Elbit secures $37 Million deal to equip US Army's new Bradley M2A4E1 IFV with Iron Fist active protection system.

On May 5, 2024, Elbit Systems received a contract from General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, valued at approximately $37 million, to supply an unspecified number of Iron Fist active protection systems for the US Army's Bradley M2A4E1 program. The contract is scheduled for completion within 24 months.
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The US Army has allocated funds to procure a Bradley M2A4E1 for each Bradley previously provided to Ukraine, totaling around 200 vehicles to date. (Picture source: PEO GCS)

This contract follows the April 30, 2024 announcement by the US Program Executive Office Ground Combat Systems about the unveiling of the M2A4E1 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle in Saco, Maine. Additionally, the US Army has funded the procurement of a Bradley M2A4E1 for each of the approximately 200 vehicles previously supplied to Ukraine.

The M2A4E1, which is an enhanced version of the Bradley M2A4 designed to rectify limitations of earlier models, will integrate the Iron Fist Active Protection System, an upgraded High Definition Forward Looking Infrared Gunner’s Sight, and an Environmental Control Unit.

These modifications added weight and reduced the vehicle's operational capabilities. To address these issues, Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) were implemented. ECP1 focuses on restoring mobility by installing lighter tracks, new shock absorbers, a revised suspension support system, and heavy-weight torsion bars, aiming to better manage the increased weight while maintaining sufficient ground clearance for rough terrains and reducing vulnerability to improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Following this, ECP2 aims to enhance automotive power through a larger engine, a new transmission, and a smart power management system intended to improve electrical power distribution, facilitating the integration of advanced networked tactical radios and battle command systems. Vehicles receiving both ECP1 and ECP2 upgrades are designated as M2A4, with the initial ECP1 upgrades fielded in mid-2015 and ECP2 upgrades starting in 2018.

In terms of production, the M2A4 is built on existing frames from Bradley variants such as the M2A3, M7A3, and M2A2 ODS-SA. In June 2018, BAE Systems Land and Armaments received a contract to produce up to 164 M2A4 and M7A4 Bradley Fighting Vehicles. The M2A4 includes improvements such as an enhanced drivetrain and a more powerful engine, alongside new digitized electronics that support modern military operations. Additional features include a new fire suppression system and an IED jammer to improve crew safety in conflict zones. The first units of the M2A4 were deployed in April 2022.

Elbit Systems' active protection system (APS), the Iron Fist, can be found on many vehicles, including the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle. (Picture source: Elbit Systems)

A key feature of the M2A4E1 is the Iron Fist Active Protection System (APS), developed through a collaboration between General Dynamics and Elbit Systems. This advanced defense mechanism, installed on armored vehicles to counter threats like rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), operates on a "hard-kill" basis, meaning it actively intercepts and neutralizes incoming threats before they can impact the vehicle. It is equipped with sensors and radars that continuously monitor the surroundings for potential threats. Upon detection of a threat, the system computes the necessary parameters to launch a counter-munition at a precisely calculated moment. This interceptor, a small explosive device, is detonated near the threat, disabling it through the release of shrapnel and a shock wave, thereby preventing damage to the target vehicle​​.

The Iron Fist is characterized by its adaptability across various military vehicle platforms, ranging from light armored vehicles to more heavily armored tanks. The system includes optical and radar sensors that provide a comprehensive 360-degree defensive coverage. Its modular design allows for integration onto different types of vehicles with minimal modifications. Despite the complexity and capabilities of the system, it has been designed to be relatively lightweight and to maintain a low profile on the vehicle, ensuring that it does not significantly alter the vehicle's operational capabilities or physical profile.

The Bradley M2A4E1 also incorporates a High Definition Forward Looking Infrared Gunner’s Sight (HD FLIR Gunner’s Sight) utilizes third-generation forward-looking infrared (FLIR) technology, primarily integrated into military vehicles like the M1A2 Abrams tanks. This system allows operators to detect heat emissions from objects, converting them into thermal images for display. This capability is critical for identifying and engaging targets over long distances, effectively operating regardless of the environmental conditions, including through smoke, fog, and complete darkness. The FLIR system thereby supports both detection and engagement activities by providing clear thermal imaging regardless of environmental conditions.

Additionally, the Environmental Control Unit (ECU) integrated into the M2A4E1 Bradley is a system designed to regulate the internal conditions of the vehicle, controlling temperature, humidity, and air quality to maintain a stable environment for the occupants. ECUs are typically essential in military vehicles to ensure the internal atmosphere remains conducive to crew performance across various environmental conditions. The inclusion of such systems generally supports other enhancements to improve the survivability and functionality of military vehicles, such as better power generation and enhanced electronic systems.