Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems has received a $37-million contract to deliver Iron First active protection systems for the US Army’s Bradley M2A4E1 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs).
Iron Fist is a “hard-kill” mounted capability providing enhanced self-defense for light utility to heavy armored vehicles against modern threats.
The weapon debuted in the early 2000s and is now serving as the Israel Defense Force’s second-generation active protection system.
The 360-degree system incorporates a radar sensor and infrared tracker to neutralize targets through a “very-near” contact approach, decreasing fragmentation effects and collateral damage in both open terrain and urban battlefields.
Assets the Iron Fist can counter include anti-tank rockets, guided missiles, aerial drones, and loitering munitions.
Work for the contract will be performed over two years.
Upgrading US IFV Fleet
According to Elbit, the recent agreement is part of General Dynamics’ ongoing project to upgrade the US Army IFVs for eight years.
This effort will integrate second-gen active protection systems for approximately nine Bradley brigades, or more than 1,200 vehicles.
“Our Iron Fist Active Protection Systems represent the highest level of innovation, offering comprehensive protection against evolving threats on the modern battlefield,” Elbit Systems Land General Manager Yehuda Vered commented on the contract signing.
“Through this strategic collaboration with [General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems], we are honored to contribute to the enhancement of the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, further empowering the US armed forces with enhanced capabilities to fulfill their missions effectively and safely.”
Elbit secured a similar contract in 2023 to supply gunner hand stations for the US Army’s Bradley IFVs.
Deliveries for the contract will commence later this year.
Modernizing Bradleys
The US invested $154 million in January 2024 to outfit the army’s Bradley fleet with second-generation forward-looking infrared cameras.
In August 2023, the Pentagon selected BAE Systems to produce more than 70 Bradleys in its A4 variant. It served as a follow-on project for a 2022 deal seeking replacements for older IFVs.
In October 2022, BAE received another contract to sustain the operability of the army’s Bradley IFV and fire support team variants.