Israeli firm Elbit Systems Ltd. has been awarded a $130 million contract to supply its Iron Fist Active Protection Systems (APS) to BAE Systems Hägglunds for integration into the CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) for a European country, according to a press release from the company.
The contract is expected to be fulfilled over five and a half years.
The Iron Fist APS, described by Elbit Systems as an advanced protection system, is designed to improve the self-defence capabilities of armoured vehicles against modern threats.
The system is said to offer 360-degree protection against a range of anti-armour threats, including Anti-Tank Rockets (ATR), Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and loitering munitions.
The company highlights the system’s high performance and relatively low requirements for volume, weight, and power, making it suitable for both open terrain and urban environments.
Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit Systems Land, commented on the contract, stating, “Following the contracts signed in recent years, we are honoured to be awarded this important contract by BAE Systems Hägglunds for a European country.”
He added that Elbit’s Iron Fist APS has been chosen as a solution to protect armoured platforms and troops, according to the company’s statement.
The company’s claims about the effectiveness and innovation of the Iron Fist APS will likely be evaluated as the system is integrated and used in real-world conditions.
No doubt this news is going to spark protests. Also, more great news for the CV-90 and website engagement in the comment section. lol
Uk should have bought cv90 the ajax has been a total waste of money
Yep. I was just waiting how long until someone brought it up. lol. Also, when I say protests, I mean actual protests at BAE System sites because of where the system is coming from. It will give people with too much time something to do.
To late for that one David 💰💰💰💰 🙄
I know we had a couple at larkhill a few years ago I asked them where the bv was going to fit all I got was a blank look
We would have done the same thing to CV90. The issue is that the UK MoD adds so many requirements that taking something off the shelf doesn’t work anymore. Look at watchkeeper, we added 1000+ additional requirements and made it so heavy it basically falls out the sky. Ajax is the same thing, we stacked it so full of equipment and additional requirements that it became too heavy and the suspension couldn’t support it. So they had to go back to the drawing board after the first trials. ASCOD2, the basis for ajax is a successful existing chassis in use… Read more »
Hulls are built in spain for some reason but if no one else buys the ajax system which I don’t think they will most are opting for cv90 , then the production line will close same as As90
Hulls are built in spain because ASCOD2 (the platform Ajax is based in) was already in production there. Those lines probably won’t close fully, there are other customers for ascod.
But Ajax specifically, its not being marketed for export at all to my knowledge, so that production line with the upgraded suspension etc will close for sure.
Ajax hasn’t got an APS has it?
No. A commercial drone with a an HEAT grenade and it is a mission kill at least.
That’s what I thought. Most expensive armoured vehicle we’ve ever purchased and it STILL doesn’t have an APS.
That’s crazy
They will be around for a long time. It wouldn’t surprise me if Ajax already had significant EM countermeasures, but jamming won’t be enough for long against increased autonomy. Perhaps it will have another (kinetic) form of counter-drone added later. I hope there’s enough weight reserve.
“Enough weight reserve” – thats really amusing .
I would say thats almost an impossibility considering how bloated the vehicle became once ‘upgraded’ to fulfill the Armies requirerments.
I wish France would buy CV90… This is a good IFV.
At least with Isreali systems and hardware you know it’s battle tested and will work. So putting politics aside it’s a sensible decision.
I have been saying the same thing about a lot of IDF kit. They have more or less been fighting a war of survival since the country formed. Everything including their tactics get tested regularly. Just one thing for example. Israel seen a flaw or deficit in the F35. They negotiated to put something in the wings near the roots. What was it and do we need it. One things for sure whatever it is, it will work.