Israeli defense company Elbit to boost US Army’s defense capabilities

The Israeli defense company Elbit Systems has won a $127 million contract to boost the U.S. Army’s defense capabilities, the company announced on Tuesday.

The contract includes the delivery of Iron Fist Active Protection Systems (APS) to General Dynamics Ordnance, which provides 360-degree protection against various anti-tank threats. The system is designed to neutralize close-range projectiles on the battlefield and works in both urban and open war zones. Furthermore, the Israeli-developed system is characterized by its high performance and low power, weight and volume.

Elbit will also deliver Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) to the U.S. military’s Bradley M2A4E1 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). The Israeli defense systems reportedly work in both urban and open war zones.

Yehuda Vered, the general manager of Elbit Systems, said the company was proud to provide enhanced defense capabilities to the U.S. military.

“This follow-on contract with our strategic partner, GD-OTS, emphasizes the high quality of our active protection system and its level of innovation. We are proud of our contribution to empowering the US Armed Forces, as well as other NATO customers and our support of the Israeli Defense Forces,” Vered said in an official statement.

“We remain committed to advancing cutting-edge solutions that enhance our customers' operational capabilities and support their mission success,” he added.

Elbit’s military upgrades to the U.S. equipment are scheduled to be installed and delivered over the next three years.

Headquartered in the northern Israeli city of Haifa, Elbit Systems has emerged as one of the Jewish state’s leading defense companies. The company develops various cutting-edge military technology platforms, including unmanned aerial defense systems, and has consequently become a key player in the international defense arena.

Elbit announced in May that it had, for the first time, sold its new Red Sky air defense system to an undisclosed foreign client, likely a state. The order was reportedly worth approximately $48 million.

At the time, Elbit’s general manager said the defense system would be a key player in securing borders and protecting strategic assets.

“The Red Sky system represents a state-of-the-art solution that addresses the urgent need to defend borders and secure strategic assets against a wide array of aerial threats at an affordable cost,” Vered stated.

“This new defense solution was created based on close collaboration between Elbit Systems’ divisions, utilizing existing Elbit Systems building blocks and integrating them into a comprehensive new solution with new anti-aircraft missiles and advanced soft-kill defense mechanisms,” he added.

The Israeli military’s extensive and ongoing combat experience has facilitated the development of Elbit’s cutting-edge military solutions.

In October 2023, IDF's elite Maglan unit successfully deployed Elbit’s Iron Sting mortar system in battle against Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip.

The cutting-edge Iron Sting system is designed to neutralize terrorists in urban combat while minimizing harm to the surrounding civilian population. The system is reportedly the world’s only deployed mortar munition with target-guided missile capabilities.