Roll-Out of Leopard 2 A8 Tanks with TROPHY APS: A Strategic Advancement for European Armored Forces
Munich, Germany – November 20, 2025
RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. has officially launched the inaugural Leopard 2 A8 Main Battle Tanks, now outfitted with the TROPHY Active Protection System (APS), during a ceremony at the KNDS facility in Munich. This development signifies a pivotal enhancement in armored survivability for both the German Army and the Norwegian Armed Forces.
Integration of Advanced Technologies
The Leopard 2 A8 represents the first variant of the Leopard series to come equipped with TROPHY in its standard factory configuration. This integration occurs directly on the KNDS production line, reflecting an increasing necessity across Europe for advanced, combat-tested active protection systems that fortify crew survival and operational flexibility in high-threat scenarios.
Collaborative Defense Initiative
Both procurement agreements were facilitated through EuroTrophy GmbH, an inter-European partnership among RAFAEL, KNDS, and GDELS. This joint venture not only oversees the manufacturing of the TROPHY APS but also maintains European security of supply chains and establishes frameworks for enduring maintenance and lifecycle support.
Proven Performance of TROPHY APS
The TROPHY system stands as the only fully operational and combat-validated Active Protection System currently available. With a decade of rigorous service and countless successful interceptions in real combat situations, it has been deployed across more than 1,900 systems worldwide. Its record reflects:
- High Reliability: Consistent operational uptime and performance.
- Zero Fratricide: Effectively mitigating friendly fire incidents.
- Comprehensive Protection: Safeguarding armored units against a diverse array of anti-armor threats.
Strategic Importance of the Update
Meir Ben Tzook, Vice President and Head of RAFAEL’s Land Maneuver Systems Directorate, and Chairman of the Board for EuroTrophy GmbH, remarked on this milestone:
“The deployment of the Leopard 2 A8 signifies a crucial advancement for Europe’s armored capabilities. We take pride in the selection of TROPHY as the active protection system for this new generation of tanks. As the sole operationally proven APS in the world, TROPHY has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness in safeguarding crews and facilitating the maneuverability of both wheeled and tracked vehicles in the most challenging battlefield conditions. Through our collaboration with EuroTrophy GmbH, we remain dedicated to supporting our European partners with this critical life-saving technology, ensuring both industrial cooperation and sustained maintenance for ongoing operational effectiveness.”
Conclusion
The introduction of the Leopard 2 A8 equipped with the TROPHY APS not only enhances the defensive posture of European armored forces but also illustrates a commitment to advancing military technology in tandem with cooperative industrial efforts. Continued developments in this sphere will be vital as Europe navigates evolving threat landscapes.
Photo courtesy of KNDS Deutschland
