In today’s conflicts, drones have become a constant threat to armored vehicles, as they can easily attack from all directions. Traditional armor systems are limited in their ability to protect against such threats, leaving soldiers vulnerable to attack. However, active protection systems like Iron Fist have proven effective in protecting soldiers fighting against groups like Hezbollah and Hamas by using tiny radars to detect incoming threats and launching precision-guided rockets to intercept and destroy them.
Active protection systems provide all-around defense for vehicles, making them more resilient to drone attacks. The US Army is recognizing the importance of this technology by equipping its vehicles with systems like Iron Fist. The initial deployment of M-2A4E1 vehicles with this technology is a positive step towards ensuring the safety and effectiveness of military operations. While the US is not currently deploying forces to Ukraine, the threat posed by cheap attack drones in conflicts worldwide is driving the need for active protection on all combat vehicles.
As the threat of drones continues to grow, investing in active protection will be crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of military operations. The M-2A4E1 is one of the first US Army vehicles to be equipped with active protection, which is crucial in conflicts like the ongoing war in Ukraine where drones are a constant threat from all directions. As more vehicles are sent to Ukraine with this technology, it will accelerate the process of protecting US soldiers in future conflicts.