In a remarkable display of military prowess, Ukraine’s US-supplied Bradley infantry fighting vehicles have successfully disabled one of Russia’s most advanced tanks, the T-90M, in a confrontation that has military analysts and enthusiasts talking. The engagement, which took place in the Donetsk town of Stepove, was captured in drone footage released by Ukraine’s 47th Mechanised Brigade, showcasing a David versus Goliath scenario that ended with the Goliath, the T-90M, being outmaneuvered and outgunned.
The footage reveals the T-90M tank absorbing a barrage of projectiles from the Bradley’s 25mm cannon at close range. Each direct strike resulted in a bright flash upon impact against the tank’s armor. The T-90M, despite its advanced design, was seen losing control and spinning before colliding with a tree, an event that was followed by the crew fleeing on foot. Subsequent reports indicated that two crew members were killed in action and a third was captured by Ukrainian forces.
Rob Lee, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, commented on the significance of this encounter, stating that it demonstrates ‘infantry fighting vehicles can successfully engage and seriously damage modern main battle tanks.’ The T-90M, a newer addition to Russia’s armored forces, showed resilience but was ultimately overwhelmed by the Bradley’s firepower.
Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former Challenger 2 commander, pointed out the vulnerability of Russian tanks, noting that protection seems to be a lower priority compared to firepower and mobility for Russian military doctrine. He also suggested that the Russian tank’s downfall could be partly attributed to an ill-prepared crew, highlighting the challenges Russia faces in fielding well-trained personnel.
The Bradley’s success in this engagement is not just a one-off event. American Bradleys, known for their ‘hunter-killer’ capabilities, have been supplied to Ukraine along with Leopard 2 tanks. Despite some setbacks in minefields during the spring-summer counter-offensive last year, the Bradleys have been credited with saving the lives of their crews in various attacks, thanks to their Western armor.
The recent clash between the Bradley and the T-90M should encourage the users of these American-made vehicles now that they have been battle-tested against a Russian tank. The mobility of the Bradley was on full display in the footage as it dodged incoming fire while delivering a salvo with its primary M242 25mm automatic cannon weapon.
In contrast, the Russian tank remained mostly stationary, a sitting duck for the agile and aggressive Bradley. The lack of movement from the Russian tank was likely due to the inexperienced crew becoming flustered under pressure, a scenario that has become increasingly common as Russia struggles to replace its losses with well-trained tank crews.
This engagement is a stark reminder of the evolving nature of modern warfare, where even the most advanced tanks can be outmatched by nimble and well-handled infantry fighting vehicles. It underscores the importance of crew training, vehicle maneuverability, and the integration of combined arms tactics in achieving victory on the battlefield.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the performance of the Bradley against the T-90M will undoubtedly be studied by military strategists and analysts around the world. It serves as a powerful example of how innovation, training, and tactical acumen can tilt the scales in modern combat, even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds.
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