Ukraine Loses Rare American-Made Assault Breacher Vehicle in Battle Outside Avdiivka
In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Ukraine has suffered a significant loss. A rare, American-made Assault Breacher engineering vehicle was abandoned by its crew and subsequently struck by a Russian munition, causing severe damage. This marks the first confirmed loss of a Ukrainian Assault Breacher, highlighting the intensity of the fighting around Avdiivka.
Avdiivka, a former Ukrainian stronghold located northwest of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, has been the site of a grueling battle. Ukrainian brigades have been forced to retreat to the west, leaving behind the ruins of what was once a thriving industrial city. The Russian forces have taken control, tipping the balance of power in their favor as the Ukrainian ammunition supply dwindles.
Late last year, the United States quietly donated at least one Assault Breacher to Ukraine, potentially even up to six. The Assault Breacher is a 55-ton vehicle designed for mine and obstacle clearing. It features the armored hull of an M-1 tank, a British-made mine-plow or dozer blade attachment, and launchers for mine-clearing explosive line-charges.
With its two-person crew, the Assault Breacher can safely detonate buried mines, fill trenches, excavate anti-tank berms, and mark safe lanes for tanks and fighting vehicles. Its heavily armored structure provides superior protection compared to other equipment currently in use by Ukrainian forces.
However, even with its advanced protection, the Ukrainian Assault Breacher was damaged—likely from a mine strike—just west of Stepove on Avdiivka’s northern flank. Immobilized and abandoned, it became an easy target for Russian artillery, drones, or anti-tank missile teams.
The Assault Breacher is believed to belong to the Ukrainian army’s 47th Mechanized Brigade, which operates many Western-made heavy vehicles. The brigade previously possessed six Leopard 2R breaching vehicles donated by Finland. However, during a failed attempt to breach a dense minefield in southern Ukraine, three of the Leopard 2Rs were abandoned. It is uncertain if the remaining Leopard 2Rs are still operational.
Given the similarities between the Assault Breacher and the Leopard 2R, it made sense for the 47th Brigade to reinforce or replace its remaining Leopard 2Rs with Assault Breachers. Deploying them around Avdiivka was a strategic move, as they are not only offensive weapons but also useful in active defense. The 47th Brigade has been actively defending the area, conducting frequent counterattacks against Russian assault groups.
The loss of an Assault Breacher is a significant blow to the 47th Brigade’s engineer battalion, especially considering they had recently rebuilt their under-armor mine-clearing capability after losing half of their Leopard 2Rs. Under normal circumstances, the United States would provide a replacement, but political circumstances have hindered further aid to Ukraine. Russia-aligned Republicans in the U.S. Congress have blocked additional assistance, including new vehicles and artillery ammunition.
As a result, the 47th Brigade must make do with the remaining Assault Breachers until the war ends. This loss emphasizes the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces and the need for continued support in their defensive fight against Russian aggression.