Germany equips Leopard 2 with an “invisible shield” to confront missiles

Germany is set to upgrade its iconic Leopard 2 tank with an innovative defense system, the Trophy, designed to neutralize missile threats before they impact the vehicle. This system, developed by the Israeli company Rafael, will provide an “invisible shield” to the armored units of the Bundeswehr, raising the protection of these tanks to a new level.

The addition of Trophy to the Leopard 2 is part of a broader effort to modernize military equipment and maintain its relevance on the battlefield. At least 17 units of the most recent variant, the Leopard 2 A7A1, will initially be retrofitted with this advanced technology, which will allow tanks to detect and respond to threats in a matter of milliseconds.

The Trophy system is based on four radar sensors and two launch units integrated into the vehicle. When an enemy missile approaches, the system analyzes its trajectory and, if necessary, automatically fires a device to intercept it before impact. This type of ultra-fast response is possible thanks to an advanced computer that operates the system and makes instant decisions.

Unlike the passive protection of armor, Trophy offers active defense, detecting and eliminating projectiles from several kilometers away. However, the Leopard 2’s armor will continue to be essential to protect the vehicle from close attacks with high-caliber munitions, such as those used in ground combat.

Although the Trophy system is already used in vehicles of the Israeli armed forces, adapting this technology to the Leopard 2 has been a complex process that included modifications to the turret and other adjustments specific to the German tank. The Bundeswehr worked closely with the manufacturers to ensure that the integration was safe and effective.

With the update, the tanks will be renamed Leopard 2 A8, an evolution that highlights the adaptability of the Leopard 2 model, first introduced in the 1970s. Since then, this vehicle has received multiple improvements that keep it among the armored vehicles. more advanced and reliable.

The first units equipped with Trophy are expected to be operational in 2025, marking a significant advance in the anti-missile defense of ground vehicles and reinforcing Germany’s military strategy in a context of growing technological threats in the field of warfare.