PARIS, — June 19, 2026 : EuroTrophy unveiled new configurations of its Trophy hard-kill Active Protection System (APS) during the Eurosatory 2026 defense exhibition, introducing enhanced capabilities designed to address evolving battlefield threats, particularly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and loitering munitions.
EuroTrophy, a joint venture between Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), and KNDS Deutschland, presented an upgraded system architecture that expands the role of active protection systems beyond traditional anti-tank defense and integrates them more closely with a vehicle’s overall defensive network.
Two Radar Configurations for Different Threat Environments
The company announced that Trophy will now be offered in two primary configurations, distinguished by their radar systems.
The first configuration uses the combat-proven ELM-2133 WindGuard radar, operating in the S-band. WindGuard has been optimized for detecting, tracking, and intercepting conventional anti-armor threats such as anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), rocket-propelled grenades, and other anti-tank weapons.
The second and newly introduced configuration features the StormGuard radar, which operates in the X-band. Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), StormGuard uses slightly smaller antennas and provides improved detection and tracking performance against slow-moving, low-signature aerial targets, including quadcopter drones and loitering munitions.
Both WindGuard and StormGuard radars are manufactured by IAI and can be integrated into the Trophy protection architecture depending on operational requirements.
New Anti-Drone Configuration Demonstrated on Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0
EuroTrophy showcased its latest anti-drone configuration on the KNDS Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 concept main battle tank. The vehicle's unmanned turret design allows greater flexibility for integrating additional defensive systems and external modules.
The upgraded configuration incorporates dedicated interceptor drones as part of the Trophy defensive suite. The demonstrator vehicle featured two launcher blocks mounted at the rear of the turret, each containing four transport-launch canisters. Together, the launchers provide a total payload of eight interceptor drones.
The Trophy fire control system automatically classifies incoming threats and selects the most suitable response. For traditional threats such as anti-tank missiles and rocket projectiles, the system employs its standard kinetic interceptors. Against aerial threats, including drones and loitering munitions, Trophy can launch onboard interceptor drones to engage and neutralize targets before they reach the vehicle.
The system can also transmit precise targeting information to a remotely controlled weapon station (RCWS) equipped with a 30mm rapid-fire autocannon, enabling additional counter-UAV engagement options.
According to EuroTrophy, the ability to distribute accurate target data across multiple onboard systems significantly expands the role of Trophy within a vehicle's defensive architecture and battle management network.
Integration with NATO Armoured Platforms
Trophy has become one of the most widely adopted active protection systems for Western armoured vehicles, particularly within the Leopard 2 family.
The system is already integrated on German Leopard 2A7A1 tanks and Norwegian Leopard 2A8NO tanks. Norway's tanks were originally designated Leopard 2A7NO but were later reclassified as Leopard 2A8 following minor design updates and alignment with the broader Leopard 2A8 program.
Future Leopard 2A8 production vehicles are expected to include Trophy as a baseline capability. The German Bundeswehr is reportedly preparing to finalize the acquisition of at least 75 additional Leopard 2A8 tanks this year as part of a wider European procurement effort involving the Netherlands, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic. Deliveries of these Leopard 2A8 variants are scheduled to begin in 2026.
Earlier this year, EuroTrophy also secured contracts related to Leopard 2A8 programs in Lithuania, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Croatia, supporting greater interoperability among NATO armoured forces.
Adoption Beyond the Leopard 2 Fleet
Outside the Leopard platform, the Trophy HV variant has been selected for the U.S. Army's M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks, where it is fielded as wartime additional equipment. The system is also planned for integration on a portion of the British Army's Challenger 3 fleet.
In Israel, Trophy continues to serve as standard equipment on Merkava main battle tanks and Namer armoured personnel carriers, where it has accumulated extensive operational experience.
Focus on Emerging Battlefield Threats
The new Trophy configurations reflect growing demand for protection systems capable of countering both conventional anti-tank weapons and increasingly prevalent aerial threats. By combining advanced radar options, interceptor drones, kinetic countermeasures, and integration with onboard weapon stations, EuroTrophy aims to provide armoured vehicles with a layered defensive capability suited to modern combat environments.
The company stated that ongoing testing and integration efforts will continue to refine these capabilities as armed forces adapt to the increasing use of drones and loitering munitions on contemporary battlefields.
——— End of Article ———
