The United States has approved a proposed $150 million Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine for the refurbishment and sustainment of Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, with all contractor work to be carried out in Europe.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the Ukrainian government has requested support services, training, technical documentation, and logistical assistance to maintain operational readiness of its U.S.-origin Bradley fleet.
The package includes maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capability, aiming to strengthen Ukraine’s domestic sustainment capacity for one of the key Western platforms used on the battlefield.
The principal contractors for the effort are BAE Systems, Cummins Inc., Leonardo DRS Inc., and Renk Group AG. Notably, all work associated with the refurbishment and support of the Bradleys will be performed in Europe, reinforcing the continent’s growing role in servicing and sustaining U.S.-supplied equipment operated by Ukraine.
According to the DSCA, the proposed sale “will directly contribute to battlefield effectiveness through a more resilient and rapid repair cycle that will increase overall operational rates with reduced logistics and financial burdens.” The agency also stated that the sale “supports the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the ability of Ukraine to provide for its own defence.”
Ukrainian forces have fielded a number of Bradley vehicles as part of U.S. aid packages. The high tempo of operations has driven demand for reliable and efficient repair cycles close to the front, particularly for tracked platforms such as the M2 Bradley that require more intensive maintenance support than wheeled vehicles.
The DSCA confirmed that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will be able to absorb the services and equipment without difficulty. No additional U.S. personnel will be required in Ukraine as a result of the deal, and no offset agreements have been proposed at this stage.
This latest approval follows a series of U.S. Foreign Military Sales focused on building out Ukraine’s long-term defence logistics.
Wonder how much it would cost to refurbish the Bradley’s the Americans have in storage