BMP-2M vs. M2 Bradley
In the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Russian BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) has solidified its role as a key asset in front-line operations. Designed during the Soviet era, the BMP-2 has undergone multiple upgrades to adapt to modern combat challenges.
Its latest iteration, the BMP-2M, is now at the centre of a technological contest between Russian and Western military platforms, particularly the American M2 Bradley, which serves as a critical component of Ukrainian mechanized brigades.
BMP-2M: The Evolution of a Soviet-Era Workhorse
Russia’s state-owned defence conglomerate, Rostec, recently announced that the upgraded BMP-2M now boasts an impressive engagement range of 8 kilometres, a claim that, if accurate, would significantly surpass the capabilities of the Bradley. Rostec, in a statement to TASS, emphasised that the BMP-2M’s firepower and precision have been enhanced through the integration of the Berezhok combat module, featuring:
- A 30mm 2A42 autocannon
- Four Kornet anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs)
- An automatic grenade launcher
- A digital fire control system with an automatic tracking mechanism
According to Rostec, these improvements allow the BMP-2M to effectively engage tanks, fortified positions, and enemy personnel at extended ranges. The company further asserted that the Bradley, by comparison, possesses “half the reach” of its Russian counterpart.
Technological Rivalry: BMP-2M vs. M2 Bradley
A detailed comparison between the BMP-2M and the M2 Bradley reveals key differences in firepower, mobility, and protection. While both IFVs were originally conceived under Cold War doctrines, their modern iterations reflect distinct priorities.
Firepower and Range
Russia highlights the Kornet missile’s reach, which can hit targets between 5.5 and 8 kilometres in ideal conditions. The Bradley, by comparison, uses BGM-71 TOW missiles with a maximum range of 3.75 kilometres in most versions.
Some upgraded TOW variants stretch slightly past 4 kilometres, but they still fall short of Kornet’s extended range. When it comes to autocannons, the picture shifts in favour of the Bradley over the BMP-2.
The BMP-2’s 30mm cannon has an effective range of around 2 kilometres in battlefield conditions. Meanwhile, the Bradley’s 25mm Bushmaster chain gun can strike effectively at 3 kilometres thanks to advanced fire control.
Superior ammunition further boosts the Bradley’s firepower, giving it an edge at medium ranges over the BMP-2. So, while Kornet missiles provide a standoff advantage, the BMP-2M does not dominate every combat scenario.
Protection and Survivability
The Bradley’s composite armour and reactive tiles provide significantly greater protection than the BMP-2M’s steel-aluminium construction, which is more vulnerable to modern anti-tank weapons. Ukrainian operators have noted that the Bradley’s defensive measures have successfully absorbed hits that would have otherwise destroyed older Soviet-era vehicles.
The trade-off for this enhanced protection is mobility: the Bradley’s 30-tonne weight limits its speed to 56 km/h, whereas the BMP-2M, at 14 tonnes, reaches 65 km/h and maintains amphibious capability without extensive modifications.
Situational Awareness and Targeting
Technologically, the Bradley holds an advantage in optics and fire control. Since the 1980s, the platform has incorporated advanced thermal imaging and targeting systems, enhancing its effectiveness in low-visibility conditions. Although the BMP-2M has been upgraded with digital sighting mechanisms, independent evaluations of its effectiveness remain scarce.
Combat Performance in Ukraine
Both the BMP-2 and Bradley have sustained significant losses in the Ukraine conflict. Open-source intelligence suggests that Russia has lost over 2,100 BMP variants, while Ukraine has seen 144 Bradley losses as of early 2025. These figures highlight the vulnerability of both platforms to modern threats such as drones, artillery, and advanced ATGMs.
Despite its advertised 8-kilometre reach, the BMP-2M’s practical effectiveness depends on battlefield conditions. In urban or forested environments, engagements rarely occur at extreme ranges, making armour, mobility, and optical superiority more decisive than theoretical missile reach.
Global Impact and Future Prospects
Beyond Ukraine, the BMP-2 remains widely used across multiple countries. India is among the largest operators, with over 2,400 BMP-2 “Sarath” variants produced under licence. Iran maintains a fleet of approximately 400 units, while Algeria has modernised its stock with Berezhok-equipped variants. Nations such as Georgia, Vietnam, Angola, and Uganda also continue to operate the BMP-2 in various capacities.
While interest in the BMP-2 has declined in favour of newer models like the BMP-3, some countries continue to invest in modernisation. Algeria’s upgrade program and Yemen’s past purchases illustrate that the BMP-2 still serves a niche market, particularly where affordability and simplicity outweigh the need for cutting-edge performance.
Conclusion
Rostec’s assertion that the BMP-2M outperforms the Bradley due to its Kornet-equipped range advantage must be taken with caution. While the 8-kilometre claim is plausible under specific conditions, the reality of modern combat emphasises factors such as armour protection, situational awareness, and urban warfare adaptability—areas where the Bradley maintains an edge.
As the war in Ukraine continues, both IFVs will remain central to their respective militaries, showcasing not only engineering differences but also the strategic doctrines that shaped them. While the BMP-2M represents a cost-effective, mobile alternative, the Bradley stands as a more resilient, technology-driven platform, ensuring its relevance in mechanised warfare for years to come.
References
- Rostec. (2025). “BMP-2M’s Extended Capabilities.” Retrieved from https://rostec.ru/
- TASS. (2025). “Russia’s BMP-2M Achieves 8 km Firepower.” Retrieved from https://tass.com/
- Defence News Today. (2025). “Ukraine Conflict: IFV Comparisons.” Retrieved from https://www.defensenewstoday.info/
- The Drive – Warzone. (2025). “Bradley vs BMP: Lessons from Ukraine.” Retrieved from https://www.thedrive.com/
