Trophy APS Integration Boosts K2 MBT and Next-Gen Combat Vehicles by Rafael and Hyundai

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel and Hyundai Rotem of South Korea have entered into a strategic partnership announced during the MSPO defense exhibition in Poland. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in international defense cooperation, aiming to integrate Rafael’s Trophy Active Protection System (APS) into Hyundai Rotem’s K2 Main Battle Tank and future platforms for the Republic of Korea. The agreement encompasses full-cycle support including integration, production, marketing, localization, and lifecycle maintenance of the Trophy APS.

Trophy APS. Photo: rafael.co.il

The Trophy APS, particularly in its Heavy Vehicle (HV) configuration, weighs approximately 820 kilograms and is designed to provide robust protection against a wide range of battlefield threats. Its hard-kill neutralization capability allows it to intercept and destroy incoming projectiles using kinetic countermeasures, effectively detonating or disabling warheads before impact. This active defense mechanism significantly enhances vehicle survivability in hostile environments.

One of the system’s standout features is its hemispheric protection, offering 360-degree coverage to counter threats from all directions. This ensures that vehicles equipped with Trophy APS are safeguarded against attacks from any angle, including those launched from elevated or concealed positions. Such comprehensive protection is critical in modern combat scenarios where threats are increasingly unpredictable and multi-directional.

Rapid engagement is another core strength of the Trophy system, enabling it to detect, classify, and neutralize threats at high speeds. This capability is particularly vital when facing short-range attacks or multiple simultaneous threats, which are common in urban warfare and asymmetric combat situations. The system’s responsiveness ensures that even fast-moving or stealthy projectiles are intercepted before they can cause damage.

In addition to its defensive capabilities, Trophy APS also functions as a Hostile Fire Detection (HFD) system. It automatically identifies and locates sources of incoming fire, providing valuable situational awareness to vehicle operators and command units. This dual-purpose functionality enhances both protection and tactical decision-making on the battlefield.

The detection system within Trophy APS relies on advanced radar technology to track and analyze incoming threats. This radar-based approach allows for precise targeting and timely interception, even under challenging environmental conditions. The system’s reliability has been demonstrated in numerous combat scenarios, reinforcing its reputation as a battle-proven solution.

Trophy APS is designed for seamless integration with various vehicle platforms, including both wheeled and tracked configurations. It can also be synchronized with other onboard systems such as battle management software, enhancing overall operational efficiency. This adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of military applications, from infantry fighting vehicles to main battle tanks.

A key consideration in the system’s design is minimizing risk to dismounted troops and nearby civilians. Trophy APS is engineered to reduce collateral damage by controlling the direction and intensity of its countermeasures. This safety feature ensures that protective actions do not inadvertently harm friendly forces or non-combatants in the vicinity.

The system boasts a high intercept probability, with a proven track record of neutralizing threats in real-world combat. Its effectiveness has been validated through extensive field testing and operational deployment, earning it recognition among leading defense technologies. This reliability makes it a valuable asset for any military force seeking to enhance vehicle survivability.

Trophy APS is capable of defeating a broad spectrum of anti-armor threats, including Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM), Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPG), recoilless rifles, and tank-fired High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) rounds. It also addresses low-signature threats that are difficult to detect using conventional systems. This versatility ensures comprehensive protection against both traditional and emerging battlefield dangers.