A Bradley M2A2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle in Gasinci, Croatia, Aug. 26, 2024. (DVIDS)
The Bradley M2A2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) has been a trusted military asset for decades, and its legacy continues to grow.
Recently, Croatia celebrated a major milestone with the full refurbishment of three Bradley M2A2 vehicles at Djuro Djaković Special Vehicles (DDSV). These fully restored Bradleys are now ready to boost Croatia’s infantry capabilities, marking the beginning of a broader modernization effort.
The Bradleys will play a key role in Croatia’s military as they phase out older, less capable equipment in favor of these combat-proven, upgraded vehicles.
As Croatia gears up to fully integrate the refurbished Bradleys into their forces, it’s worth taking a closer look at the history and development of the M2A2 Bradley IFV, and why it remains such a vital asset on the modern battlefield.
A Boost for Croatia’s Military
In December 2023, Croatia received 22 M2A2 Bradley IFVs, which were set to undergo a full restoration at DDSV. Less than a year later, the first three have rolled off the refurbishment line, symbolizing Croatia’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces.
A total of 62 vehicles are planned for refurbishment, with the possibility of up to 93 Bradleys being acquired. These upgrades will significantly enhance the Croatian military’s firepower and mobility, helping them align with NATO standards and better participate in joint operations with allied forces.
The process involves a comprehensive overhaul of the vehicles, covering everything from the engine and drive train to the electrical systems and fresh paint.
“We’re going to be there with them (Croatia) for the long haul, because basic skills are just a starting point,” Lt. Col. Brian Devlin, Office of Defense Cooperation chief, said in a statement. “We’re going to teach them that field-level maintenance soon, and we expect to have a small unit’s worth of vehicles done by the end of the year. So, by early 2025, the exciting part starts, where we get their drivers and their gunners into the Bradley and actually teach them how to operate these things.”
The Bradley M2A2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) has been a trusted military asset for decades, and its legacy continues to grow.
Recently, Croatia celebrated a major milestone with the full refurbishment of three Bradley M2A2 vehicles at Djuro Djaković Special Vehicles (DDSV). These fully restored Bradleys are now ready to boost Croatia’s infantry capabilities, marking the beginning of a broader modernization effort.
The Bradleys will play a key role in Croatia’s military as they phase out older, less capable equipment in favor of these combat-proven, upgraded vehicles.
As Croatia gears up to fully integrate the refurbished Bradleys into their forces, it’s worth taking a closer look at the history and development of the M2A2 Bradley IFV, and why it remains such a vital asset on the modern battlefield.
A Boost for Croatia’s Military
In December 2023, Croatia received 22 M2A2 Bradley IFVs, which were set to undergo a full restoration at DDSV. Less than a year later, the first three have rolled off the refurbishment line, symbolizing Croatia’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces.
A total of 62 vehicles are planned for refurbishment, with the possibility of up to 93 Bradleys being acquired. These upgrades will significantly enhance the Croatian military’s firepower and mobility, helping them align with NATO standards and better participate in joint operations with allied forces.
The process involves a comprehensive overhaul of the vehicles, covering everything from the engine and drive train to the electrical systems and fresh paint.
“We’re going to be there with them (Croatia) for the long haul, because basic skills are just a starting point,” Lt. Col. Brian Devlin, Office of Defense Cooperation chief, said in a statement. “We’re going to teach them that field-level maintenance soon, and we expect to have a small unit’s worth of vehicles done by the end of the year. So, by early 2025, the exciting part starts, where we get their drivers and their gunners into the Bradley and actually teach them how to operate these things.”
DDSV has teamed up with BAE Systems to bring these vehicles up to operational standards, and the results are impressive.
The refurbished Bradleys will not only look brand new but will also be equipped with modern systems and technologies to support Croatia’s growing military needs.
Introduced in 1988 as an upgrade to the original M2 Bradley, this armored infantry fighting vehicle was designed to improve survivability and combat effectiveness.
Bradley M2A2 IFV in Croatia. (DVIDS)
The M2A2 featured additional armor protection for the hull and turret, spall liners to protect key components, and enhanced drive train and suspension systems to improve mobility.
One of its most notable improvements was the upgraded weapon systems, which included a more accurate anti-tank missile launcher.
After the 1991 Gulf War, the M2A2 was further enhanced with advanced systems like an eye-safe carbon dioxide laser rangefinder, global positioning system (GPS), and thermal viewers for the driver and gunner. These upgrades were crucial in improving the vehicle’s navigation and target acquisition capabilities, making it a more formidable presence on the battlefield.
The upgraded version was called the M2A2 ODS (Operation Desert Storm), a name reflecting the lessons learned from combat during the Gulf War.
Technical Specifications and Versatile Variants
The M2A2 Bradley IFV is powered by a 600-horsepower engine, allowing it to travel at speeds of up to 41 mph (66 km/h) on roads and 25 mph (40 km/h) off-road.
It is equipped with a 25mm M242 Bushmaster chain gun, a TOW anti-tank missile launcher, and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, giving it a lethal combination of anti-infantry and anti-armor firepower.
The vehicle can carry up to seven infantry soldiers in addition to its crew of three (commander, gunner, and driver), providing both protection and mobility to troops on the battlefield.
One of the strengths of the Bradley M2A2 is its ability to adapt to different combat scenarios.
Variants like the M2A3, introduced in 2000, feature digital systems that improve fire control, situational awareness, and communication. The M6 Linebacker variant replaces the TOW missile launcher with a pod containing four Stinger surface-to-air missiles, making it a potent air defense platform.
Other variants include the Bradley AMEV (Armored Medical Evacuation Vehicle) and the Bradley Mortar Vehicle, which provide additional capabilities for medical support and indirect fire, respectively.
An M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle, 2023. (DVIDS)
Bradley’s Global Legacy
Beyond Croatia, the Bradley M2A2 continues to serve in military forces around the world. The US Army remains its largest user, with thousands of Bradleys still in service today.
The vehicle has seen combat in numerous conflicts, including the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where US-donated Bradleys have played a crucial role in ground operations.
In addition to the United States and Croatia, other nations have embraced the Bradley’s combat-proven design. Lebanon received several M2A2s as part of US military aid, while Greece and Ukraine have also added these vehicles to their arsenals in recent years.
These countries recognize the Bradley’s versatility and reliability in various combat situations, making it a valuable addition to their military capabilities.
Croatia’s Future with the Bradley
As Croatia continues to refurbish and integrate the Bradley M2A2 into its armed forces, the benefits are clear. These vehicles will significantly improve Croatia’s ability to participate in joint NATO operations, providing modern firepower and mobility to their infantry units.
The modernization effort also helps Croatia phase out older Soviet-era equipment, bringing their military capabilities in line with Western standards.
The refurbishment project at DDSV is not just about giving new life to old vehicles—it’s about Croatia stepping up as a key player in regional defense.
“Croatia is an ally that is willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with the US and the rest of NATO to combat enemies of the alliance,” Willie Jones, US Army Security Assistance Command country program manager for Croatia, said. “It’s critical to support these security cooperation efforts so NATO partners can operate seamlessly together in their defense of the region.”
With the support of partners like the US and BAE Systems, Croatia is well on its way to building a more capable, modern military force that can respond to the challenges of today’s complex security environment.
Closing Thoughts
The Bradley M2A2’s journey from the US Army to the Croatian military is a testament to the vehicle’s enduring legacy. As Croatia refurbishes these vehicles and brings them into service, they are not only enhancing their own military capabilities but also strengthening their ties with NATO and other international partners.
The Bradley M2A2, with its rich history, modern upgrades, and global presence, continues to play a crucial role in the defense of nations around the world, ensuring that it remains a reliable and formidable vehicle for years to come.
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