In a significant move to enhance the protective capabilities of its main battle tanks, KNDS Deutschland has awarded EuroTrophy GmbH a contract for the delivery of 123 Trophy active protection systems (APS) for the German Leopard 2A8 tanks. This contract marks the second major award for EuroTrophy within a year, with the company also being selected by the Norwegian Army for its Leopard fleet.
As part of the agreement, EuroTrophy will not only supply the Trophy systems but will also provide essential spare parts and support services to facilitate the seamless integration of the APS into the technical, operational, and logistical framework of the German Army. Dan Kalfus, Managing Director of EuroTrophy, expressed gratitude for the contract, stating that it underscores the confidence KNDS has in their combat-proven active protection system.
While both KNDS and EuroTrophy opted not to disclose the total contract value or the expected timeline for deliveries, the collaboration signifies a strategic focus on bolstering defense capabilities amid evolving threats to armored vehicles. EuroTrophy is a joint venture comprising Rafael, KNDS, and General Dynamics European Land Systems, reflecting a combined expertise aimed at developing state-of-the-art military technologies.
The Trophy APS is designed to provide comprehensive 360-degree protection for various armored vehicles, significantly increasing their survivability against a range of anti-tank threats. It employs cutting-edge technology to detect and neutralize incoming projectiles through kinetic countermeasures. Recently, the Trophy system underwent upgrades to bolster its defenses against top-attack threats, which are increasingly relevant due to the advent of drones and guided missiles targeting vulnerable areas of armored vehicles.
Thomas Kauffmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of EuroTrophy, conveyed confidence in the product’s appeal, suggesting that the Trophy APS is poised to become the preferred choice for many NATO and European forces looking to enhance their main battle tank and fighting vehicle fleets with a locally manufactured active protection system.
Beyond its integration into the Leopard tanks, the Trophy APS is already deployed in several other prominent military platforms, including the US Army’s Abrams tanks, Israel’s Merkava tanks, and the UK’s Challenger MBTs, showcasing its versatility and reliability across different combat scenarios.
