Tel Aviv. Elbit Systems has been awarded an approximately US$82 million contract from BAE Systems Hägglunds AB to supply the Royal Netherlands Army (“RNLA”) with Active Protection Systems (“APS”) and electro-optical commander sights. The contract will be performed over a period of four and a half years.

Under the contract and as part of the modernization program led by BAE Systems Hägglunds, Elbit Systems will equip CV90 armored combat vehicles of the RNLA with Iron Fist APS and Commander Open Architecture Panoramic Sights (“COAPS”). Iron Fist is a lightweight system that uses optical sensors, tracking radars, launchers and countermeasure munitions to defeat threats at a safe distance, with negligible residual penetration.

COAPS is a modular dual-axis stabilized sight that facilitates fire control computation and long-range target acquisition in day and night, in both stationary and mobile situations.

Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit Systems Land, said: “We are pleased with the opportunity to cooperate with BAE Systems Hägglunds and to support this important modernization program of the RNLA.”

In 2019, Elbit Systems was selected to supply its Iron Fist for the Israeli developed Eitan new eight-wheeled Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) and the D-9 Bulldozer.

Iron Fist uses independent optical sensors, tracking radar, launchers and countermeasure munitions to defeat threats at a safe distance from the defended combat vehicles. The system provides 360-degree protection coverage for close-range scenarios in both open terrain and urban environments. Its low size and weight, versatile high-performance, negligible residual penetration and ease of integration position IFLD as an optimal active protection solution for any fighting vehicle.

-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist