Current solution: Trophy active protection system adapted to intercept UAVs (video)

During testing, the upgraded complex successfully intercepted a large jet-powered drone approaching at an angle of almost vertical dive.

Rafael Advanced Defence Systems has successfully upgraded its Trophy active protection system (APS) to intercept drones. Details of these improvements were presented at the Defence IQ International Armoured Vehicles conference, which takes place from January 21 to 23 in Farnborough, UK. Calibre Defence reports this.

It is noted that in 2024, Trophy underwent a series of tests, during which it demonstrated the ability to intercept drones, including fixed-wing aircraft. A Rafael representative said that to achieve this result, minimal changes were made to the system's hardware and a software update was performed.

“We asked ourselves what we could do with the current system to deal with these threats? Last year, we conducted a series of tests that demonstrated that Trophy can successfully intercept drones and fixed-wing UAVs using some software updates and minor changes to the hardware component,” — explained a Rafael representative.

Benefits of the upgrade

During the tests, the KAZ was mounted on a platform with a 30 mm turret. The system successfully intercepted a large Class 2 and 3 jet-powered drone approaching at a near-vertical dive angle.

The innovations make it possible to adapt Trophy to counter both small commercial drones and larger unmanned systems. At the same time, the upgrades are compatible with existing platforms in service in Europe and the United States.

Thus, the Trophy system becomes a key element for the successful execution of ground forces missions. Experts noted that the loss of several tanks from the battalion could jeopardize the task, and the use of KAZ increases the survivability of the equipment in the conditions of use, in particular, unmanned systems, which show high efficiency in the fight against armored vehicles.

However, Trophy does not replace comprehensive air defense. At the strategic level, for maximum protection against barrage munitions, the integration of multi-level air defense is required, including laser weapons, fire control systems, as well as electromagnetic spectrum control.