The US Army recently announced the acquisition of the Israeli Iron Fist Active Protection System (APS) to equip a portion of its fleet with M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. In addition to Iron Fist, the Army also procured the APS Hard-kill Trophy to protect a portion of its M1A2 Abrams tank fleet. However, budget constraints initially hindered the acquisition of the Iron Fist APS system, leading to delays in the program. Despite these challenges, the Army managed to secure funding to acquire „several dozen“ of these Israeli systems to install on a small fleet of M2 Bradleys.
The vulnerability of armored vehicles in Ukraine has raised concerns among US Army planners. While media attention often focuses on Russian losses in Ukraine, Ukrainian losses, including Western-supplied equipment, have been significant. According to the Oryx website, 72 Ukrainian M2 Bradleys have been destroyed, damaged, or captured since the conflict began. This highlights the need for enhanced protection measures to increase the survivability of armored vehicles in combat situations.
Many of the armored vehicles in Ukraine were targeted by mines, drones, or anti-tank missiles. It is against these threats that APS systems like Trophy and Iron Fist are designed to intervene, enhancing the survivability of armored vehicles and their crews in battle. The successful interception and destruction of rockets or anti-tank missiles by Iron Fist installed on an M2 Bradley during tests demonstrated its effectiveness in protecting against such threats.
The US Army, with around 400 Abrams M1A2 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) in its armored combat brigade, relies on the Rafael APS Trophy for protection. This system adds an additional layer of defense against incoming threats, further enhancing the survivability of the armored vehicles and their crews on the battlefield.
In conclusion, the acquisition of APS systems like Iron Fist and Trophy is crucial for improving the protection and survivability of armored vehicles in modern warfare scenarios. As seen in Ukraine, where armored vehicles have been targeted and destroyed, these systems play a vital role in mitigating threats and ensuring the safety of military personnel. The US Army’s investment in these advanced technologies reflects its commitment to enhancing the capabilities of its armored fleet and safeguarding its troops in combat situations.