Breaking News
Spanish Leopard 2E Tanks Will Soon Be Equipped with Trophy APS to Counter Modern Threats.
On March 20, 2025, General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) announced its readiness to upgrade the Spanish Army's LEOPARD 2E fleet. GDELS-SBS and KNDS Deutschland, the original equipment manufacturer and design authority of the LEOPARD 2 Main Battle Tank, have signed an agreement, which was already signed at the end of last year, to collaborate on the potential upgrade.
In addition to the upgrades, the Spanish Army's Leopard 2E fleet is highly likely to be equipped with the Trophy Active Protection System (APS), a proven technology that offers advanced defense capabilities (Picture source: Army Recognition)
GDELS-SBS, as the leading Spanish system house for tracked and wheeled armored vehicles, combines its technological and industrial expertise to offer comprehensive modernization solutions for the Leopard 2E fleet of the Spanish Army. This modernization is designed to ensure the continued operational effectiveness and interoperability of Spain's Leopard 2E tanks with key European Leopard 2 users and NATO allies. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, GDELS-SBS aims to enhance the capability of these armored vehicles, ensuring that they meet both current and future battlefield demands.
In addition to the upgrades, the Spanish Army's Leopard 2E fleet is highly likely to be equipped with the Trophy Active Protection System (APS), a proven technology that offers advanced defense capabilities. This upgrade is the result of a strategic partnership between KNDS, GDELS, and Israeli defense manufacturer RAFAEL, who together established EuroTrophy GmbH, a German-based joint company dedicated to producing the Trophy APS.
The Trophy Active Protection System (APS) has already become a core feature of the German Army’s Leopard 2A8 configuration, and its inclusion in the Spanish Leopard 2E fleet will significantly improve survivability against emerging threats, solidifying the vehicle's status as one of the most advanced in the world. The system has proven its effectiveness in a variety of platforms, including the Merkava Mk 4, the main battle tank of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), which was the first tank to be equipped with Trophy APS. Additionally, the U.S. Army has deployed Trophy APS on its M1 Abrams tanks, particularly in upgraded variants such as the M1A2 SEPv3, while the UK’s Challenger 2 main battle tank is also in the process of being equipped with this advanced protection system. This widespread adoption further underscores the Trophy APS’s proven capabilities in enhancing armored vehicle defense against modern anti-tank threats.
The growing trend of upgrading main battle tanks with Trophy APS demonstrates a clear shift in military strategy towards prioritizing quality over quantity. This shift is particularly evident when compared to Russia's approach, which has historically favored numerical superiority over technological advancements. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the limitations of relying on sheer quantity, as modern warfare increasingly favors advanced technologies that enhance the survivability and effectiveness of military platforms. Western defense firms, have gained valuable experience from recent conflicts and ongoing development efforts, and are now well-positioned to lead this transition. With a greater focus on integrating advanced systems like Trophy APS, Western forces are demonstrating a commitment to ensuring that their armored vehicles remain at the forefront of battlefield innovation and resilience.