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Elbit Systems Revolutionizes US Army's Next-Gen Bradley M2A4E1 IFV with Modern Iron Fist APS.
Elbit Systems Ltd. announced that it was awarded a follow-on contract of approximately $127 million to supply Iron Fist Active Protection Systems (APS) to General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) for the modernization of the U.S. Army’s Bradley M2A4E1 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV). This contract will be executed over a period of 34 months.
U.S. Army’s Bradley M2A4E1 Infantry Fighting Vehicles, IFV (Picture source: Elbit Systems)
The Iron Fist APS, known for its Hard Kill capabilities, offers an innovative solution aimed at strengthening the self-defense capabilities of both light and heavy armored vehicles against sophisticated and evolving battlefield threats. Initially developed for the Israel Defense Forces, Iron Fist represents the second generation of APS technology, integrating several design improvements tailored to meet the U.S. Army's high standards for defense systems.
The Iron Fist APS's success lies in its ability to deliver high-performance protection while keeping volume, weight, and power consumption low. This compact design allows it to be integrated into various armored platforms without compromising the vehicle’s mobility or operational capabilities. Designed to offer 360-degree protection, the Iron Fist APS shields armored vehicles from a range of anti-tank threats, including Anti-Tank Rockets (ATR), Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and loitering munitions.
Through advanced sensors, targeting technology, and countermeasure deployment, the system can neutralize incoming projectiles before they reach the vehicle, thereby protecting both the crew and the vehicle itself from potentially lethal damage. The Iron Fist APS can operate effectively in open terrain as well as in urban environments, making it a versatile solution for various operational contexts.
The development of the Iron Fist Active Protection System began in Israel in the early 2000s as anti-tank threats like missiles and rockets became increasingly sophisticated. Israel Military Industries (IMI), later integrated into Elbit Systems, initiated this program to enhance land vehicle protection against direct threats using projectile-neutralizing technology.
The Iron Fist system underwent its initial testing phases in 2006, demonstrating its basic detection and interception capabilities. In 2011, the system was integrated into the Namer armored personnel carrier (APC) for validation, aimed at improving the protection of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Between 2016 and 2017, significant upgrades were made, including adjustments to reduce its weight and power consumption, facilitating its installation on a wider range of vehicles, including the Eitan, the IDF’s wheeled infantry fighting vehicle (IFV).
In 2022, the upgraded version of Iron Fist was selected to equip the U.S. Army’s Bradley M2A4 infantry fighting vehicles, marking a crucial milestone for Elbit Systems in the international market.
The Iron Fist APS has already proven its operational effectiveness with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), particularly on vehicles like the Namer, a robust APC, and the Eitan, a versatile wheeled IFV. These front-line vehicles benefit from effective active protection thanks to Iron Fist, which neutralizes various threats, including anti-tank missiles and projectiles. The successful integration of this system on Israeli armored platforms has bolstered its reputation, leading to its adoption for modernizing the U.S. Army’s Bradley vehicles.
The Iron Fist APS has also attracted interest from other armies beyond Israel and the United States. In addition to its anticipated integration into the U.S. Army’s Bradley M2A4E1 vehicles, the Dutch Army has chosen Iron Fist to equip part of its CV90 infantry fighting vehicle fleet. This decision is part of a modernization program to enhance Dutch vehicles’ protection against modern threats, including anti-tank missiles and rockets. The choice of Iron Fist by multiple armies demonstrates international confidence in its effectiveness as an active protection system for increasingly dangerous environments.
The strategic partnership between Elbit Systems and GD-OTS has been instrumental in integrating Iron Fist into the Bradley IFVs. This latest contract strengthens previous collaborations and solidifies Elbit’s position as a key defense supplier for the U.S. Army and other NATO allies. Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit Systems Land, stated, “This follow-on contract with our strategic partner GD-OTS highlights the quality and innovation of our active protection system. We are proud to contribute to strengthening the U.S. Armed Forces, other NATO customers, and to support the Israel Defense Forces. We remain committed to advancing cutting-edge solutions that enhance our customers’ operational capabilities and support their mission success.”
Several other active protection systems similar to Iron Fist are available on the market, each with features adapted to the needs of various militaries. The Trophy APS, developed by Rafael in Israel, is one of the most tested, used by both the IDF and integrated into the U.S. Army's M1 Abrams tanks to neutralize anti-tank missiles and rockets effectively. In Germany, Rheinmetall’s AMAP-ADS system employs electromagnetic sensors to detect and destroy incoming projectiles, offering an active protection solution for both light and heavy vehicles. In Russia, several systems are in use, including the Arena, designed for T-90 tanks, and the Afghanit, a more advanced system for T-14 Armata tanks, combining radars and electronic countermeasures to intercept threats. The SHTORA system, also Russian, adopts a “soft kill” approach by disrupting enemy missile guidance with electronic interference, making it complementary to physical defense systems. The choice of Iron Fist by the U.S. and the Netherlands underscores a preference for a compact, lightweight, and reliable system, capable of protecting modern vehicles without adding excessive weight, meeting the growing protection demands on contemporary battlefields.
The Iron Fist system also stands out for its enhanced effectiveness compared to other active protection systems. Unlike systems like Trophy, which is effective but relatively heavy, Iron Fist is lighter and more compact, thus reducing its impact on vehicle mobility and autonomy. Its design minimizes energy and volume requirements, making it ideal for various platforms, including lighter vehicles, where systems like Trophy and AMAP-ADS might be more limited due to their weight and integration complexity.
In terms of response capability, Iron Fist offers rapid threat detection and interception with 360-degree coverage, enabling optimal protection against various anti-tank projectiles (including missiles and loitering munitions). This differentiates it from the Russian Arena system, which is effective but limited in directional coverage and lacks the precision needed for multi-target interception. Additionally, Iron Fist is designed for targeted neutralization, limiting collateral damage, a crucial advantage in urban environments or near allied troops, unlike the Russian Afghanit and Arena systems, which generate larger and potentially more destructive explosions in close range.
Iron Fist also excels in its adaptability to modern threats and complex environments, thanks to its scalable technology. Its compatibility with digital command networks makes it suitable for connected warfare needs and enables future software updates, a flexibility lacking in older systems like Arena. Overall, Iron Fist stands out for its lightweight design, effectiveness in urban areas, precision, and ability to adapt to modern battlefield requirements, making it a more versatile and scalable solution for armed forces.
Finally, the Bradley M2A4 is also equipped with the IBAS Block 2.8, representing another significant upgrade. This enhanced acquisition system for the Bradley, equipped with a high-definition long-wave FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) camera, gives the gunner the ability to detect and engage targets both day and night, even in low-visibility conditions. This improved detection capability significantly boosts the Bradley's effectiveness on the battlefield, particularly in environments where asymmetric warfare demands rapid and precise responses.
The chassis of the M2A4E1 remains true to its reputation for robustness and soldier protection, but it benefits from several upgrades to increase mobility in difficult terrains, while also offering improved protection against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The vehicle is equipped with an environmental control system, designed to prevent crew heat stress in extreme climatic conditions, ensuring better operational endurance.
In terms of cybersecurity, enhancements have been made to strengthen protection against cyber threats, a critical area in modern conflicts where command and control systems are often targeted.