Falcons demonstrate precision during firing from Bradley vehicles
Croatian Bradley vehicle crews conducted firing exercises at the Gašinci military training area near Đakovo as part of a training cycle lasting several weeks
On 6 March 2025, at Gašinci training area near Đakovo, members of the Falcons (Sokolovi) 1st Armoured-Mechanized Battalion of the Guards Armored-Mechanized Brigade of the Croatian Army conducted firing practice with M2A2 ODS Bradley infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). The main gun used was the M242 Bushmaster, calibre 25 x 137 mm, and the M240 machine gun, calibre 7.62 x 51 mm.
The firing was conducted by Croatian Bradley vehicle crews as part of the Operator New Equipment Training (OPNET) cycle lasting several weeks. The cycle is conducted under the supervision and assistance of instructors from the American company BAE Systems Inc. It covers a number of aspects of the operational use of Bradley, both at the level of the entire crew (vehicle commander, gunner, driver), as well as at the level of individual tasks and duties.
Crews of the infantry fighting vehicles, among other things, practice driving and maneuvering in field conditions, the use of weapon systems, various optical sensors, communication systems and more.
Training is conducted, in addition to Gašinci training area, at the “132nd Brigade of the Croatian Army” barracks in Našice and at the nearby Grbavica training area.
The crews demonstrated a high level of training and precision in both day and night conditions, during stationary firing and fire-on-the-move. After a series of successful hits, the Bradley crews and other Falcons personnel who were on the firing range were satisfied with the new assets, highlighting their firepower, armour protection and mobility.
Comprehensive training of Falcons for the operational use of Bradley vehicles continues, at all organizational levels, and in all duties and specialties, from commanders and crews to mechanics and logisticians to members of the so-called dismounted infantry unit.
