Français
Español
English
Portuguese
It’s something like a mini Iron-Dome system that knocks out anti-tank missiles to protect crews and keep them on mission.
By Yakir Benzion, United With Israel
The U.S. Army has begun testing the newest M2A4 version of its Bradley fighting vehicle that is now equipped with the Israeli Iron-Fist system that protects the vehicle and its crew from anti-tank missiles, Israel Defense magazine reported Tuesday.
The field tests are being done on the well-known infantry fighting vehicle at the Army’s Fort Hood base in Texas.
The Bradley vehicles are manufactured by BAE Systems. The new M2A4 is the updated version of the army workhorse that first went into service in 1981. To date, almost 7,000 have been produced, most of them being used by the U.S., carrying a crew of three and up to six infantry soldiers.
In June 2016, the U.S. Army decided to test Iron Fist, which is made by Israel’s Elbit defense company, the same defense manufacturer that produces the famous Iron Dome missile defense system, which protects Israel’s population from rockets fired by Palestinian terrorists. Those tests were successful, and in 2018 the Army announced it would be installing Iron Fist in an armored brigade which usually consists of over 138 Bradley vehicles.
Iron Fist isn’t quite like having shields on the Starship Enterprise, but it’s getting close. The system’s advanced technology automatically detects, tracks and neutralizes incoming anti-tank missiles to protect the vehicle and its crew.
The Iron Fist sensors can determine what’s incoming, be it a short range RPG, recoil-less rifle round or an anti-tank guided missile, and it can even handle simultaneous attacks. The computerized controller determines the optimum point and fires a blast interceptor that blows up away from the Bradley but in front of the incoming round, neutralizing it with a shock-wave that stops the round without causing it to explode.
The American military appreciates Israeli technology. Last year, the U.S. announced it will purchase two Iron Dome batteries for $373 million to be deployed to protect American forces in hostile areas of operation and began taking delivery of the first system two months ago.
HELP ISRAELIS BATTLE CORONA!
Donate to the Corona Emergency Relief Fund. Coronavirus has taken a huge toll on the people of Israel. The poor, elderly and ill are most vulnerable.
Israeli soldiers, security officers and medical care providers operate under great danger and risk to life.
Over 1 million Israelis are out of work. Many cannot make ends meet. We provide financial aid, food, medical supplies and more. Funds are distributed where needed most. The time to act is now!
United with Israel extends a special note of appreciation to the Genesis Prize for their generous support.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
