Elbit Systems’ latest $228-million contract reinforces the role of the Iron Fist active protection system as a core survivability upgrade for the US Army’s Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. Awarded as part of General Dynamics’ multi-year Bradley modernization program, the deal supports ongoing efforts to adapt the platform to evolving anti-armor and drone threats. The program could ultimately see Iron Fist installed on more than 1,200 vehicles, significantly enhancing the protection of mechanized infantry formations. The contract extends Elbit’s work on the Bradley for an additional three years and follows earlier awards that initiated integration on the M2A4E1 variant. Iron Fist employs hard-kill technology to defeat threats before impact, providing a layered defensive shield in both open terrain and urban combat environments. The system’s sensor suite enables rapid detection and tracking, while its interceptors neutralize incoming threats at a controlled distance, reducing risk to crew and nearby dismounted troops. Its low-profile, modular design supports integration without excessive weight or volume penalties. Beyond the US Army, Iron Fist’s adoption on European CV90 platforms reflects growing NATO emphasis on active protection as a standard feature for armored vehicles operating in increasingly contested and drone-saturated battlefields.
