Elbit Systems Ltd. (ESLT) announced Monday that it's getting another crack at keeping American soldiers safe, this time with a $228 million contract to outfit Bradley Fighting Vehicles with its Iron Fist defense technology.
The Israeli defense contractor said General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems awarded the three-year deal to supply active protection systems for the Army's workhorse infantry carriers. It's the third time the Army has picked Iron Fist, following an earlier contract announced last year.
So what exactly is Iron Fist? Think of it as a last-second bodyguard for armored vehicles. The hard-kill system detects and intercepts incoming threats before they make contact, providing 360-degree protection against everything the modern battlefield throws at you: anti-tank rockets, guided missiles, drones, loitering munitions, and high-velocity tank rounds.
The clever part is that Iron Fist manages all this protection while keeping a compact profile. That matters because adding defensive systems to military vehicles often means more weight and power drain, which limits where they can operate. Iron Fist's design lets Bradleys maintain effectiveness in both open terrain and tight urban environments without becoming sluggish.
Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, Elbit's President and CEO, emphasized the strategic partnership: "Our globally recognized Active Protection System continues to demonstrate its technological edge. As a leading provider in this field, we are proud of our close and strategic partnership with GD-OTS and the U.S. Army, and of the trust placed in us to deliver systems that enhance survivability and protect the lives of American troops in the field."
