Elbit Systems’ Iron Fist APS to Enhance Survivability of NATO European CV90 Fleets

Elbit Systems Ltd has secured new contracts worth approximately $150 million from BAE Systems Hägglunds for the supply and integration of its Iron Fist Active Protection System (APS) on CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicle platforms operated by European NATO member states.

The contracts form part of the long-standing strategic partnership between Elbit Systems and BAE Systems Hägglunds and reflect growing European demand for advanced survivability solutions for armored formations in high-intensity conflict scenarios.

Breakthrough Live-Fire Milestone

The latest awards follow a significant technological milestone achieved in September 2025, when Elbit Systems conducted a live-fire demonstration of Iron Fist in Europe. During the trial, the system successfully intercepted more than a dozen 120 mm kinetic-energy (KE) APFSDS tank rounds — an achievement considered exceptional within the active protection systems domain.

According to industry observers, successful hard-kill interception of KE threats remains one of the most technically demanding challenges in armored vehicle protection. The demonstration, attended by senior military officials and defense industry representatives, provided rare empirical validation of Iron Fist’s capability against modern main battle tank ammunition.

System Overview

Iron Fist is a hard-kill, second-generation APS developed to significantly enhance armored vehicle survivability across a broad spectrum of threats. Designed with low weight, volume, and power consumption, the system is optimized for integration on medium and heavy armored platforms without major vehicle redesign.

Key capabilities include:

• 360-degree protection in open and urban environments
• Defeat of ATGMs, anti-tank rockets, UAS, loitering munitions, and kinetic-energy penetrators
• Advanced threat detection, tracking, and interception architecture suitable for multi-threat engagements

Expanding NATO Adoption

The integration of Iron Fist onto European CV90 fleets signals a broader trend within NATO toward layered active protection as standard equipment rather than a niche upgrade. With armored warfare lessons from Ukraine reshaping procurement priorities, European armies are increasingly prioritizing survivability against both top-attack and direct-fire anti-armor threats.

Iron Fist has already been selected by multiple NATO and international armed forces for deployment across diverse combat platforms, positioning Elbit Systems as one of the leading suppliers in the rapidly expanding APS market.

As European CV90 operators move forward with modernization programs, Iron Fist is expected to play a central role in extending platform relevance and crew survivability in future high-end conflicts.