UK to integrate lightweight active protection systems on Challenger 3 tanks
Trophy APS panels pictured on a Bradley IFV. (Photo: Rafael)
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced on 24 June that a lightweight version of its Trophy Active Protection System (APS) for armoured vehicles has been selected by the UK MoD for the next phase of detailed assessment and integration with the upgraded Challenger 3 main battle tank.
David Farmer, Challenger 3 delivery team leader at MoD Defence, Equipment & Support, said: ‘The pioneering new technology that we are planning to use will allow us to deliver an immense warfighting capability.’
The selection of Trophy MV follows a study conducted by the UK MoD as part of an upgrade programme led by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), the prime contractor for the Challenger 3 programme.
Trophy MV variant will undergo detailed integration and system trials on Challenger 3.
Brig Gen (ret) Michael Lurie, head of land manoeuvrability systems at Rafael, said that Trophy ‘has changed the rules of the game in the armoured warfare arena, and the UK's decision to choose Trophy for the protection of its crews, ushers in a new era for its armoured forces as well’.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
British Army defeats swarm with Thales radio frequency anti-drone system
Developed by a Thales UK-led industry consortium, the demonstrator has been designed to explore the potential of radiofrequency weapons for the UK Armed Forces and is being trialled by the British Army.
-
US approves $825 million sale of Stinger Block I missiles to Morocco
The 600-missiles will be used to expand the Moroccan armed forces’ short range air defence capabilities.
-
Hanwha Aerospace to jointly produce guided missiles in Poland
The joint venture between Hanwha Aerospace and Poland’s WB Group will see them locally produce CGR80 missiles for the Homar-K multiple rocket launch system, with the first batch produced by 2028.
-
BAE Systems takes another step towards restarting M777 howitzer production
The M777 155mm lightweight howitzer is in service with more than six countries and has been heavily used in Ukraine. The latest contract is part of an effort to restart the manufacture of M777 towed howitzers.