Bradley IFVs (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) to Ukraine. The Ukrainians found the M-2 particularly useful because of its well-balanced firepower, protection, numerous sensors and its ability to outperform and destroy Russian IFVs and tanks. The U.S. produced 6,299 M-2s and the United States Army still has 1,400 in service. The M-2 is still in low-rate production and many existing M-2s are undergoing extensive upgrades. The current version is the M-2A4E1.

The first M-2 in 1981 was a 27 ton tracked armored vehicle armed with a 25mm autocannon and 900 rounds of ammunition plus two TOW missiles launchers and five reloads.

The M-2 ran into problems during the 2003-2011 Iraq war. In 2007 the U.S. Army stopped using the M-2 in combat for the rest of the Iraq War. The reason was that the enemy was using mines and roadside bombs in a big way and the M-1 tank, Stryker, and MRAP vehicles were much better able to handle these blast weapons than the M-2.

This was a hard decision to make because up until then it was believed that the M-2 could be made competitive with upgrades. For example, the BUSK Bradley Urban Survival Kit has been applied to about 600 M-2s. These improvements came in two batches. The first included a more powerful 3 million candlepower spotlight. There was also a wire mesh protector to keep the optics from getting scratched and non-conductive rods that push away fallen electrical wires that often endanger crews. Later came a remote control (CLAW) 5.56mm machine-gun on the turret and additional bottom armor to provide protection from mines. There was also a bullet proof transparent shield for the commander for when his head and shoulders are out of the turret. Some non-urban warfare improvements were also made, including a series of sensors and a software package that more quickly detects when components are wearing out (so replacements could be ordered and installed) and simulation software so the gunner could train with the fire control system, in effect turning it into a realistic video game.

All this added about three tons to the weight of the vehicle. Because of this, a major upgrade of the M-2 was planned to include a more powerful (800 versus 600 horsepower) engine, a more powerful 30 or 40mm gun, and lighter armor or protection systems that shoot down anti-tank missiles and RPGs. Improved sensors were planned, plus vidcams to give people inside the vehicle a 360 degree view of what's outside. More electronics, including one that would allow variable power and fuel consumption from the engine, were in the works. More safety features were planned as well, including an improved fire extinguisher system. The new version was not expected to show up until 2012. It did not happen, mainly because there was no way of getting around the M-2's vulnerability to roadside bombs. The M-1 was too heavy (60 tons) to be hurt by bombs or mines, and Stryker and MRAPs were designed to cope with the close-range explosions.

The army is trying to come up with a new IFV design. The MRAP and Stryker are not adequate replacements because these wheeled vehicles have poor off-road capabilities. The design of the new GCV (Ground Combat Vehicle) was supposed to be ready by 2015, after which prototypes would be built and tested. That did not happen. Currently the army is seeking a new IFV design by the end of the decade while continuing to upgrade existing M-2s.

Thousands of M-2s are still in service and would be sent into combat if it was believed roadside bombs were not going to be a major presence on the battlefield. At the same time the U.S. has let it be known that M-2s can be had, cheap. Several potential buyers have expressed interest and Ukraine was glad to receive several hundred M-2s as part of the American aid effort.

IFVs were developed before the 1939-45 World War II to provide infantry with some protection from bullets and shell fragments and a way to keep up with tanks. IFVs did this but they were always vulnerable to anti-vehicle mines and roadside bombs. Both these weapons were used against IFVs, particularly in Vietnam. But the especially heavy use of anti-vehicle weapons in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the development of V hulled armored trucks to defeat these explosive devices, made traditional IFVs particularly vulnerable and not competitive with MRAPs and their anti-explosion features.

In the 1950s West Germany developed and built the first modern IFV. This was the tracked 14.6 ton Schutzenpanzer Lang HS.30 armed with 20mm autocannon and 7.62mm in its turret. There was a crew of three and space for five additional personnel. In 1960 the U.S. introduced the boxy, turretless, 12-ton M-113 APC or Armored Personnel Carrier. Over 80,000 M-113s have been produced so far and this vehicle remains popular as a support vehicle for transporting troops and supplies through a combat zone. The M-2 entered service in 1981 to complement, not supplement the M-113.