US M2 Bradley: Everything you need to know about the Infantry Fighting Vehicle

The M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle is an armoured vehicle with firing capabilities that can destroy a main battle tank.

The US has confirmed it is sending the infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine "in the near future" as Kyiv forces continue to fight against Russia’s invasion. 

Here’s a look at the M2 Bradley and its capabilities.

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M2 Bradley fighting vehicle 

The M2 can travel at up to 40mph and fire at a range of more than 200 miles.

The armoured vehicle has two guns: a chain gun for firing at large targets such as other vehicles, and a smaller machine gun for close encounters.

The Bradley can destroy a tank with its tube-launched two tow missiles, setting it apart from other fighting armoured vehicles.

Named after WWII General Omar Bradley, the Bradley M2 was developed as a response to the Soviet BMP-1 Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

During its long service in the US military, it has served in both Gulf Wars. During the Iraq War, it proved susceptible to rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Newer versions of the Bradley have seen upgrades to explosive reactive armour to protect those on board from RPGs.

Other versions of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle include the similar-looking M3, which is an armoured reconnaissance vehicle.

The Bradley M2 offers greater mobility than a tank, while its two tow missiles can take one out.