The Croatian Ministry of Defense has announced the successful test of three M2A2ODS Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, marking a key step in the modernization of Croatia's armed forces with advanced American military technology. Croatia acquired a total of 89 M2A2ODS units from US surplus stockpiles to bolster its mechanized infantry capabilities. This acquisition strategy aims to replace the aging M-80A infantry fighting vehicles that have served Croatia for decades but are now technologically obsolete.
The initial delivery of 22 armored vehicles took place in December last year. These units were immediately sent to the factory of Đuro Đaković Specijalna Vozila dd for a comprehensive reconstruction, including a thorough inspection of the technical condition of each vehicle and the application of protective coatings in accordance with modern operational standards. Recently, three completely repaired units underwent rigorous tests at the Kindrovo and Hashintsi training grounds near Dzhakovo, confirming their operational readiness.
Bradley A2 ODS-SA — is a reliable fighting machine designed to offer firepower, mobility and enhanced protection in close combat, urban and open combat scenarios. Equipped with advanced digital technologies, it improves situational awareness, connectivity and communication in combat armored brigades. Thanks to the 600-horsepower engine, it reaches a speed of up to 61 km/h and has a range of 402 km. Its resilient design and modular structure ease maintenance requirements, ensuring durability and effectiveness on the battlefield.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000In terms of armament, the Bradley A2 ODS-SA is equipped with a 25mm Bushmaster cannon capable of firing high-explosive and armor-piercing rounds, a 7.62mm twin machine gun for close-range defense, and TOW anti-tank missiles to engage armored threats at long range. Its defenses include reinforced armor to resist small arms fire and shrapnel, and it can be equipped with additional armor tiles for additional protection against cluster munitions. These features make it well-suited for today's battlefield challenges, ensuring crew safety.
Croatia acquired these machines as part of the US Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program. Of the 89 units, 62 will be deployed to front-line units, five will be allocated for training, and the remaining 22 will be reserved to provide spare parts. The deal also includes an option to purchase up to 93 additional Bradleys. However, this can be a difficult task, as many "Bradley" in good condition have either been upgraded to M2A4 standard or sent to Ukraine as part of international aid, leaving the remaining units in need of more extensive refurbishment, potentially increasing costs.
The modernization of Croatian mechanized units with the M2A2ODS Bradley is a significant step forward in strengthening the national defense capability. Compared to the BVP M-80A, the Bradley offers significant improvements in firepower, protection and battlefield visibility, bringing Croatia's forces in line with today's operational requirements. Additionally, the M2A2ODS provides enhanced crew protection with multi-layered steel and aluminum armor capable of resisting small arms fire, shrapnel, and some anti-tank mines. Equipped with smoke grenade launchers, the Bradley can conceal its movement in combat, adding a layer of security for the three crew members and six infantrymen it can transport in the rear compartment.
As Croatia integrates the Bradley into its forces, it lays the groundwork for a modernized, more combat-ready army ready to address current security challenges both domestically and as a NATO member. In the long term, the addition of Bradley vehicles will allow Croatia to increase its contribution to NATO operations and collective defense initiatives, strengthening the Alliance as a whole.