Ukrainian advance in Kursk: NATO armour shapes battlefield
Facing increasing resistance from the Russians, the Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region continues, utilising NATO armoured equipment. To the list of machines used in this operation, we can add Abrams tanks and M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, whose capabilities we highlight.
The equipment seen in the possession of the 47th Mechanized Brigade is visible in a video posted on social media. Some analysts have quickly determined that these scenes originate from Russia's Kursk region. Ukrainian journalist Illia Ponomarenko also provided this information.
Abrams and M2 Bradley in the Kursk reserve
"The Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, in interaction with the Abrams tank, is a terrifying force and a source of fear for the invaders! American equipment determines the situation on the battlefield. In this case, it’s personnel rotation, fire support, and the destruction of enemy infantry," stated a brief communiqué from the 47th Mechanized Brigade.
Valuable American vehicles in the Ukrainian army
Abrams tanks and M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles are among the most valuable NATO armoured equipment donated to the front. Ukrainian soldiers have repeatedly emphasised that they provide significant offensive capabilities and a much higher protection level than older Soviet-era equipment.
The Ukrainians received 31 Abrams tanks in the M1A1 variant, equipped with a 120 mm cannon and 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns. The Americans modified the armour, using tungsten inserts instead of standard depleted uranium panels. They were concerned that their sensitive technologies might fall into Russian hands.
The M2 Bradley is an infantry fighting vehicle equipped with an M242 Bushmaster automatic cannon, 25 mm in calibre and a firing rate of up to 200 rounds per minute, as well as a 7.62 mm machine gun and TOW anti-tank missile launcher. The Ukrainians received significantly more of these machines, over 300 units.
Ukrainian actions in the Kursk region
Among other NATO equipment in the Kursk region, British Challenger 2 tanks, Polish PT-91 Twardy tanks, American Stryker armoured personnel carriers, and German Marder infantry fighting vehicles have also been seen. The Russians are increasingly pressing on the Ukrainians' positions in the Kursk region. Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that they will do everything to push Ukrainians beyond the borders of their country before winter.
