The U.S. Army has introduced the M2A4E1, a new variant of its infantry fighting vehicle, the M2 Bradley. This version stands out because of the installation of the Iron Fist Light active protection system from Elbit Systems, an Israeli company. Additionally, the M2A4E1 boasts an upgraded thermal sight for the gunner, providing high-definition imagery and a climate control unit for the infantry compartment.
In all other aspects, the M2A4E1 variant corresponds to the latest operational modification of the M2A4 Bradley IFV, which is being upgraded from the M2A2 and M2A3 variants and has been entering service with the U.S. Army since 2022.
The Iron Fist-Light Decoupled (IF-LD) system, a collaborative development by IMI Systems and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, offers a comprehensive 360-degree protection against short-range threats. Its versatility is evident as it can be effectively used in both open terrain and urban settings, making it a valuable addition to the M2A4E1 variant.
The system’s reduction in size is a result of the Iron Fist being connected to the M2A4E1 Bradley, which comprises detection elements such as a search-and-track radar and an infrared sensor. The Iron Fist Light Decoupled’s configuration enables effortless integration into a wide range of combat vehicles. It creates fresh opportunities for platform upgrades on long-serving systems where size, weight, and power constraints present difficulties.
The Iron Fist Light active protection system (APS) installed on the M2A4E1 consists of two launcher units for countermeasure elements and four detection blocks mounted on the vehicle’s turret. The detection blocks combine radar antennas with AESA and infrared sensors. The Iron Fist APS integration on the Bradley IFV has been underway since 2020 when the detection blocks underwent significant structural changes.
Major General Glenn Dean, head of the U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office for Ground Combat Systems (PEO GCS), stated in March that the army is beginning procurement of at least a limited quantity of Iron Fist APS units following the successful completion of their integration on the Bradley IFV.
The U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office for Ground Combat Systems (PEO GCS) has announced its intention to replace dozens of old M2A2 Bradley ODS-SA IFVs, previously transferred to Ukraine, with the M2A4E1 IFVs. However, the exact number of M2A4E1s to be purchased and the proportion of conversions from existing IFV variants are yet to be determined.
