In a significant development for European defense capabilities, Elbit Systems has been awarded a series of contracts by BAE Systems Hägglunds, amounting to $150 million, to equip the CV90 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) operated by European NATO member states with an advanced active protection system. This initiative aims to enhance the survivability of these vehicles on the battlefield.
The Iron Fist active protection system (APS), a key component of this contract, is designed to offer robust defense against various anti-armor threats, including anti-tank rockets, guided missiles, and drones. Notably versatile, the Iron Fist comes in a lightweight, compact, and modular form, making it suitable for integration with a wide range of military vehicles.
Yehuda Vered, General Manager at Elbit Systems Land, expressed pride in the partnership with BAE Systems Hägglunds. He highlighted how this collaboration not only strengthens their presence across Europe but also ensures the safety of forces worldwide through innovative technological solutions.
While specific countries benefiting from this deal have not been disclosed, the CV90 family is currently in use or has orders from several European nations, including Denmark, Lithuania, and the Netherlands. This makes the introduction of the Iron Fist APS particularly timely, providing these nations with enhanced defense capabilities amid evolving threats in the region.
Elbit Systems recently demonstrated the capabilities of the Iron Fist in a live-fire event in Europe, successfully intercepting more than a dozen 120mm kinetic energy armor-piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) tank rounds. This achievement underscores the system’s effectiveness and fidelity in active protection, touted by the company as “a rare accomplishment.”
In addition to the integration of Iron Fist onto the CV90s, Elbit Systems is also working on its installation onto the US Army’s Bradley IFVs, indicating a growing recognition of the system’s capabilities across various international military applications.
