Ukraine is Getting 50 Bradleys — How Should They Use Them?

An M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle is on display during a training exercise at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif., Feb. 18, 2013. The live, virtual and constructive training environment of the National Training Center is designed to produce adaptive leaders and agile forces for the current fight, which are responsive to the unforeseen contingencies of the 21st century. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Eric M. Garland II/Released)

The US announced its largest Ukraine aid package yet, worth $3.75 billion, which includes fifty M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and other armored weapon systems.

This new round of support represents the first time Ukraine will receive Western armor — something Ukraine has been asking for since the start of the war.

Note: Technically, they had received a previous shipment of M113 APCs, but since those are 60-year-old death traps, let’s call this the “first” time Ukraine has received modern Western armor.

In addition to the Bradleys, Ukraine will be receiving:

• 100 more M113 Armored Personnel Carriers
• 55 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles
• 138 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles
• 18 155mm self-propelled Howitzers and 18 ammunition support vehicles
• Ammunition… Lots and lots of ammunition for HIMARS, sniper rifles, etc.

What is the Bradley?

The M2A2 Bradley, often mistaken for a tank, is the middle child between the big daddy Abrams main battle tank and the lightly armored M113 battle taxi.

The Bradley is tracked, which is why it is sometimes mistaken for a tank and has a…