Germany equips Leopard 2A7A1 tank with Trophy APS to enhance protection against missiles.

On October 29, 2024, a ceremony was held in Germany to mark the introduction of the first Leopard 2A7A1 Main Battle Tank equipped with the Israeli Trophy Active Protection System (APS), developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. This event was part of a collaboration between the Israeli and German Ministries of Defense, following a 2020 agreement to enhance Germany’s Leopard 2 tank fleet with Israel’s active protection technology.
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Visually, the Leopard 2A7A1 with the Trophy APS is equipped with features such as radar antennas and launcher platforms, and internally, it is equipped with a control unit and power supply integrated into the turret and chassis. (Picture source: German MoD)

This rollout is part of a larger modernization plan for the German tank fleet. Since 2017, the Bundeswehr has been upgrading its Leopard 2 tanks to the A7 standard. By 2025, the Leopard 2A8 model is expected to be delivered, incorporating more advanced systems, including a lighter version of Trophy with enhanced capabilities. The Leopard 2A7A1 will serve as an interim solution until the A8 becomes operational, by a German tank company, which is expected to be deployed to Lithuania as part of NATO's forward presence.

The German government contracted KNDS Deutschland in February 2021 to produce and deliver 17 Leopard 2A7A1 tanks and an experimental prototype. Simultaneously, a government agreement with Israel was signed for the supply of Trophy kits, ammunition, special tools, and training. The total budget for this project is €120 million, with costs shared between KNDS and Israel. The new Leopard 2A7A1 tanks are scheduled to be fully delivered by 2025, after which they will enter active service in the German military. Once operational, the A8 tanks will also be equipped with Trophy and are expected to be deployed in Lithuania as part of Germany’s military presence in the region.

The Leopard 2A7A1 with Trophy has external features such as radar antennas and launcher platforms, and internally, it is equipped with a control unit and power supply integrated into the turret and chassis. The 2A7A1 is fitted with a Rheinmetall 120mm/L55A1 cannon, designed for compatibility with a variety of munitions, including high-explosive rounds. It incorporates Hensoldt’s PERI R17 A3 thermal imaging sight, which enables target tracking in different environments. The tank also features a new communication system, a 20 kW auxiliary power unit (APU), and Ultracaps for stabilizing the power supply. Weighing 70 tons, it retains its mobility through adjustments to its transmission and an upgraded engine cooling system. The Trophy Active Protection System enhances defense against anti-tank threats.

The Trophy Active Protection System (APS), developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, is a vehicle-mounted defense system designed to protect against various anti-tank threats, including rockets and guided missiles. Operational in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) since 2011, it uses multiple radar panels to detect incoming projectiles and neutralizes them by firing countermeasures, intercepting the threat before it reaches the vehicle. This system has been integrated into key Israeli platforms, such as the Merkava tank and Namer APC, and has attracted significant interest from other countries, including the U.S., which has equipped the M1 Abrams with Trophy, and Germany, which has fitted it to the Leopard 2.

Despite successful interception, passive armor remains necessary, as fragments of neutralized projectiles may still impact the tank. Each launcher provides more than 180 degrees of coverage, ensuring 360-degree protection. The system operates autonomously, with the tank commander controlling only whether it is active or not. The Trophy's combat-proven capabilities have demonstrated a high interception rate, especially during operations involving the Israeli Defense Forces. It has also been successfully tested by European armies. In addition to protection, the system provides situational awareness through its Fire Source Location (FSL) capability, allowing vehicles to locate and respond to enemy fire effectively. As of 2023, the system has been fielded on more than 1,000 vehicles worldwide, underscoring its role as a critical component in modern armored warfare.