M2A2 ODS – the version of the M2 Bradley IFV that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive
It became known which modification of M2 Bradley Ukraine will receive from USA as part of the new aid package. This is reported by Militarnyi with reference to The Drive.
According to Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder, Ukraine will receive the M2 Bradley version of the M2A2-ODS. It is a pity that the M2A3 is not completely digital, but the M2A2-ODS is also a fairly modern modification.
In a separate article, we have already mentioned the differences between the M2 Bradley modifications, let’s repeat some things.
The basic version of the M2 Bradley has been produced since 1981. A more powerful and better armored version of the M2A2 was created in 1988. The M2A2 ODS is a refinement of the M2A2, taking into account the experience of using these IFVs during Operation Desert Storm (ODS).
In the M2A2 ODS version, the Bradley received a new ELRF laser range finder with a range of up to 10 km; TACNAV tactical navigation system with GPS receiver and digital compass; first-generation guided missile defense system; improved thermal imagers, including for the mechanic-driver; dry food heating system right in the car. In addition, the individual seats in the landing compartment were changed to benches, it turned out that it is more convenient and faster to leave the car.
But the main thing about the M2A2 ODS Bradley is the new Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) command platform. This is a combat information system, the so-called Situation awareness system based on Linux, which helps to track friendly and enemy units on the map. Information is gathered in near real-time based on updated locations of friendly vehicles on the battlefield. Friendly force location data is collected through the Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS) line-of-sight tactical radio network and the Blue Force Tracking (BFT) satellite network. Information is presented graphically, and data is exchanged via text messages rather than voice reports.
The training of about 500 Ukrainian soldiers on the M2A2 ODS Bradley will begin at the end of January 2023 and will last for a month. This was announced by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Laura Cooper.