Over the course of more than three years of conflict, the Russian Ground Forces have managed to capture a variety of equipment transferred by the United States and its European allies to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among these trophies are Leopard 2A6 and M1A1 Abrams tanks, as well as CV90 and M2A2 Bradley ODS-SA infantry fighting vehicles. Their capture has served both propaganda purposes and technical analysis through testing and evaluation. However, a small number of these vehicles may be in use by Russian troops, following specific modifications to their armament. Such is the case with one captured Bradley, which has been fitted with a Russian-made 30mm cannon.
So far, around 300 units are estimated to have been delivered to Ukrainian forces. They have seen action in numerous engagements, including direct clashes with Russia’s most advanced tanks in service, the T-90M.
Despite the vehicle’s capabilities and the positive feedback from Ukrainian crews — who praise its firepower, rate of fire, protection, and survivability — the high-intensity conflict has taken a heavy toll on the M2A2 fleet. Based on current estimates, around 177 IFVs have been destroyed, damaged, captured, recovered, repaired, and returned to service — a testament to the high attrition rate experienced in the operational theater.
Returning to the subject of this report, a photo began circulating on social media in late June showing one of the Bradleys captured by Russian troops. It had been modified by replacing its original 25mm Bushmaster cannon with a 30mm 2A72. This latter weapon is used as the main armament on BTR-82 wheeled armored vehicles in service with the Russian Armed Forces.
The 2A72 is a lighter-weight variant of the 2A42 cannon, which is employed across a wide range of Russian land and air platforms. These include the aforementioned BTR-82, as well as the BMD-2 and BMD-3 airborne infantry fighting vehicles, the BTR-90, and attack helicopters such as the Mi-28 and Ka-52.
With a firing rate of up to 330 rounds per minute — higher than the Bushmaster’s 200 rounds per minute — the 2A72 can fire various types of ammunition, including armor-piercing tracer, high-explosive fragmentation, and incendiary rounds.
At present, due to the lack of further available information, it can only be assumed that this modification was made for potential use by Russian forces. Various reports have indicated that a very small number of captured Bradley vehicles are currently being employed by Russia. This is supported by a series of images shared on social media showing one such vehicle operated by personnel from Russia’s Central Military District, featuring additional modifications such as enhanced armor and the now-familiar anti-drone cages. However, no other similar incidents have been documented, suggesting that their use may also serve propaganda purposes.
Photo credits to their respective owners.
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