After years of anticipation and development challenges, the U.S. Army is set to bolster its armored fleet with the “Iron Fist” Active Protection System (APS). The advanced Israeli-designed technology aims to shield the M2A4 Bradley fighting vehicles from a plethora of threats, including rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank missiles, by deploying a counter-munition to neutralize incoming projectiles.
The Iron Fist, similar to its counterpart system TROPHY, has undergone rigorous testing and refinement. Initially, the Iron Fist could only thwart 50% of incoming threats, according to Lt. Col. Mario Iglesias, M2A4 Bradley product manager.
However, after substantial software updates and system reconfigurations by Elbit Systems and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, the latest version, Iron Fist Light Decoupled, successfully countered threats 70% of the time in the most recent testing.
The testing, conducted from February to September across Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, and White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, “truly tested the limits of the system,” said Iglesias.
He explained that the testing environment simulated realistic combat situations, including other operational vehicles and structures within the vicinity.
Furthermore, the Iron Fist APS demonstrated an expanded capability in Israel—countering drones, an enhancement not initially required but now deemed necessary in light of current combat scenarios, as evidenced in Ukraine. This breakthrough showcases the system’s adaptability and foresight in addressing evolving battlefield threats.
The Army has approved the Iron Fist for fielding a brigade set by 2025, though it presently lacks the necessary funding for procurement. Despite budgetary challenges, this development marks a significant stride toward modernizing the U.S. military’s ground combat vehicles.
Major General Glenn Dean, the Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems, emphasized the importance of securing the advanced defensive technology to future-proof the Army’s motor pool.
While the full implementation of the Iron Fist across the fleet awaits funding, the Army also examines alternatives such as the medium variant of the Trophy APS and the StrikeShield system for compatibility with ground combat vehicles.
The success of Iron Fist and its potential expansion to other vehicles or brigades remains contingent upon future testing and budget approvals.
The Pentagon’s chief weapons tester has indicated that the Army intends to repeat 2022’s effectiveness and survivability testing with production-representative systems before a limited-user test scheduled for fiscal 2025.
Additionally, feedback from senior noncommissioned officers during a soldier touchpoint suggested improvements to the system, including giving the Bradley commander the ability to place protection zones in standby mode during troop loading and unloading, as well as alerting crew members of near misses to quickly locate and engage the source of the threat.
The Iron Fist’s progression from a challenged project to a promising addition to the U.S. Army’s arsenal underscores the military’s commitment to adapting to modern warfare demands and enhancing the survivability of its armored vehicles.
With the Iron Fist APS, the Bradley fighting vehicles are one step closer to being equipped for the threats of tomorrow’s battlefields.
Relevant articles:
– Here’s What The Army’s New ‘Iron Fist’ Active Protection System On The M2 Bradley Can Do, SlashGear
– With issues resolved, Bradley to get Iron Fist protection system, Defense News, Jan 24, 2023