Elbit Systems is set to equip European NATO CV90 infantry fighting vehicles with its Iron Fist active protection system, following a series of contracts awarded by BAE Systems Hägglunds. Valued at $150 million, the agreements cover delivery and integration of the APS to significantly enhance the protection levels of CV90 IFVs operating across Europe.
Iron Fist is a compact and modular hard-kill APS, designed to neutralize incoming threats before they strike armored vehicles. The system delivers 360-degree coverage, defending against anti-tank rockets, guided missiles, and unmanned aerial threats, making it well suited for modern, multi-domain battlefields.
In a recent live-fire trial conducted in Europe, Iron Fist demonstrated its advanced capabilities by intercepting multiple 120mm armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds. Elbit Systems described the performance as exceptional, emphasizing the system’s ability to counter high-energy kinetic threats alongside conventional anti-armor weapons.
The CV90 integration adds to Iron Fist’s growing operational footprint, which already includes deployment on the US Army’s Bradley IFVs. As NATO forces prepare for increasingly complex combat scenarios, the adoption of active protection systems like Iron Fist highlights a broader shift toward layered vehicle defense and enhanced battlefield survivability.
