Israel RAFAEL’s TROPHY System Now Counters Both Missiles and Drones: Enhanced Protection for Modern Battlefields
Israel's RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems has taken a significant leap forward with its TROPHY Active Protection System (APS), now enhanced to counter both missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) threats. Known for its effectiveness in neutralizing anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), TROPHY now stands ready to confront an even broader range of modern battlefield challenges. The new upgrade fortifies TROPHY’s position as a vital defense solution for armored vehicles, enhancing survivability against both conventional ground-based threats and the rapidly growing UAV threats emerging on today’s complex battlefields.
Originally designed to protect armored vehicles from ground-launched threats, TROPHY uses sophisticated radar and sensors to detect and track incoming missiles or projectiles. Once a threat is identified, the system deploys countermeasures to destroy or deflect it before impact, often achieving success in fractions of a second. This proven defensive capacity has been repeatedly tested and confirmed in active combat zones, notably with Israel's Merkava 4 Main Battle Tank and various U.S. military platforms.
With UAVs now a frequent sight on the battlefield, used for both reconnaissance and direct attacks, RAFAEL recognized the need to expand TROPHY’s capabilities. This enhancement means the system can now detect, track, and neutralize aerial threats, providing armored vehicles with a protective layer previously unheard of. The new capability integrates seamlessly into the existing TROPHY structure, leveraging the system’s advanced multi-spectral radar to locate incoming drones. Once detected, TROPHY deploys a specialized set of countermeasures optimized for intercepting UAVs, effectively extending the system’s defensive reach from ground-based threats to aerial incursions.
TROPHY is widely regarded as one of the most effective active protection systems in the world, boasting a highly adaptable framework that is deployable across a wide array of platforms, including main battle tanks (MBTs), armored personnel carriers (APCs), and armored fighting vehicles (AFVs). This flexibility is one reason why TROPHY has been extensively adopted by militaries around the globe, including the United States, Germany, and Israel.
The recent integration of UAV countermeasures highlights RAFAEL’s commitment to evolving its systems to meet new threats as they arise. While TROPHY’s legacy systems could only intercept ground-based projectiles, the new version actively engages with the modern threat spectrum, which includes increasingly affordable and widely accessible drones. Asymmetric warfare, where hostile groups often use drones in hit-and-run tactics or for reconnaissance, is one of the critical areas where this new capability will prove essential.
From a technical standpoint, TROPHY's radar system is notable for its precision and quick response times. It operates by continuously scanning the environment, using four flat-panel radars that provide a 360-degree view around the vehicle. The radar's detection algorithms can identify multiple threats simultaneously, enabling TROPHY to prioritize and respond in real-time. When facing a missile or RPG, TROPHY’s automatic response involves launching an interceptor projectile that detonates near the incoming threat, neutralizing it before it can make contact with the vehicle. In the case of drones, TROPHY uses a distinct countermeasure approach designed to disrupt or destroy UAVs without relying on traditional interceptor projectiles, which may involve electronic warfare capabilities to jam UAV controls or disable them mid-flight.
The updated TROPHY is also a prime example of RAFAEL’s dedication to enhancing military assets without imposing extensive upgrades on operators. Many of these new UAV-neutralizing capabilities are software-based, meaning that with minimal hardware modifications, existing TROPHY systems can be updated to include the UAV countermeasure suite. This approach not only saves time and resources but allows military operators to keep their armored units in the field without lengthy upgrade periods.
The enhanced TROPHY APS offers a multidimensional defense capability that addresses the increasingly sophisticated and multifaceted nature of modern warfare. As the global defense landscape changes, with an increase in drone use by state and non-state actors alike, TROPHY’s ability to protect against both ground and air threats makes it an invaluable asset for modern armored platforms. The system's adaptive architecture, ability to respond to emerging threats, and proven effectiveness in the field solidify TROPHY’s position at the cutting edge of vehicle protection technology.
By enhancing TROPHY to counter UAVs, RAFAEL demonstrates a proactive approach to next-generation defense, ensuring that its systems remain relevant, adaptable, and reliable in high-stakes combat environments. This advancement ensures that TROPHY-equipped vehicles retain their tactical advantage, even in the face of rapidly evolving technologies and complex threat landscapes.
