Rollout of Leopard 2 A8 Tanks with TROPHY Active Protection System
Munich, Germany – November 20, 2025
RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. has officially unveiled the first Leopard 2 A8 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) integrated with the TROPHY Active Protection System (APS) at the KNDS production facility in Munich. This significant delivery to the German Army and the Norwegian Armed Forces exemplifies Europe’s dedication to improving armored vehicle survivability.
Integration of Advanced Defense Technology
The Leopard 2 A8 represents a pivotal advancement in the series as it is the first variant to come equipped with the TROPHY system as part of its standard production configuration. This integration is executed directly on the KNDS assembly line, reflecting a growing European demand for established active protection technologies capable of safeguarding crews and maintaining maneuverability in high-risk operational settings.
Key Features of the TROPHY System
TROPHY is distinguished as the only fully operational and combat-validated APS globally, boasting over a decade of continuous deployment and thousands of successful intercepts. Some of its notable attributes include:
- Extensive Procurement: More than 1,900 systems have been acquired by various armed forces.
- Proven Reliability: The system has demonstrated exceptional dependability in various combat scenarios.
- Zero Fratricide Incidents: TROPHY has effectively mitigated risks to friendly forces during engagements.
- Wide Threat Mitigation: It provides robust protection against a diverse array of anti-armor threats.
Collaborative Approach Through EuroTrophy GmbH
The contracts for the Leopard 2 A8 were executed via EuroTrophy GmbH, a collaborative initiative involving RAFAEL, KNDS, and GDELS. This partnership is responsible for:
- Production Coordination: Streamlining the manufacturing process of the TROPHY APS.
- European Security of Supply: Ensuring reliability in defense logistics.
- Long-Term Sustainment and Lifecycle Support: Fostering extensive support for end-users over the system’s operational life.
Industry Leadership Commentary
Meir Ben Tzook, Vice President and Head of RAFAEL’s Land Maneuver Systems Directorate, as well as Chairman of the Board of EuroTrophy GmbH, remarked, “The introduction of the Leopard 2 A8 signifies a crucial development for armored forces in Europe. We take pride in the selection of TROPHY as the active protection system for this next-generation tank. Our commitment, through EuroTrophy GmbH, underscores our dedication to supporting our European allies with this essential capability, enhancing industrial collaboration and ensuring long-term operational success.”
The rollout of the Leopard 2 A8 equipped with TROPHY highlights a significant trend in military modernization efforts within Europe, aiming to bolster the defensive capabilities of armored units in increasingly complex battlefield environments.
