The M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) has been an armored battlefield staple since being fielded by the U.S. Army back in 1981. Originally built by defense contractor BAE Systems, the resilient Bradley has undergone major capability upgrades over its service life to keep it relevant into the 21st century through changing warfare domains and threats.
Meanwhile, the Swedish-designed CV90 series of IFVs entered production in 1993 with next-generation adaptability and technology readiness designed-in from the outset. Manufacturer BAE Hägglunds (now part of BAE Systems) developed the family to flexibly meet diverse operational requirements for domestic and international clients, with over 1,200 units fielded by over seven nations so far.
Survivability and Protection
With armored vehicles now facing a bewildering array of guided missiles, short-range RPG ambushes, artillery barrages, recoilless rifles, mines, IEDs and even drone attacks, survival cannot be taken for granted on the modern battlefield. Protection levels must keep pace to let these expensive combat platforms actually endure long enough reach the fight in the first place:
| Model | Base Armor (Hull) | Added Protection |
| M2A3 Bradley | Welded aluminum with 14.5mm round resistance baseline. Upgraded tracks/suspension for agility. | Reactive armor tiles defeat RPGs, tank HEAT rounds. Nanocomposite armor inserts added resistance vs KE threats. |
| CV9035 Mk IV | Withstands up to 35mm cannon fire across frontal arc. 60 degree skirts adds protection vs RPGs. | Ceramic applique armor. ERA kit defeats CE ammo. Slat/cage armor options against tandem warheads. |
Both the M2A3 and CV9035 thus carry significant defenses against likely battlefield threats from ambush small arms fire to tank rounds. Their modular armor package options also allow tailored fits depending on specific mission threat profiles…
Firepower
These IFVs packing rapid firing autocannons and anti-tank missiles are often the first responders to enemy armor threats. Let‘s see how much hurt they can dish out:
| Model | Main Gun | Ammunition Types | Missile Armament |
| M2A3 Bradley | 25mm M242 Bushmaster chain gun (dual feed). Fires 200 rpm. | APDS-T rounds penetrate 70mm RHAe armor at 500m. HE and APFSDS options. | TOW-2B top attack and direct fire missile. 4 ready rockets standard. |
| CV9035 Mk IV | 35mm Bushmaster III stabilized autocannon. Programmable 3P airburst capability. | APFSDS exceeds 150mm RHAe penetration. ABM-HE rounds. | 8 ready BILL 2 152mm tandem HEAT missiles effective against MBTs. |
The CV90 likely takes the edge for unparalleled flexibility via programmable cannon rounds able to precisely airburst over targets, demolish light vehicles or punch through heavy tank armor. Its BILL 2 missile also slightly outranges the older TOW-2 on the M2A3 Bradley…
However, the Bradley‘s TOW is battle proven having destroyed over 3,000 enemy AFVs since the 1970s. The vehicle will soon field the Spike-LR anti-tank missile offering greater range (5km+) and advanced tandem charges able to defeat any reactive armor. This could restore the Bradley‘s missile superiority.
Overall the CV90 brings superaccurate cannon munitions to the party while the Bradley fields deadly antitank missiles well respected by any armored adversary. As with protection, the available upgrades and ordnance options also let commanders tune their precise firepower to needs.
Mobility
Speed and maneuverability help IFVs rapidly reposition to engage threats or evade attacks. Let‘s contrast the specifications in this category:
| Model | Engine | Speed | Range | Trench/Gradient |
| M2A3 Bradley | Cummins 600 hp diesel | 61 km/h (38 mph) road | 483 km (300 miles) | 2.5m/60% |
| CV9035 Mk IV | Scania DI 16 550 hp diesel | 70+ km/h (43 mph) | 600+ km | 2.5m/60% |
Both vehicles deliver serious speed with the CV90 edging ahead and 20% greater horsepower. The Mk IV variant has a higher top speed of over 70 km/h to outpace most tanks and rapidly redeploy under fire…
Ergonomics and Situational Awareness
21st vehicles need to comprehensively enhance crew effectiveness with superior layouts, sensors and computing. How do are duo deliver here?
The CV90 Commanders station aims for optimal ergonomics with three large displays including an augmented 3rd-gen IR sight classified able to classify vehicle models at over 10km ranges. A fully stabilized Bushmaster III turret and extremely fast 60° per second traversal also facilitates rapid target acquisition and engagement while barely stationary. Integrated BMS feeds terrain analysis, blue force tracking and remote video enhancements from drones.
Upgraded Bradley IDFAS-2 electronics similarly provide excellent battlespace awareness and target coordination capabilities. Crew stations have new flatscreen displays with tactical computer enhancements. The Commander‘s Independent Viewer thermal imager reliably detects and identifies threats for superior reaction times. Sensor improvements will continue too – an upcoming Boomerang III acoustic shot detection suite can instantly triangulate fired munitions location with 85% accuracy.
In the sensor olympics, the exponentially more powerful optics and thermal imagers on the CV90 probably clinch victory. With photonic mast modules coming, crews will literally "see through armor". Yet the Bradley fields its own digital enhancements making the most of a 1980‘s era base platform.
Adaptability
With military tech life cycles lasting decades, built-in vehicle modularity brings long term efficiencies. How well can our candidates morph across mission sets?
Here too the newer Swedish design may claim leadership. Its compartmentalized architecture and entire vehicle familys approach enables diverse fits from APC troop transports to ambulance, C3I command centers and recovery vehicles – over five distinct configurations currently serve the Chilean Army. With 40 tons MTOW capacity, the chassis adapts to numerous roles economizing costs.
The venerable Bradley by contrast remains largely an IFV dedicated for combined arms shock attacks, though it has fielded variants like the M270 MLRS rocket launcher using common automotive components. Hauling just 22 tons, the Bradley has less inherent growth potential, though incremental modernization efforts could yet stretch this veteran design further. The armys Next-Generation Combat Vehicle program also envisions manned/unmanned teaming with Bradleys by 2035…
Combat Performance
Any paper comparisons ultimately must translate into proving grounds of actual combat. The urban destruction of Grozny and specter of massed Russian armor hovers over any European battlefield the CV90 was fundamentally designed for. How might our steeds perform here?
Analysts see the CV90s advanced optics providing pivotal improvements localizing and engaging adversaries first in congested European cityscapes or snowbound Scandinavian plains. Thermal readily defeats camouflage while ABM rounds blast through cover obliterating threats. Active Protection Systems could also help defeat incoming projectiles as evidenced by Israeli Trophy systems 95% interception rates.
The M2 Bradley has itself endured rigorous testing and battle blooding – a 2017 evaluation saw upgraded Bradleys achieving 93% of assigned missions in simulated city combat. Their Bushmaster cannons and TOW missiles destroyed all armor threats. Improvements like the Boomerang shot detection suite will also help pinpoint and suppress ambushes rapidly during intense asymmetric engagements.
While simulations and field testing provide indicators, until metal meets metal uncertainties remain. Still the CV90s cutting edge sensors seem optimized for European battlespaces it was fundamentally designed around. The veteran Bradley fields ruggedness proven by decades of adaptations meeting buddy war needs of American forces worldwide.
Military gear needs to deliver value for money over typical service lives spanning decades not just years. And reaching distant shores speedily for expeditionary missions simplifies logistics and tactics.
Analysts forecast the high-tech CV90 as likely more expensive per unit cost given advanced computing systems and sensors onboard. Complex modules may demand intensive maintenance and supply chain elements too. Yet commonality between variant models is over 80%, promising economical scale and part sharing. Strategic deployability sees modest C-130 Hercules transportability though sealift remains the most feasible mass transit mode.
The Bradley has fulfilled over 35 years US duty so far, amortizing investments in this thoroughly refined platform. Over 6,000 units produced creates supply chain efficiencies as well. Operating costs are estimated 60% lower than the 70 ton M1 Abrams tank it often accompanies into battle. Upgrades like bandsaw track segments also slash maintenance burdens. Meanwhile, the Bradleys lightweight 22 ton curb allows uncongested C-17 airlift directly into frontline airbases for rapid theater access.
This comparison reveals a very close contest where both vehicles now field mature technologies honed by decades of complex modern warfare experiences. However, the cutting edge optics, flexible architecture and blistering speed of the CV90 probably clinch it the technical victor. This Swedish IFV family looks well placed for dominance through coming decades over the European battlespaces it was fundamentally designed around.
Yet the Bradley continues receiving sensor and networking enhancement to keep it extremely capable on likely future battlefields too. This veteran platforms ruggedness and repeated evolutions to meet evolving warfare needs ensures it remains a potent force multiplier for combined arms forces worldwide. And new unmanned teaming may soon extend the Bradleys frontline service by additional decades as well.
Ultimately both the Bradley and CV90 now deliver formidable firepower, protection and situational advantages to infantry forces. Rather than competing, they perfectly complement one another across varied theatres as allies. Together, these two mechanized veterans look ready to answer the infantry call through 2040 and beyond.