Russia has published the results of the study of the M2A2 Bradley ODS SA infantry fighting vehicle captured from the Ukrainian troops.

The study, titled “Results of Research Tests of the BMP ‘Bradley’ M2A2 ODS SA (USA)” by A.V. Mushin and V.V. Konyuchenko, was published by defense analyst Andriy Tarasenko on his Telegram channel.

The research was conducted at the 38th Research Institute of Armored Vehicles in Kubinka, near Moscow.

Despite some technical inaccuracies in the document, the authors conclude that the M2A2 ODS-SA has considerable advantages over the BMP-3. Tarasenko described the findings as a failure of the Soviet and Russian approach to infantry fighting vehicle design.

Protection

The M2A2 ODS-SA infantry fighting vehicle offers greater protection against small arms fire and shell fragments compared to the BMP-3. It also has improved mine resistance, featuring a dual-layer aluminum and steel hull bottom, an anti-mine polymer liner, and shock-absorbing seats for dismounted troops.

A recent report by Militarnyi described a Bradley crew and dismounts surviving an anti-tank mine explosion without injuries or concussions.

The vehicle’s side armor provides protection against 30 mm 3UBR6 rounds but is vulnerable to 3UBR8 rounds. The frontal armor can withstand hits from 30 mm 3UBR8 rounds, offering stronger protection than the front of the BMP-3.

The frontal section with reactive armor blocks can also withstand shaped charges from PG-9VS and PG-7VL grenades. The side armor with reactive protection is effective against PG-9VS grenades but not PG-7VL.

There have also been documented instances of BRAT (Bradley Reactive Armor Tiles) absorbing anti-tank missile impacts. In one case in March 2024, two missiles were fired at a Bradley. One struck the turret’s reactive armor at a glancing angle; the other hit the side, reportedly without penetrating.

Firepower

The study found that the M2A2 ODS-SA has higher firepower than the BMP-3. The accuracy of its 25 mm M242 autocannon is reportedly double that of the BMP-3’s 30 mm 2A42 and 2A72 guns, improving its effective range.

Its armor-piercing subcaliber projectiles reportedly penetrate twice as much armor as the 30 mm 3UBR8 rounds used in Russian IFVs.

Operational Characteristics

The M2A2 ODS-SA is also considered superior in terms of maintenance. The layout allows easier access to the engine, generator, turret, and main gun, reducing labor time for routine repairs.

However, the Russian BMP-3 has better mobility, range, and off-road capability and can operate afloat—features absent in the Bradley.

In terms of crew comfort and internal layout, the Bradley was found to be better designed. It has more internal space, a rear ramp for troops, and no structural obstacles between the gunner and commander, allowing easier movement inside the vehicle.

Research conclusions

The study proposed several recommendations for improving current and future models of Russian armored vehicles.

In terms of protection, the report recommends installing protective screens—particularly on the front of vehicles—for anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) launchers in a ready-to-fire position. It also suggests adding a commander’s compartment with armored glass for better visibility during movement.

In terms of firepower, the proposals include incorporating 30 mm 3UBR8 armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds into standard ammunition loads, developing new fin-stabilized APFSDS rounds for 30 mm guns, and designing a new 30 mm cannon with improved accuracy and armor penetration. The report suggests borrowing design features from Western systems, such as reinforced barrels.

Scientists speak, but the Russian Defense Ministry does not listen

Tarasenko noted that concerns about the inadequacy of Russian infantry fighting vehicles have been raised for years. A 2013 study published in the journal Assault Vehicles for the Ground Forces. Engineering Journal warned that existing models, particularly the BMP-3, do not meet modern battlefield requirements.

The study concluded that BMP-3s are ineffective for offensive operations against fortified positions, as outlined in Russia’s own combat manuals. Their use in such scenarios poses a high risk of destroying both the vehicles and the troops inside.

According to the findings, these vehicles are better suited for transporting troops near the front line, supporting defensive operations, conducting counterattacks, or crossing rivers.

The next-generation Kurganets vehicle, which was intended to address these concerns, reportedly shares the same key vulnerabilities as the BMP-3 in assaults on fortified positions.

In one example cited in the report, a frontal assault using nine BMP-3s with troops onboard would likely result in the loss of all vehicles and approximately 90 personnel, as the BMP-3 remains vulnerable to attacks from any direction.