Israeli arms developer Elbit Systems has received a $228-million contract to provide its proprietary Iron Fist active protection system for the US Army’s Bradley infantry fighting vehicles.
The deal supports an ongoing effort led by General Dynamics to modernize the force’s Bradley fleet for eight years, potentially covering more than 1,200 vehicles throughout the program.
Elbit is expected to facilitate the Iron Fist work for three years.
Capabilities to be delivered under the agreement will build on an initial contract announced in May 2024, which identified the M2A4E1 Bradley variant as the recipient at the time of the award.
The latest contract serves as the third order under the broader Bradley upgrade initiative.
Alongside the American fleet, the Iron Fist is currently being fitted onto European NATO CV90 infantry fighting vehicles.
‘Technological Edge’
Elbit’s Iron Fist weapon system employs a “hard-kill” technology that reinforces the self-defense of vehicles in open fields and urban environments.
It acts as a 360-degree shield by firing a small interceptor to neutralize sensor-detected threats at a safe distance away from troops.
The solution is housed in a compact, low-volume turret and is effective against unmanned aerial systems, loitering munitions, anti-tank missiles, rockets, and kinetic energy ammunition.
“Our globally recognized Active Protection System continues to demonstrate its technological edge,” said Bezhalel Machlis, CEO and president at Elbit Systems.
“As a leading provider in this field, we are proud of our close and strategic partnership with [General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems] and the US Army, and of the trust placed in us to deliver systems that enhance survivability and protect the lives of American troops in the field.”
