Elbit announces more overseas orders for vehicle subsystems

Elbit Systems has won two armoured vehicle-related contracts from foreign customers, the Israeli company announced on 7 February.

It will supply the Royal Netherlands Army (RNLA) with Iron Fist Active Protection Systems and Commander Open Architecture Panoramic Sights (COAPS), under an $82 million subcontract from BAE Systems Hägglunds.

This 4.5-year contract is part of a major upgrade for the RNLA fleet of CV90 IFVs.

Iron Fist is a lightweight system that uses optical sensors, tracking radars, launchers and countermeasure munitions to defeat threats at a safe distance.

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

Meanwhile, Elbit is also providing Guarani VBTP-MR 6x6 APCs (pictured) by early 2024 to an unnamed army in the Asia-Pacific region, under a $46 million deal.

The APCs will be equipped with Elbit turrets and a range of subsystems from the company, including electric-drive and stabilisation systems, fire-control systems, gunner and commander sights, E-LynX software-defined radios, the Torch-X battle management system and life support systems. 

Guarani is made by Iveco Defence Vehicles, primarily for the Brazilian Army although Shephard Defence Insight notes that Lebanon has received 16 vehicles.

While Elbit could not identify the destination of these vehicles, the Philippine Army is known to be acquiring 28 Guaranis featuring a manned turret with 12.7mm machine gun and 40mm automatic grenade launcher.

This purchase in the Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier Acquisition Project has a budget of PHP2.265 billion ($47.6 million), and Elbit is the prime contractor.

Elbit confirmed in late January that it is supplying light tanks to an Asia-Pacific customer, which Shephard also understands is the Philippines.

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