RAFAEL rolls out Leopard tanks with TROPHY active protection

RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems has rolled out the first Leopard 2 A8 Main Battle Tanks equipped with the TROPHY Active Protection System (APS) at the KNDS Munich. The tanks were formally delivered to the German Army and the Norwegian Armed Forces, underscoring Europe’s commitment to enhanced armored survivability. The Leopard 2 A8 is the first Leopard variant to be delivered with TROPHY as part of its standard factory configuration, integrated directly on the KNDS production line. This reflects a growing demand across Europe for field-proven active protection solutions that ensure crew survivability and freedom of manoeuvre in high-threat environments. Both contracts were executed through EuroTrophy GmbH, the European joint venture between RAFAEL, KNDS, and GDELS, responsible for the production of TROPHY APS, coordinating European security of supply, and establishing long-term sustainment and lifecycle support. TROPHY is the world’s only fully operational and combat-proven Active Protection System, with more than a decade of continuous service and thousands of successful real-world interceptions. With over 1,900 systems procured, TROPHY has demonstrated exceptional reliability, zero fratricide, and unmatched performance in safeguarding armoured formations against a wide spectrum of anti-armour threats. Meir Ben Tzook, VP and Head of RAFAEL’s Land Maneuver Systems Directorate, and Chairman of the Board of EuroTrophy GmbH, said: “The roll-out of the Leopard 2 A8 marks an important milestone for Europe’s armored forces. We are proud that TROPHY has been selected as the active protection system for this new generation of tanks. As the world’s only operational and combat-proven APS, TROPHY has repeatedly shown its ability to protect crews and enable both wheeled and tracked vehicles to maneuver with confidence in the toughest battlefield conditions. Through EuroTrophy GmbH, our European joint venture, we remain fully committed to supporting our European partners with this life-saving capability, as well as with the industrial cooperation and long-term sustainment needed for its continued success.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]