Germany and Israel marked a historic milestone in defense collaboration today as officials inaugurated the first Leopard 2 tank equipped with Israel’s TROPHY Active Protection System at a ceremony in Germany.
The event, attended by senior defense representatives, including Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki, Germany’s National Armaments Director, underscored the strengthening defense partnership between the two nations.
The installation of TROPHY vehicle-defense system on the Leopard 2, one of Germany’s main battle tanks, follows an agreement reached in 2020 aimed at enhancing the tank fleet’s survivability against anti-tank threats. Developed by RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems in collaboration with the Israel Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) and the Tank and APC Administration, TROPHY represents the world’s only operational active protection system of its kind.
The TROPHY system, operational in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) since 2011, has become a standard feature on Israel’s Merkava Mark IV tanks and NAMER armored personnel carriers. It provides defense against various anti-tank threats by identifying and intercepting incoming projectiles before they reach the vehicle. Proven in multiple combat scenarios, TROPHY has achieved numerous successful intercepts, safeguarding troops and armored assets.
Historic Ceremony in Germany Marks the Launch of the First Leopard Tank Equipped with Israeli TROPHY Active Protection System 🇩🇪🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/1hpqvuU1eS
— Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) October 29, 2024
With TROPHY now integrated into the Leopard 2, Germany enhances its ability to protect troops and preserve armored assets on the battlefield.
This recent upgrade to Germany’s tank fleet adds to a series of collaborative defense agreements between Germany and Israel, including Germany’s acquisition of Israel’s Arrow missile defense system.