US Army Deploys Israeli Iron Fist Active Protection System on Bradley Vehicles
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
The U.S. Army is deploying its first Bradley fighting vehicles equipped with Israel's Iron Fist active protection system, supplied by Elbit Systems. The initial deployment is with the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, as part of a $228 million contract. The Iron Fist system uses sensors and explosive interceptors to neutralize threats like missiles and drones before impact.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The U.S. Army is deploying Israeli Iron Fist active protection systems on Bradley fighting vehicles.
- The first units receiving the upgraded vehicles are part of the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.
- The deployment is part of a $228 million contract signed in January 2026.
- Elbit Systems is the Israeli company supplying the Iron Fist protection system.
- The Iron Fist system detects and destroys incoming threats like missiles and drones before impact.
The U.S. Army has begun deploying its first Bradley fighting vehicles equipped with the Israeli Iron Fist active protection system, developed by Elbit Systems. The initial deployment is with the 1st Cavalry Division, specifically the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. The exact number of vehicles and the timeline for completing this deployment phase have not been disclosed.
This deployment is part of a $228 million contract signed in January 2026, following an earlier $37 million order in 2024. General Dynamics is leading the Bradley modernization program, with Elbit Systems supplying the protective equipment. The Iron Fist system is designed to detect and neutralize incoming threats such as missiles, projectiles, and drones before they impact the vehicle. It utilizes radar and infrared sensors on the turret to identify threats, which are then destroyed by explosive interceptors detonating near the target. The interceptors are designed with combustible materials to minimize risk to nearby infantry.
In addition to the Iron Fist system, the upgraded M2A4E1 Bradley variant features an improved high-resolution thermal sight and an advanced climate control unit for the crew and personnel.