Trophy (countermeasure)

Trophy (countermeasure) is an active protection system (APS) designed to protect armored fighting vehicles from anti-tank guided missiles and rocket-propelled grenades. Developed by Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, it uses radar and a countermeasure launcher to detect, track, and neutralize incoming threats before impact. The system has been operationally proven with the Israel Defense Forces and has been adopted by several other nations' militaries.

Overview

The Trophy system represents a significant evolution in vehicle survivability, moving beyond traditional reactive armour and slat armour. It is classified as a "hard-kill" APS, meaning it physically destroys the incoming projectile. The system is designed to provide 360-degree protection for main battle tanks and other heavy vehicles operating in high-threat environments. Its deployment has influenced modern armored warfare doctrine, particularly following its combat success during Operation Protective Edge in the Gaza Strip.

Development and history

Development of the Trophy system, known in Israel as "Windbreaker" (Meil Ruach), began in the late 1990s by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, with significant funding and testing support from the Israel Ministry of Defense. The impetus came from lessons learned during the 1982 Lebanon War and the need to counter advanced anti-tank weapons used by groups like Hezbollah. After extensive trials, including on the Merkava Mark IV tank, the system achieved initial operational capability with the Israel Defense Forces in 2009. A major development milestone was its selection by the United States Army for integration onto the M1 Abrams tank following successful demonstrations at the Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Operational use

Trophy achieved the first-ever confirmed combat interception by an APS in 2011, destroying a rocket-propelled grenade aimed at an Israel Defense Forces Merkava tank near the Gaza Strip. Its performance was extensively validated during Operation Protective Edge in 2014, where it successfully neutralized numerous threats including Kornet anti-tank missiles. The system has also been deployed on Namer armored personnel carriers. The United States Army fielded Trophy systems on M1 Abrams tanks deployed to Europe as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, and the system has seen use with the British Army on Challenger 2 tanks.

Technical description

The Trophy system comprises four main subsystems: an EL/M-2133 AESA radar developed by Elta Systems, a countermeasure launcher, a fire control system, and the vehicle interface. The radar provides continuous hemispheric coverage to detect and track incoming projectiles. Upon confirmation of a threat, the system's computer calculates an intercept solution and commands the launcher to fire a shotgun-like blast of tungsten pellets, destroying the threat at a safe distance. The entire engagement, from detection to neutralization, occurs within milliseconds. The system is designed to minimize collateral damage to nearby dismounted infantry.

Variants

Several variants of the Trophy system have been developed for different platforms and requirements. The **Trophy HV** is the heavy vehicle variant designed for main battle tanks like the Merkava, M1 Abrams, and Leopard 2. The **Trophy VPS** (Vehicle Protection System) is a lighter variant developed in partnership with Leonardo S.p.A. for medium-weight vehicles such as the Stryker or Boxer (armoured fighting vehicle). Rafael has also demonstrated the **Trophy Lite** for lighter armored vehicles and the **Trophy Active Antenna** variant, which integrates the radar and launcher into a single unit.

Operators

* Israel: Fielded by the Israel Defense Forces on Merkava Mark IV and Namer vehicles. * United States: Adopted by the United States Army for the M1 Abrams tank. * United Kingdom: The British Army has integrated Trophy on its Challenger 2 tanks. * Germany: The Bundeswehr has selected Trophy for its Leopard 2 tanks. * Other nations that have purchased or are evaluating the system include Singapore, Australia, and several NATO allies.