Israeli Trophy Active Defence System Tested in Military Exercises

Defense Professionals ^ | 12/17/2010 | Nicolas von Kospoth

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

As the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recently announced, the Tropy active defece system for armoured vehicles has again been successfully tested during an exercise of the Israeli Army. Jointly developed by Rafael, Elta and the US company General Dynamics, Trophy is primarily designed for the protection of the Israeli-built Merkava 4 main battle tank (MBT) against threats such as anti-tank rockets and missiles.

Providing active protection against incoming threats, the Trophy system (designated Windbreaker or ‘Meil Ruach’ by the IDF) uses sensors to detect threats and counters them by firing a special charge. Trophy has been designed to simultaneously detect and engage threats approaching the vehicle from different directions. Despite offering an all-round close-range protection, Trophy is designed as a supplement to the vehicle’s passive armour.

The system has recently been involved in a regimental exercise by the Israeli Army’s 401st Brigade, after having already been thoroughly tested in controlled environments by industry and the armed forces. Since it was first presented in 2005, Trophy entered series-production in 2007 and is now in the process of being introduced into service by IDF armoured divisions. The decision to equip Israel’s Merkava 4 MBTs with the Trophy system was announced by the Ministry of Defence in August 2009.

According to UPI the Israeli Army leadership strongly advocated for the system’s introduction after 22 Merkavas were damaged by Russian Kornet anti-tank guided missiles during the war with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon in the summer of 2006.

[rmlew]

Good. Because the French are giving the LEbanese Army antitank missiles.

[Damifino]

Ours is much better - more features, “situational awareness” and made in USA!

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks ErnstStavroBlofeld.

Jointly developed by Rafael, Elta and the US company General Dynamics, Trophy is primarily designed for the protection of the Israeli-built Merkava 4 main battle tank (MBT) against threats such as anti-tank rockets and missiles.