The US military is preparing to deploy about 100 Bradley infantry combat vehicles, along with thousands of soldiers, in Poland, in a move that reflects Washington’s commitment to strengthening security in Eastern Europe, amid the tensions between Moscow and Warso.
This process comes, according to a report by the National Interest magazine, as part of the rotation of the routine forces, but it is gaining additional importance in light of the ongoing tensions in that region.
According to reports from the American army, these vehicles were equipped in Germany, as the operation took months of cooperative efforts between the military and the contractors, and the preparation process began last August, as the army focused on ensuring the vehicles ready for combat operations.
“We have informed the leadership of the US military, the American army in Europe and Africa weekly, on the status of these tanks Bradley since last August,” Major Alack Villasco, Executive Officer of the 405 Field Support Brigade of the army, said in a press release.
The French leader, Napoleon Bonaparte, is attributed to once said: “The army is walking on his stomach,” pointing to the importance of military logistics, after more than 200 years, this statement remains accurate, as the success of any military operation depends on the transfer of equipment and support efficiently, according to the magazine.
In this case, the team faced preliminary challenges, as progress was slow during technical examinations and asked for spare parts/ however, the achievement accelerated during spring and summer, as Villasco explained: “With the roses of the pieces, we started to dismantle it. With the emergence of one system, we conducted the necessary tests on all systems, and we often discovered more problems. But we continued to work, and the progress accelerated significantly.”
The Bradley M2/M3 vehicle is the main armored combat of the American army, and it entered service in 1981, with the production of more than 6,700 units of all variables. It is 21.5 feet (6.55 meters), and its total weight is ready for the battle 30.4 tons short. It depends on the Cummins VTA-903T diesel with a power of 600 hp, which gives it a top speed of 41 miles per hour (66 km/h), and nearly 250 miles (400 km).
As for the armament, it includes the M242 Bushmaster 25 mm machine gun, and two BGM-71 TOW tanks, as well as the M240 M240 machine gun 7.62 mm. The crew consists of 3 individuals, with the ability to transport additional passengers.
Despite its light shield, Bradley was designed to transport pedestrians to the battlefield and provide fire support against enemy infantry and fortifications. It uses a standard vehicle, including explosive interactive shields (ERA), which enhances their defensive ability.
Bradley proved its effectiveness even in front of the main fighting tanks, as happened in Ukraine, where it faced a Russian T-90 tank, as the United States sent hundreds of these vehicles to Ukraine, and despite some losses, it achieved remarkable performance.
The M2 and M3 versions differ slightly: M2 is designed to transport and support pedestrians in the near fighting, while M3 is intended for armed survey and support for automatic forces, however, they share the basics, making them multi -use, are made by BaE Systems, and their deployment in Poland is a strategic step to enhance deterrence in the region.
