The Croatian Army has formally taken delivery of an initial batch of four US-donated Bradley M2A2 ODS infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs).
The Bradley M2A2 ODS IFVs are being donated by the United States, with a contract finalized at the end of January 2022. The total financial value of this contract amounts to USD 196.4 million. Of this sum, USD 51.2 million is designated as a donation from the US while USD 145.2 million will be financed by the Croatian Ministry of Defence over the period from 2022 to 2027.
Out of the 89 vehicles donated, 62 have undergone refurbishment, a process managed by Đuro Đaković Specijalna vozila dd (ĐĐSV) located in Slavonski Brod. A total of 44 vehicles were delivered to ĐĐSV, with eight of these being restored to operational status in 2024. These eight vehicles are scheduled to be transferred to the 1st Armoured Mechanized Battalion Sokol of the Guards Armoured Mechanized Brigade of the Croatian Army in January of this year.
The initial four vehicles have already been handed over, with the remaining four expected to be delivered by the end of January. These eight vehicles will serve as training units for mechanics and permanent crew members of the Bradley M2A2 ODS IFV. Four of these vehicles are currently utilized at the Kindrovo factory range for mechanic training (FLMNET – Field Level Maintenance New Equipment Training).
The first training cycle, involving 12 mechanics, took place from 30 October to 20 December 2024, while the second cycle commenced on 7 January and will continue until 5 March 2025. This training is facilitated by certified instructors from BAE Systems, with a total of 48 mechanics set to be trained across four cycles.
The remaining four vehicles are allocated for the first cycle of training for permanent vehicle crew members (OPNET – Operator New Equipment Training), scheduled from 14 January to 12 March 2025. The training will begin with the collection of the vehicles at the “132. brigade HV” barracks in Našice, conducted by certified BAE Systems instructors.
Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić said:
“We will continue to equip and modernize the Croatian Army and raise the standard of members of the Armed Forces, create better conditions for individuals and for the Armed Forces as a whole,” the minister emphasized, and especially thanked the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia, Nathalie Rayes, for everything she has done and achieved in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Croatia in the past period.”
“Excellent cooperation between the Armed Forces and the Government of the Republic of Croatia with the US Embassy and their Ministry of Defence led to the procurement of Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters and the HIMARS missile system, making the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia what they should be – a modern, capable and strong armed force, a member of the NATO alliance,” concluded the Minister of Defence.”
“With all these procurements, Croatia reaches two percent of GDP in defence spending. Of that two percent, the obligation is to invest at least 20 percent in the modernization of the Armed Forces, and Croatia has reached 29 percent,” explained Minister Anušić, adding: “It is crucial that we continue to cooperate with NATO and our allies. We have major procurements ahead for the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, so that in the near future we can, I hope, reach three percent of GDP for equipping and modernizing the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia.”
Bradley M2A2 ODS IFV
The Operation Desert Storm (ODS) and Operation Desert Storm-Engineer (ODS-E) variants of the Bradley IFV were developed based on insights gained from the first Gulf War in 1991. Key enhancements included the integration of an eye-safe laser rangefinder (ELRF), a tactical navigation system (TACNAV) featuring the Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR) and Digital Compass Systems (DCS), as well as a missile countermeasure device aimed at neutralizing first-generation wire-guided missiles.
Additionally, the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) Battlefield Command Information System was incorporated. Improvements were made to internal storage, and a thermal imaging system was introduced for the driver. The infantry squad size was increased to seven, with six members seated facing each other on two three-person benches in the passenger area, while the seventh member occupied a position behind the turret. An MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) heater was also included to facilitate food preparation. Following the retirement of the Dragon missile, the vehicle was equipped with the option to carry Javelin anti-tank missiles.
