The US Army has begun fielding its first operational M2A4E1 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles fitted with the Iron Fist active protection system (APS). The first vehicles went to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in early October 2026.
How Iron Fist works
Iron Fist is a “hard-kill” system. Radar and infrared sensors around the turret watch for incoming threats. When an RPG or anti-tank missile is on course to hit the vehicle, launchers fire countermeasures to intercept it before impact. The sensors can also detect drones and loitering munitions and help crews locate where an attack came from.
Why it matters
- The M2A4E1 is described as the first US infantry fighting vehicle officially equipped with an APS.
- It adds an active layer of defence on top of passive armor.
- The upgraded A4 variant provides the extra electrical power the system needs.
The move reflects a wider industry trend: modern vehicle protection increasingly combines strong ballistic steel and armored glass with sensors and active countermeasures.
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Source: Army Recognition, 6 October 2026