Greece to receive 164 M2A2 Bradleys Including 62 as free aid from US

eports from Greek media indicate that the Greek Army is preparing to acquire a total of 164 M2A2 Bradley ODS-SA infantry variant combat vehicles.

The initial batch of 62 vehicles has already undergone visual inspection at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, under the Excess Defence Articles (EDA) program, where they were designated as free aid, Bulgarian Military reports.

Following the visual inspection, a delegation from the Greek Army visited BAE Systems facilities in Texas to select an additional 102 vehicles from the company's inventory. The Greek Army's objective is to equip four battalions with the Bradley M2A2 TOMA configuration, with each battalion comprising 41 vehicles. This decision contrasts with the US Army's practice of equipping its battalions with 31 M2s along with M113A3s, opting instead for increased firepower with 41 vehicles per battalion, totaling 164 Bradleys.

All 164 Bradleys are second-hand and will undergo upgrades to approximate the capabilities of the M2A3 or A4 versions, either in the United States or Greece. Future acquisitions for Greece may include vehicles from M2 TOMA or M3 reconnaissance inventories.

The M2A2 Bradley, an enhanced version of the original M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), features improved armor protection, enhanced suspension, and a more robust engine to support its weaponry, including the 25mm M242 Bushmaster chain gun and TOW missile launcher.

Currently, the Greek Army operates a range of IFVs, including the Soviet-designed BMP-1 acquired from East German stocks, the American-made M113A1/A2, the domestically developed Leonidas-2 based on the Austrian Steyr 4K 7FA, and the German Marder 1A3.

The US EDA program, managed by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), facilitates the transfer of surplus military equipment to allied and partner nations. This initiative supports US foreign policy and defence objectives by enhancing the military capabilities of recipient countries through affordable or free surplus equipment, ensuring readiness and interoperability with US forces.