Germany introduced the Leopard 2 tank with the active protection system Trophy

Last week, Germany demonstrated the main battle tank Leopard 2, with the Israeli-made Trophy active protection complex installed on it. This is reported by the profile resource Defense Post.

According to the publication, the agreement between Germany and Israel on the modernization of 17 tanks Leopard 2A7A1 from the presence of the Bundesver was signed in 2020. The amount of the transaction amounted to about 40 million euros. The cost of the contract also includes ammunition for the Trophy system.

Modernized vehicles in 2025 should enter service with the 203rd Armored Battalion. This unit is planned to be deployed as part of the German brigade, which will be stationed on the territory of Lithuania.

Defense Post notes that the equipment of the Leopard 2A7A1 systems of Trophy is a temporary solution until the Bundesver enters the Leopard 2A8 tank with an easier active Trophy protection system.

According to the developer, the Israeli company Rafael, the Trophy APS system provides better protection of tanks and other armored vehicles from such threats as recoilless guns, anti-tank guided missiles, fragmentation-hout tank shells and rocket-propelled grenades. The complex is equipped with a radar with an active phased lattice (AFAR) and a launcher for shooting ammunition. Inside the tank, a fire control unit and a power source is being installed. The radar sensors scan the terrain around the tank for potential threats, while the fire control unit classifies the object and assess whether it poses a threat or not. If the threat is confirmed, launchers are shot at a safe distance to avoid damage to the tank.

The Israeli army has been operating the Trophy system since 2011. It is installed on the main battle tanks Merkava and heavy armored personnel carriers Namer. During this time, the development of the complex was about 500 thousand hours. Trophy is installed on 17 types of combat platforms around the world, including on American Abrams tanks, and is also integrated into the protection complex of the newest British Challenger 3 tank.