IMoD Selected Elbits’ Active Protection System for the Eitan AFV

The Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) selected Elbit Systems’ Iron Fist Light Decoupled (IFLD) Active Protection System (APS), for the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) Eitan new eight-wheeled Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) and the D-9 Bulldozer. The selection of the IFLD for the IDF’s Eitan AFV comes on the heels of the decision by the U.S. Army to proceed with the IFLD for the Bradley AFV.

Iron Fist current configuration includes optical sensors, RADA’s CHR radar, launchers and countermeasure munitions to defeat threats at a safe distance from the defended combat vehicles. The system provides full hemispherical protection coverage for close-range scenarios in both open terrain and urban environments.

The Eitan is an 8-wheeled vehicle weighing approximately 30-35 tons. It has a top speed of 90 km/h and can carry 12 men including 3 crew, a 30 mm gun and a missile firing position. The Eitan is planned to replace hundreds of outdated M113s vehicles still in active service.

The Iron Fist incorporates RADA’s software defined Compact Hemispheric Radars (CHR). Dov Sella, RADA’s CEO, said: “We are working with Elbit/IMI for over a decade on the development and testing of the Iron Fist APS, and have continuously improved our radar capabilities. We estimate the total available market of radars for APS at over $2.5 billion globally. Based on the Israeli and US selections of the Iron Fist, we anticipate accelerated global interest by many modern armed forces who seek to enhance defensive capabilities for their AFVs”.

Demonstration of Iron Fist series of Active Protection System: