During these exercises, Croatian crews utilised the vehicles’ primary M242 Bushmaster 25mm cannon and the coaxial M240 7.62mm machine gun. This live-fire event is part of a comprehensive Operator New Equipment Training (OPNET) programme. The programme is supervised by instructors from the American company BAE Systems Inc. It encompasses various aspects of Bradley operation, including roles such as vehicle commander, gunner, and driver.
Training activities include driving and manoeuvring in field conditions, operating weapon systems, utilising optical sensors, and managing communication systems. The training is conducted at multiple locations: the Gašinci training grounds, the “132nd Croatian Army Brigade” barracks in Našice, and the nearby Grbavica military training area.
Crews demonstrated high levels of proficiency and accuracy during both day and night exercises, including stationary and moving engagements. Following a series of successful hits, the Bradley crews and other members of the Sokolovi battalion expressed satisfaction with the new equipment. They highlighted the vehicles’ firepower, armour protection, and mobility.
The comprehensive training for the Sokolovi battalion continues across all organisational levels. It includes various roles and specialisations, from commanders and crews to mechanics and logisticians, as well as dismounted infantry personnel.
The Bradley M2A2 ODS vehicles are part of a donation from the United States Government. An agreement was signed at the end of January 2022, with a total value of USD 196.4 million, of which USD 51.2 million is a donation from the USA. The remaining USD 145.2 million is financed by the Croatian Ministry of Defence over the period from 2022 to 2027.
Out of 89 donated vehicles, 62 are designated for operational use. The refurbishment process is carried out by the Đuro Đaković Specijalna vozila d.d. company in Slavonski Brod. The first four vehicles have been delivered, with the remaining four expected by the end of January 2025.
The integration of these vehicles is expected to enhance the operational capabilities of the Croatian Army. It strengthens the country’s defence posture and contributes to NATO’s collective security efforts.
The Gašinci Military Training Grounds, located approximately 10 kilometres from Đakovo in Slavonia, serve as a key training base for the Croatian Army. The facility supports a variety of training activities, including live-fire exercises for small arms, anti-tank rockets, artillery, and armoured vehicles.
The ongoing training and integration of the Bradley vehicles underscore Croatia’s commitment to modernising its armed forces. It enhances interoperability with NATO allies and ensures readiness to address contemporary security challenges.
