The Ukrainian Bradley Fighting Vehicle Dilemma Will Not Go Away Anytime Soon

Summary and 5 points you need to know: Ukraine has received over 300 Bradley fighting vehicles from the United States, which significantly support its defense against Russia.

-Critics of the slow, gradual US military aid argue that Ukraine could achieve more if it supplied more Western weapons.

– The success of the Bradleys is cited as evidence that Ukraine benefits from more, albeit simpler, equipment.

– However, this view ignores the fact that Ukraine has already received enormous financial and military aid.

– Peace advocates argue that despite aid, Ukraine's strategic situation remains dire and that negotiations to end the war, not prolong it, should be a priority.

Western aid to Ukraine: Should more Bradleys or diplomacy lead the way?

The United States has donated more than 300 Bradley fighting vehicles to Ukraine. Delivered to Ukraine in far greater numbers than tanks such as the Abrams, the Cold War-era Bradley has bolstered Ukraine's defenses and achieved legendary status among Ukrainian fighters.

Critics of the slow, gradual US military aid to Ukraine now point to the success of the Bradley project as an example of what can be achieved with a larger amount of Western weapons.

“The way Ukraine's Western partners have supplied weapons, often in small quantities and with significant delays, has been heavily criticized throughout the war,” Sinead Baker wrote for Business Insider. “It's important for the military to have enough weapons because it allows them to use those weapons more flexibly. It means you can use the weapons in risky situations where they can make big breakthroughs, and if some are lost, it's not a major tactical and PR disaster.”

Put more simply, Baker suggests that if Ukraine had more Western weapons and the soldiers operating those systems were destroyed, it wouldn't be such a big deal; the military could absorb the loss more easily and the public would care less. But Baker fails to mention the many billions in weapons, aid and money that have already been given to Ukraine, and the many thousands of soldiers who have already been killed in a conflict that has long been entrenched along established lines. In effect, after nearly three years of conflict, Baker is saying: Give us just a little more and we've got the thing. More money. More weapons. More carnage.

The article refuted the American wisdom of giving away smaller quantities of technical equipment and instead argued for larger quantities of simpler, less powerful equipment, using the Bradley as an example. Ukrainian Bradleys have been used in combat against Russian infantry, bunkers, troop carriers, drones and tanks. Given the size of the Ukrainian Bradley fleet, the tank has been used liberally – and successfully.

Bradley cites “experts” who “criticize the way many partners provide aid to Ukraine.” In particular, the way “weapons often arrive only after months of debate (during which Russia can prepare) in small numbers and in packages that give Ukraine no clear picture or certainty about future deliveries.” The result is that “Ukrainian soldiers often cannot develop long-term strategies.”

My point to that is that if you are unable to provide for your own defence resources, do not have the equipment to defend yourself and are unable to develop long-term strategies despite billions in aid, then perhaps you should make a vigorous effort to achieve peace.

The idea that Ukraine is one shipment of weapons away from prevailing, regaining territory, or strengthening its position to sue for peace seems like wishful thinking. Nothing in the last two and a half years of fighting suggests that Ukraine will significantly improve its position. Instead of advocating for more weapons, spending more wealth, and spilling more blood, Ukraine should be advocating for an end to the conflict.

About the author: Harrison Kass, defense expert

Harrison Kass is a defense and national security writer who has written over 1,000 articles on world affairs. Harrison is a lawyer, pilot, guitarist, and part-time professional hockey player. He joined the U.S. Air Force as a student pilot but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.

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