Elbit Systems Wins $127 Million Contract to Equip U.S. Army Bradley IFVs with Iron Fist Active Protection System
Elbit Systems, a prominent Israeli defense firm, has secured a substantial contract worth $127 million to equip the U.S. Army’s Bradley M2A4E1 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) with the Iron Fist Active Protection System (APS). This contract, awarded as a follow-on agreement, strengthens Elbit’s longstanding partnership with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) and highlights the United States’ investment in advanced vehicle protection technologies.
The Iron Fist APS is a sophisticated hard-kill system engineered to detect, track, and neutralize incoming threats before they can reach their target. Designed initially for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Iron Fist has undergone significant upgrades over the years to meet the evolving challenges of modern combat. The system’s latest generation boasts a 360-degree protection capability that is effective in both open fields and the densely packed environments of urban warfare. This versatility allows Iron Fist to protect against a diverse range of anti-tank weapons, including Anti-Tank Rockets (ATR), Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM), Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and loitering munitions.
A standout feature of the Iron Fist APS is its combination of powerful defensive capabilities with a compact footprint. Unlike some larger APS technologies that can add significant weight and bulk to armored vehicles, the Iron Fist maintains a low volume, weight, and power profile. This makes it a highly suitable choice for the Bradley IFVs, which must remain agile while navigating varied terrains and combat scenarios. The system’s minimal impact on vehicle mobility and fuel consumption ensures that it can be integrated without compromising the Bradley’s operational range or maneuverability.
The system works by deploying sensors to detect incoming threats and calculate their trajectories with precision. Once a threat is identified, the Iron Fist activates countermeasures that intercept and neutralize the incoming projectile, all within a fraction of a second. This “hard kill” approach, which destroys threats before they can make contact, is essential for protecting crews and minimizing damage to the vehicle itself. Additionally, the system’s modular design allows it to be upgraded with new components and software, keeping it adaptable to future battlefield requirements.
Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit Systems Land, underscored the strategic importance of this contract, expressing pride in the company’s ability to support both the U.S. Armed Forces and NATO partners. He pointed out that this deal is part of Elbit’s broader commitment to bolstering the defensive capabilities of allied nations while maintaining continuous support for the Israeli Defense Forces.
The integration of Iron Fist APS on Bradley vehicles is scheduled to span 34 months, during which the system will be rigorously tested and optimized for U.S. military standards. The long-term goal of this upgrade is to ensure that U.S. armored units possess cutting-edge defenses that enhance survivability in increasingly complex combat scenarios. With the rising prevalence of anti-tank weaponry and drone-based threats, the importance of systems like Iron Fist cannot be overstated.
As Elbit Systems and GD-OTS move forward with this project, the U.S. Army’s adoption of Iron Fist APS on its Bradley IFVs marks a critical investment in protecting personnel and maintaining a technological edge on the battlefield. This contract not only exemplifies the high quality and innovation of Elbit’s active protection systems but also reinforces the growing alliance between the U.S. and Israeli defense industries in addressing shared security challenges.
