Focus: Adapting Protection Systems Against Drones - Trophy APS Put to Test.

Active Protection Systems (APS) have become essential for modern armored vehicles, safeguarding tanks and other vehicles against anti-tank missiles and rocket-propelled grenades. Among these systems, the Trophy APS, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, has stood out for its effectiveness. However, the evolving threats on the battlefield, particularly the increasing use of drones, highlight certain limitations of this system. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Trophy system is actively used on Merkava Mark 3 and 4 tanks, and Namer APCs of the Israeli army, and has been tested on U.S. Abrams M1A1/2, Stryker APCs, and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. (Picture source: RAPHAEL)

The Trophy system, also known as "Windbreaker" in Hebrew, is an active protection system designed to enhance the armor of both light and heavy armored vehicles. It is actively used on Merkava Mark 3 and 4 tanks, Namer APCs of the Israeli army, and has been tested on U.S. Abrams M1A1/2, Stryker APCs, and Bradley Fighting Vehicles.

Trophy protects against a variety of anti-tank threats using the Elta EL/M-2133 F/G band fire-control radar, which provides 360-degree coverage. Upon detecting a projectile, the system automatically calculates various parameters such as trajectory, threat type, and time to impact. Defensive projectiles are then launched to neutralize the threat, forming a precise matrix aimed at the area in front of the anti-tank projectile.

Since its deployment, Trophy has proven effective in operations, intercepting various threats including 9M133 Kornet and RPG-29 anti-tank missiles, demonstrating its capability to protect vehicles in diverse combat environments ranging from urban areas to open and forested terrains.

In 2007, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems signed the first manufacturing contract for Trophy with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Israeli Government/IDF safety certification was granted in 2010, and deliveries began immediately afterward. Trophy relies on high-speed computational technologies to detect and neutralize threats, with its design including defensive projectiles launched by rotating launchers positioned on the sides of the vehicle.

In recent years, the use of drones on battlefields has increased significantly, exacerbated by conflicts in Ukraine. FPV (First Person View) drones, equipped with grenades or RPG charges, are particularly threatening as they can drop explosive charges directly above tanks, escaping the range of APS like Trophy, which is limited to a maximum elevation of 55 degrees.

Trophy protects against a variety of anti-tank threats using the Elta EL/M-2133 F/G band fire-control radar, which provides 360-degree coverage (Picture source: RAPHAEL)

These drones, often inexpensive but effective, have demonstrated their ability to penetrate the defenses of armored vehicles. They can be used in large numbers to increase the chances of target destruction. For instance, a tank can easily be overwhelmed by armed drones when crossing a contested area, making traditional active protection systems insufficient against this aerial threat.

The war in Ukraine has highlighted the devastating effectiveness of armed drones against traditional targets. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have intensified the production of armed drones, using them for reconnaissance and direct attacks. FPV drones, in particular, can attack in large numbers, saturating defenses and increasing the chances of successful strikes. These drones, often equipped with RPG charges, attack by diving directly onto their targets, a method against which Trophy APS is not designed to defend effectively.

Although effective against anti-tank guided missiles and rocket-propelled grenades, the Trophy APS has significant limitations against drone attacks. The main weakness lies in the elevation capability of its countermeasure launchers, limited to 55 degrees, rendering the system unable to engage threats coming directly from above, such as bombs dropped by drones and top-attack missiles.

This vulnerability was highlighted in recent attacks where armed drones succeeded in damaging Israeli Merkava tanks despite the presence of Trophy. For example, in October 2023, drones used by Hamas damaged several tanks by dropping explosive charges directly on the roofs of the vehicles, bypassing Trophy's coverage.

Video presentation of how the trophy system works in different environments and against ATGM and RPG threats (Picture source: RAPHAEL)

Furthermore, the limited charge capacity of Trophy becomes problematic when faced with a large number of drones. Active protection systems like Trophy use projectiles to neutralize threats but cannot handle a high volume of simultaneous attacks. Lasers and directed energy weapons have been proposed as alternatives, but they also pose technical and logistical challenges, particularly in terms of power and cooling requirements.

In response to evolving threats, it is crucial to adapt active protection systems to effectively counter aerial attacks. Some countries have already developed new protections. In Russia, "turtle tanks" have been modified to include additional protections against drones. In Israel, the Iron Fist system by Elbit Systems has shown capabilities to engage drones at distances up to 1.5 kilometers, providing increased protection against aerial threats.

Other active protection systems, like Rheinmetall's StrikeShield, use directional explosive charges to neutralize threats. These systems can be enhanced with additional sensors and effectors to cover the upper hemisphere of vehicles, as well as software adaptations to recognize and engage aerial threats.

Integrating these new systems with existing defense strategies is essential for providing comprehensive protection. For instance, combining "hard-kill" APS with "soft-kill" systems using electronic countermeasures can create a more robust shield against aerial threats. Additionally, using remote weapon stations (RWS) with machine guns or automatic cannons capable of high elevation could offer an extra layer of defense against drones.

Rheinmetall's StrikeShield (left) APS is an advanced hard-kill technology for military vehicles, detecting and neutralizing threats like antitank weapons and missiles, while Elbit Systems' Iron Fist (right) is a turret-based APS using advanced sensors and AI to track and neutralize threats including drones and loitering munitions, both minimizing collateral damage. (Picture source: Rheinmetall/Elbit Systems)

Adapting active protection systems like the Trophy APS to aerial threats is essential for ensuring the survival of armored vehicles in modern conflicts. As drones become increasingly common on battlefields, developing multidimensional defense solutions capable of addressing these new challenges is crucial. Innovations in sensor technologies and fire control systems, along with the integration of electronic warfare measures, could provide comprehensive protection against a variety of aerial threats, thus maintaining a tactical advantage in increasingly complex combat environments.

The popularity of active protection systems like Trophy continues to grow, with countries such as Germany and the United States adopting these technologies for their armed forces. Continuous adaptations and innovations in this field remain crucial to addressing the ever-evolving threats on modern battlefields. By exploring new solutions and improving existing systems, armies can better prepare to face the challenges posed by drones and other aerial threats, ensuring the protection of their vehicles and troops.