By Arie Egozi, Autonomy Global – Ambassador for Israel
To better counter evolving “top‑attack” threats, Israeli defense company Rafael has added artificial intelligence (AI) to its TROPHY Active Protection System (APS). Already combat‑proven, this new AI layer for TROPHY speeds detection-to-intercept timelines and boosts performance against complex aerial and missile threats to significantly enhance protection for modern armored forces.
Rafael has embedded AI across TROPHY’s sensing and decision-making chain to improve detection, classification and interception of diverse threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). Sources indicate that AI optimization is particularly focused on the “top‑attack” profile, where drones and missiles strike from above and exploit traditional armor vulnerabilities on main battle tanks and other armored platforms.
The AI-driven enhancements enable TROPHY to analyze threat data in real time, which reduces the interval between initial detection, threat classification, fire-control decision and hard‑kill interception. Newer iterations of the system also leverage AI for advanced sensor fusion to deliver a more comprehensive 360-degree battlefield picture and further increase platform survivability in dense, cluttered and highly dynamic environments.
Rafael’s TROPHY has become a global best-seller, Its AI roadmap coincides with new procurement momentum in Europe. Rafael recently announced a multi-nation contract between EuroTrophy GmbH and KNDS Deutschland to supply TROPHY APS for the Leopard 2 A8 programs of Lithuania, the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Croatia. Valued at approximately €330 million, the contract covers delivery of TROPHY systems, spare parts, training packages, and comprehensive logistical support to ensure long-term availability and through-life sustainment. TROPHY will be integrated as part of the Leopard 2 A8’s standard configuration, supporting interoperability and commonality across participating NATO armored formations. EuroTrophy GmbH serves as Rafael’s European hub for TROPHY. It provides localized vehicle integration, lifecycle support and tailored customer services to meet European operational and industrial requirements.
Rafael describes TROPHY as the world’s only combat-proven active protection system, designed to detect, track and neutralize modern anti-tank threats in real time while also feeding critical situational awareness back to armored crews. Beyond hard-kill defense, this situational awareness function contributes directly to survivability, mission continuity,and operational effectiveness in multi-domain, high-threat environments.
TROPHY has already been integrated on leading Western main battle tanks, including the Leopard 2, M1 Abrams, and Merkava and has been selected for additional next-generation platforms such as the K2 Black Panther. The system is also seeing growing adoption on lighter armored vehicles like the Boxer, Patria AMV and Namer APC.
Active protection has become a core design element across the armored force structure. As AI integration accelerates, TROPHY’s evolution illustrates how software-defined, upgradeable active protection can tip the balance in favor of armored platforms, instead of the rapidly proliferating threats they face.