Germany Unveils First Leopard Tank Equipped with Advanced Trophy Active Protection System
Berlin, Germany – Last week, Germany introduced its first Leopard 2 A7A1 main battle tank fitted with the cutting-edge Trophy Active Protection System (APS), marking a significant development in armored vehicle technology. This advancement comes as part of a comprehensive agreement signed in 2020 between Germany and Israel to upgrade a total of 17 Leopard tanks. The deal, valued at approximately 40 million euros (about $43 million), includes crucial ammunition supplies.
The upgraded Leopard 2 A7A1 is expected to enter service in 2025 with the 203rd Armored Battalion, which will be part of a German combat brigade stationed in Lithuania. This deployment serves as an interim measure until the introduction of the more advanced Leopard 2A8, which is anticipated to feature a more lightweight version of the Trophy system.
The Trophy APS, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, provides enhanced protection for tanks and armored vehicles against an array of threats, including recoilless rifles, anti-tank guided missiles, high-explosive tank rounds, and rocket-propelled grenades. Externally, the system is equipped with advanced AESA radar antennas and a launcher platform, while its internal components include a fire control unit and power supply integrated into the tank’s turret and chassis.
The system scans the surrounding environment for potential threats, with its radar sensors continually monitoring the battlefield. Once a threat is identified, the fire control unit classifies the object and determines its level of danger. If a threat is confirmed, the launchers deploy a project-forming charge—known as a Multiple Explosively Formed Projectile—at a safe distance, ensuring minimal risk to the tank itself.
Since its operational debut with the Israeli Army in 2011, the Trophy APS has been mounted on Merkava tanks and Namer armored personnel carriers, accruing around 500,000 operational hours. The system is currently installed on 17 military platforms globally, including the U.S. Abrams main battle tank, and is set to be integrated into the British Army’s upcoming Challenger 3 tank.
The unveiling of the Leopard fitted with the Trophy APS underscores Germany’s commitment to modernizing its armored forces in response to evolving battlefield threats, ensuring enhanced protection and operational effectiveness for its military personnel.
