Elbit Systems made another breakthrough, receiving new contracts, totaling $150 million, from Sweden’s BAE Systems Hägglunds for its Iron Fist Active Protection System (APS), which protects ground vehicles from attack.
Selling to BAE Systems Hagglunds will facilitate integration into CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) operated by a number of European NATO member states.
This latest deal, despite tensions between the EU and Israel over the Gaza war and certain weapons issues, followed a major milestone achieved in September, when Elbit conducted a high-profile live-fire demonstration in Europe.
During that demonstration, it showcased Iron Fist’s ability to defeat advanced kinetic energy (KE) threats.
A statement said the system successfully intercepted more than a dozen 120 mm. KE APFSDS tank rounds – a rare accomplishment in the APS field.
This event, which was attended by senior military and defense industry representatives, “validated Iron Fist’s effectiveness against some of the most challenging anti-armor threats faced on modern battlefields,” said Elbit.
NATO selects Elbit Iron Fist APS in $150m contract
According to Elbit, the Iron Fist APS is an advanced hard-kill active protection system designed to enhance the survivability and self-defense capabilities of armored platforms against a wide range of modern battlefield threats.
As the IDF’s second-generation APS, Iron Fist “combines high performance with a compact design, characterized by low volume, weight, and power requirements. The system delivers 360-degree protection against various anti-armor threats, including Anti-Tank Rockets (ATR), Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), loitering munitions, and Kinetic-Energy (APFSDS) tank ammunitions, in both open terrain and complex urban environments.”
Iron Fist APS has been selected by leading NATO and worldwide armed forces for integration on a variety of combat platforms, added Elbit.
General manager of Elbit Land Systems Yehuda (Udi) Vered said, “Elbit Systems’ Iron Fist continues to strengthen its presence among Western armies, reflecting growing confidence in the system’s capabilities across Europe and beyond...We value the strong partnership we have developed with BAE Systems Hägglunds, which plays a key role in expanding our footprint across Europe.”