(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Several days ago, videos circulating on social media depicted the success of Russian forces in capturing the unique American-made M7 Fire Support Vehicle (BFIST), a variant of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
The BFIST is a unique vehicle, with only 55 known to be in service with the US military, while four have been provided to the Ukrainian military.
Of the four supplied to Ukraine, one has been successfully captured by Russian forces.
The Bradley M7 BFIST is distinctive for being equipped with Bradley Reactive Armor Tiles (BRAT), similar to other armored vehicles equipped with reactive armor to protect against anti-armor weapon fire.
This armored vehicle is based on the Bradley M2A2 ODS-SA IFV but has undergone significant capability upgrades, with the TOW anti-tank guided missile system replaced by a sophisticated target acquisition system, enabling it to serve as a fire support aid for other weapons systems.
It is suitable for pairing with the M142 HIMARS, M270 MLRS, and various smart munitions including the M982 Excalibur 155mm.
According to reports from Russian social media, the Bradley M7 BFIST was captured after a battle in Avdiivka, southern Ukraine.
From the videos on social media, the Bradley M7 BFIST, which has been in use by Russian forces since late last year, appears to be in good condition, without severe damage to its exterior.
So far, there have been no reports of the advanced US armored vehicle being immobilized in the southern Ukrainian battle area.
Tactically, the Bradley M7 BFIST is designed to enable precise coordination of fire support operations up to 8,000 meters, integrated with artillery fire support.
The Bradley M7 BFIST is equipped with advanced targeting and sensor technology to allow its crew to operate within high armor protection, enhancing survivability while maintaining operational effectiveness in various combat scenarios.
According to military analysts, the success of Russian forces in capturing the Bradley M7 BFIST enables them to access a more detailed analysis of the vehicle’s operational capabilities.
Russia can redesign their armored vehicles in the future, taking into account the information obtained from the analysis of this BFIST.
Additionally, it will provide Russia with deeper insights into US military artillery support tactics, enabling Russia to modify the tactics and strategies of their military personnel in the battlefield in Ukraine.
The Bradley M7 BFIST is armed with a Bushmaster 25mm cannon and a 12.7mm machine gun. – DSA