Elbit Systems Wins $37M Contract for Iron Fist APS

Elbit Systems Wins $37 Million Contract for Iron Fist APS Supply to US Army

Elbit Systems has secured a $37 million contract to provide its Iron Fist Active Protection Systems (APS) to General Dynamics for the upgrade of the U.S. Army's Bradley M2A4E1 Infantry Fighting Vehicles. This deal marks Elbit's initial venture into Bradley vehicle enhancements and underlines the expanding presence of APS technology in military defense systems.

Key Takeaways

• Elbit Systems has clinched a $37 million deal to furnish Iron Fist APS to General Dynamics for the upgrade of U.S. Army Bradley vehicles, offering comprehensive 360-degree defense against various anti-armor threats.
• This marks Elbit's foray into Bradley vehicle upgrades, with the contract set to run for 24 months.
• The Iron Fist APS, utilized by the Israel Defense Force, serves as a second-generation hard-kill system, countering a wide array of threats including Anti-Tank Rockets, Missiles, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and Loitering threats, across diverse environments.
• The system has proven efficacy in both open terrain and complex urban settings, significantly boosting vehicle survivability.
• This development underscores the ongoing collaboration among defense firms in fortifying military capabilities.

Analysis

This agreement represents a significant step in the rising prominence of Active Protection Systems (APS) within military defense strategies. Elbit Systems' agreement with General Dynamics, amounting to $37 million for Iron Fist APS, is poised to bolster the protection of U.S. Army Bradley vehicles. The successful deployment of this second-generation hard-kill system by the Israel Defense Force against various anti-armor threats further enhances its appeal.

The implications of this deal extend to both participating entities, potentially paving the way for deeper collaboration in military advancements. Furthermore, it may prompt other defense companies to follow suit, hastening the proliferation of APS technology. Nations utilizing Bradley vehicles, such as Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, may also express interest in similar upgrades, offering substantial benefits to Elbit Systems and General Dynamics.

The immediate consequences encompass technology transfer, job creation, and the prospect of increased revenue. In the long term, this milestone could usher in a shift in the defense industry's focus towards APS, driving heightened investment in advanced protection systems. However, it could also stimulate adversaries to develop countermeasures, perpetuating the cyclical nature of defense-offense dynamics.

Did You Know?

• Active Protection Systems (APS): These systems are employed in military vehicles to detect and thwart incoming threats, such as anti-tank rockets and missiles, before they reach the vehicle, thus elevating the vehicle's survivability on the battlefield.
• Iron Fist APS: Crafted by Elbit Systems, the Iron Fist APS represents a second-generation hard-kill system tailored to counter a diverse spectrum of anti-armor threats. It delivers comprehensive 360-degree protection against Anti-Tank Rockets, Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, and Loitering threats across varying environments, encompassing open terrains and intricate urban landscapes.
• General Dynamics and Elbit Systems Collaboration: This contract underscores the ongoing synergy between defense firms in fortifying military capabilities. In this instance, the collaboration between General Dynamics, a prominent U.S. defense contractor, and Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense electronics company, facilitates the integration of Iron Fist APS into the U.S. Army's Bradley M2A4E1 Infantry Fighting Vehicles, thereby augmenting the vehicles' defensive capabilities.