European NATO-operated CV90 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) are set to receive a major survivability upgrade under a new agreement between BAE Systems Hägglunds and Elbit Systems. The Swedish vehicle manufacturer has awarded the Israeli defense firm contracts worth approximately $150 million to supply and integrate the Iron Fist active protection system (APS) across multiple CV90 fleets in Europe.
The Iron Fist APS is a hard-kill, active defense solution designed to counter a wide range of battlefield threats. Lightweight and modular in design, the system can be integrated onto different armored platforms while maintaining high mobility. It provides full 360-degree protection against anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and emerging threats such as hostile drones.
Elbit Systems highlighted the maturity of the Iron Fist technology following a live-fire demonstration in Europe in September, where the APS successfully intercepted more than a dozen 120mm kinetic energy APFSDS tank rounds. The company described the test as a rare achievement, underlining the system’s capability to defeat both traditional and high-velocity anti-armor munitions.
Beyond the CV90 program, Iron Fist is also being integrated onto the US Army’s Bradley IFVs, reflecting growing NATO and allied interest in active protection solutions. The expansion of Iron Fist across multiple platforms underscores the increasing priority placed on vehicle survivability in high-threat environments.
