BAE Systems Hägglunds orders Elbit Systems' Iron Fist APS for European country's CV90 IFVs

BAE Systems Hägglunds has ordered Iron Fist APSs from Elbit Systems for the CV90 IFVs of an unnamed European country. (Elbit Systems)

BAE Systems Hägglunds has ordered the Iron Fist active protection system (APS) from Elbit Systems for installation on the CV90 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) of an unnamed European country, the Israeli company announced in a press release on 8 August. Elbit Systems valued the contract at approximately USD130 million and said it would be performed for five and half years.

It noted that Iron Fist is a hard-kill system in service with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that provides armoured platforms with 360° protection from anti-armour threats ranging from anti-tank rockets and anti-tank guided missiles to unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) and loitering munitions in both open and urban terrain.

The Netherlands was the first country to select Iron Fist for its CV90s in 2019 and the contract was announced in September that year, according to Janes Armoured Fighting Vehicles. The CV9035NL mid-life upgrade includes the installation of Iron Fist–Light Decoupled (IF-LD) hard-kill APS on the IFV.

IF-LD will also be installed on Slovakian CV90s, which are scheduled to be delivered in 2026–29.

One of the reasons the Czech Republic selected the CV90 is that it features the proven Iron Fist APS, according to the country's Ministry of Defence. The timeline for it to receive its CV90s is 2026–30.

BAE Systems Hägglunds and Elbit Systems declined when contacted by Janes to name the country that placed the Iron Fist order for its CV90s.

For more information on the CV90, please seeFeature: CV90 capabilities grow with user base .