TMN: Preview: M2A3 Bradley IFV (Ver.2020+) in 35th scale from Magic Factory

Not finished with the Bradley by a long shot! Magic Factory's latest M2A3 (Ver. 2020+) in 35th scale kit is next. Art, features, profiles, decals, extras & a built-up kit in our preview...

Preview: M2A3 Bradley IFV (Ver. 2020+) in 35th scale from Magic Factory

M2A3 Bradley IFV (Ver. 2020+)

From Magic Factory

Kit No. #2015

1/35th scale

Plastic injection model kit

Photo-etch & 3D-printed resin included

Four marking choices provided in the box

Magic Factory Website & Facebook Page

Magic Factory have produced another variant of the Bradley kit. This one is also in 1/35th scale but features the markings of four vehicles from the US armed forces as the subjects in the limelight. The M2A3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (Ver. 2020+) is the one we are looking at today...

The M2A3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (Ver. 2020+):

The M2A3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (Ver. 2020+) represents the apex of fully digitised mechanised warfare, integrating modern sensor packages and upgraded survivability metrics. It securely transports a crew of three and six infantrymen across complex battlefields, delivering formidable combined-arms support against both dismounted troops and heavily armoured targets. Introduced in 2000, the Bradley M2A3 transformed the infantry fighting vehicle into a fully digital platform, significantly enhancing target acquisition, fire control, navigation, and situational awareness. Beyond its electronic upgrades, the M2A3 also bolstered survivability through improved passive and reactive armour, along with advanced fire-suppression and NBC protection systems.

At the core of the A3's modern iteration is its revolutionized digital architecture. Upgrades feature the Commander's Independent Viewer (CIV) and integrated second-generation Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) sensors. These enhancements allow crews to seamlessly scan 360-degree environments and independently track, lase, and hand off targets.

A U.S. Army M2A3 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle in Syria. December 2024

The digitised fire-control system maximises the lethality of its primary M242 25mm Bushmaster chain gun and dual-tube TOW anti-tank missile systems. For crew survivability, the Ver. 2020+ builds upon its baseline armour with advanced passive and reactive shielding against asymmetric threats. Structural improvements include enhanced spall liners, titanium roof armour, and upgraded fire-suppression modules. Powered by a robust 600-horsepower diesel engine, the vehicle retains the essential speed and cross-country mobility required to maintain rapid formations alongside M1 Abrams main battle tanks.

What truly sets the Bradley apart from other IFVs is its ability to carry infantry safely into combat while providing a great deluge of covering fire, making it a versatile force multiplier on the battlefield. With reactive armour and modern electronics, the M2A3 Bradley remains a key asset in modern warfare.

The Kit: M2A3 Bradley IFV (Ver. 2020+) in 35th scale from Magic Factory

Magic Factory has given us a new Bradley – this time the M2A3 in 35th scale. The kit features the machines that are currently in frontline service all around the world with the US Army.

The latest features of the M2A3 Bradley IFV (Ver. 2020+) are captured in this kit. Inside the kit, you will find:

Although the photo-etch is not extensive, there are plenty of small parts in PE to add to the sides of the hull. Along with mesh grilles and the barrel of the main gun, which is a bonus!