Elbit Systems Secures $150M Iron Fist Contract for NATO CV90 Vehicles
Elbit Systems has won a $150 million contract to supply its Iron Fist protection system to CV90 manufacturer BAE Systems Hägglunds, following an order from one of NATO’s member nations.
 |
| Credit: Elbit Systems |
A few months before this contract was signed, the company carried out a live demonstration in Europe in September 2025 to showcase Iron Fist’s ability to intercept kinetic energy penetrators. During the trial, the system successfully neutralized more than a dozen 120mm APFSDS rounds. These armor‑piercing projectiles were broken into smaller fragments and deflected, ensuring that any residual debris striking the armored vehicle carried significantly reduced penetration energy.
Iron Fist is designed as a modern active protection system capable of providing full 360-degree coverage for armored platforms. It offers defense against anti-tank rockets, guided missiles, unmanned aerial systems, loitering munitions, and in heavier configurations, even tank-fired kinetic and HEAT rounds.
The system employs a dual-sensor suite combining radio-frequency radar and passive infrared detection. Up to four AESA Doppler radars and four infrared sensors can be installed, enabling reliable classification of threats and precise hostile fire location. In addition, the system enhances situational awareness by supplying threat data and panoramic high-definition camera coverage.
The control unit is a computerized module equipped with a human-machine interface and integration kits tailored for vehicle systems. Iron Fist is engineered for straightforward installation, with the lightweight IF-LD version weighing approximately 725 pounds. Its bolt-on design minimizes structural modifications, requires low power consumption, and can operate using existing vehicle displays.
Performance characteristics include rapid reaction times, the ability to engage threats at high elevation angles, and functionality in both urban and open terrain. Hostile fire detection is integrated, and multiple launchers are fitted with pre-loaded interceptors to ensure readiness.
Countermeasures are divided into soft-kill and hard-kill options. The soft-kill element uses directional electro-optical jamming to interfere with incoming guidance systems. The hard-kill component employs blast interceptors that destroy or deflect threats with controlled fragmentation, reducing collateral damage by using small, precisely detonated charges.
Iron Fist is optimized for Main Battle Tanks (MBTs, large-sized), Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs, medium-sized), and lighter vehicles where compact dimensions and reduced weight are critical. This versatility ensures the system can be adapted to different platform classes, providing scalable protection across heavy, medium, and light armored vehicles.
Iron Fist has been selected to protect a range of armored vehicles worldwide. Among them are the US Army’s Bradley IFV in its M2A4E1 configuration, Sweden and Slovakia’s CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, Australia’s AS21 Redback, and Israel’s Eitan armored personnel carrier.
Written by Henry Wan
Henry Wan is an independent defense journalist with over 14 years of experience reporting on military affairs and security issues. He has covered defense strategies, military technology, and geopolitical developments with a consistent focus on accuracy, independence, and a comprehensive understanding of global security matters.