Elbit Systems has secured a $228 million follow-on contract to deliver its Iron Fist active protection system for the U.S. Army’s Bradley infantry fighting vehicle upgrade program, the company and industry sources reported. The award continues integration of the Iron Fist system as part of wider force modernization efforts.
What the Contract Covers
Under the contract awarded to Elbit Systems by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS), the company will supply Iron Fist active protection systems over a three-year period for Bradley IFV upgrades. This follows earlier contracts, building on work begun with an initial award in 2024.
The Iron Fist APS is designed to detect and defeat incoming threats such as anti-tank rockets, anti-tank guided missiles, unmanned aerial systems, loitering munitions and kinetic tank projectiles. The system offers 360-degree protection while keeping weight, volume and power demands suitable for integration onto armored vehicles.
Why It Matters
Active protection systems like Iron Fist are becoming a priority for modern armored forces. Emerging battlefield threats, including advanced guided missiles and small drones, have driven investment in technologies that can detect and neutralize threats before they strike. The U.S. Army’s decision to continue with Iron Fist reflects this demand.
Iron Fist has already been selected by the Israel Defense Forces and several NATO partners for different armored platforms. The current award marks the third selection of Iron Fist by the U.S. Army, highlighting sustained interest from Pentagon acquisition programs.
Background on the Bradley and Iron Fist
The Bradley infantry fighting vehicle has been in U.S. Army service for decades, and recent upgrade efforts aim to improve protection, mobility and sensor suites. In previous contracts, Elbit Systems provided Iron Fist APS units as part of the Bradley M2A4E1 upgrade package. These upgrades also include vision and control system enhancements to increase battlefield effectiveness.
Iron Fist is a hard-kill APS, meaning it intercepts and destroys incoming threats at close range. Its radar and sensor suite work together to detect, track and defeat attacks, improving crew and vehicle survivability in combat.
Industry and Strategic Context
Iron protection systems now compete with other APS technologies globally. Investments in these systems reflect lessons from recent conflicts, where armored vehicles have faced persistent threats from guided rockets, drones and other modern weapons. Elbit’s continued selection suggests confidence in its performance and integration capabilities.
What Comes Next
Production and delivery under the $228 million contract will occur through the next three years. Integration of Iron Fist onto Bradley IFVs supports broader Army modernization goals. Officials from Elbit Systems have underscored their strategic partnership with GD-OTS and the U.S. Army in statements tied to the award.
