SANDY HOOK - In January, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced the signing of a €330 million, multi-nation contract between EuroTrophy GmbH and KNDS Deutschland to supply the TROPHY Active Protection Systems (APS) for the Leopard 2 A8 main battle tank programs of Lithuania, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, and Croatia.

The widely distributed APS should see steady production well into the next decade for the military vehicle inventories of multiple nations. The demand for vehicle protection includes a need for existing, readily available systems as well as development and procurement of enhanced capabilities to counter emerging and growing threats, such as drones.

Integrated as part of the Leopard 2 A8’s standard configuration, TROPHY rapidly detects and tracks an anti-tank missile threat and neutralizes it away from the platform. The threat detection and warning subsystem consists of electro-optical sensors and search radar located around the protected vehicle to provide full hemispherical coverage.

There are two main versions of the system. The first, HV, is designed for heavy vehicles such as main battle tanks. The second, VPS, is designed for vehicles such as armored personnel carriers. TROPHY HV has been deployed operationally by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) since August 2009.

In June 2018, Rafael partner, Leonardo DRS was awarded a contract worth $193 million to provide TROPHY systems, countermeasures, and maintenance kits for U.S. Army tanks. Over the past few years, the U.S. has ordered enough systems to equip four brigades of tanks.

In April 2023, the German Bundestag approved the acquisition of 18 TROPHY-equipped Leopard 2A8 tanks, as well as a further 12 PzH2000 self-propelled howitzers.

Two years after selecting TROPHY for the next phase of detailed assessment and integration trials for the British Army's Challenger 3 main battle tanks, in July 2023, Rafael won a £20 million contract to supply the systems.

In October 2024, Rafael announced it had equipped TROPHY with a new capability specifically designed for the growing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) threat, which likely consists of infrared jammers, laser spot imitators, and radar jammers.

Source: Forecast International
Associated URL: http://www.forecastinternational.com
Author: Andrew Dardine, Defense Electronics 

TEL AVIV - As part of the preparations for receiving the CH-53K Pereh helicopters, the Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD) within the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) has signed a deal with Elbit Systems to integrate advanced Israeli technologies, including command and control, avionics, and electronic warfare systems, and the advanced anti-missile DIRCM system, on the 12 new helicopters expected to replace the IDF's aging Yas'ur helicopters. The deal, led by the Deputy Director of the DPD for Air and Sea Procurement, is valued at approximately $130 million (over NIS 400 million).

The CH-53K helicopters were purchased through a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement signed several years ago between the IMOD and the U.S. government. The helicopters are manufactured by Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky and are currently in the assembly process at the main production facility in Connecticut.

Upon completion of assembly, the helicopters are expected to move to a dedicated installation and production line established for adapting the American-configuration helicopters to Israeli systems tailored to the operational requirements defined by the Israeli Air Force (IAF). The integration of Israeli systems is expected to enhance the cockpit environment, enable flight in challenging conditions, and support the identification of safe landing zones and obstacles.

Source: Elbit Systems
Associated URL: https://www.elbitsystems.com/

MARIGNANE -- The French Directorate General of Armament (DGA) has ordered a new vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) version of the SMDM mini-drone system for the French Navy from Airbus Helicopters subsidiary Survey Copter. The order builds on an existing programme under which the DGA has procured 34 Aliaca systems since 2022. Deliveries of the VTOL variant are scheduled to begin in May 2026 following a qualification campaign.

The Aliaca VTOL retains the performance and architecture of the proven fixed-wing system while adding four lift propellers that enable vertical take-off and landing, reducing deployment time and eliminating the need for launch and recovery equipment. The 25 kg tactical drone offers up to two hours of endurance and a 50 km range, carrying electro-optical/infrared sensors and an AIS payload for maritime surveillance.

Already operational on French Navy patrol vessels, frigates, and coastal search and rescue missions, the VTOL version will expand operational flexibility across a wider range of ships and future land-based coastal surveillance roles.

Source: Airbus
Associated URL: https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2026-02-the-french-navy-to-become-first-operator-of-airbus-aliaca-vertical-uncrewed-aerial-system
Author: Airbus