Israeli TROPHY Active Protection System to be Produced Locally in India to Increase Protection of Combat Vehicles.

In February 2025, a significant collaboration was announced between Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd (Rafael) from Israel and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) from India, marking a new chapter in the indigenization of advanced defense technologies. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the integration of the TROPHY Active Protection System (APS) into India’s combat vehicles. This announcement represents a key milestone in India's ongoing defense modernization efforts and underscores its commitment to bolstering its self-reliance in critical military technologies.
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The TROPHY Active Protection System (APS) is an advanced defense technology designed to protect combat vehicles from a wide range of threats, including anti-tank missiles, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and drones.

The TROPHY APS is a cutting-edge, battle-tested solution that provides active protection to military platforms against a range of modern threats. It is the only APS in the world that has been proven in real combat scenarios, earning a reputation for its reliability and effectiveness in countering a variety of missile threats, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and even small unmanned aerial systems (drones). In addition to its traditional role in neutralizing anti-tank missiles, TROPHY is also equipped with Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities, expanding its role in modern battlefields where drones are increasingly used for surveillance and attacks. Through this collaboration with L&T, TROPHY APS will be integrated into Indian combat vehicles, enhancing the protection of troops and platforms on the frontlines.

TROPHY’s proven track record makes it a highly sought-after solution for armed forces worldwide. The system employs advanced radar and sensors to detect and track incoming threats, with the ability to engage and neutralize them using an array of countermeasures, including kinetic interceptors. Its 360° protection ensures that platforms are safeguarded from threats in any direction, a feature particularly valuable in urban warfare or asymmetric combat environments. Additionally, TROPHY is fully operational in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), where it has been installed on the Merkava Mk4 main battle tank and Namer infantry fighting vehicles. The system has been successfully deployed in combat situations, including operations in Gaza, where it demonstrated its ability to intercept a wide range of projectiles in real-time.

The integration of TROPHY APS into Indian combat vehicles is expected to significantly increase the survivability of platforms such as the Arjun Mk2 main battle tank, K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers, and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, among others. The Arjun Mk2, an advanced Indian-made tank, will likely be one of the first vehicles to benefit from TROPHY’s advanced protection capabilities, particularly in environments where anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) pose a significant threat. The K9 Vajra, a self-propelled howitzer produced by L&T, will also see its protection capabilities enhanced by TROPHY, safeguarding it against RPGs, ATGMs, and drones. Furthermore, the BMP-2, the backbone of India’s mechanized infantry, stands to gain significantly from the integration of TROPHY, offering better protection when operating in high-risk environments, such as urban combat zones.

The TROPHY APS is already deployed by a number of nations and has proven itself to be a reliable and critical asset for modern armored units. Apart from Israel, other countries that have successfully deployed TROPHY include the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands, among others. In the U.S., the system has been integrated into the M1 Abrams main battle tank, part of the U.S. Army's strategy to enhance the survivability of its forces in complex combat situations. Similarly, Germany has adopted the system for its Leopard 2 tanks, and the Netherlands has integrated TROPHY into its armored vehicle fleet, underscoring its widespread acceptance and utility.

This strategic partnership between Rafael and L&T also aligns with India’s broader defense initiatives, notably the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) program, which aims to foster self-sufficiency in defense technologies. By bringing TROPHY APS to India, the two companies are not only enhancing the protection of Indian military platforms but also advancing India's defense industrial capabilities. The MoU emphasizes the importance of indigenous defense production, with L&T expected to play a key role in localizing the technology, ensuring that India can manufacture and maintain the system domestically. This is in line with the Indian government's Make in India, Make for the World vision, which seeks to turn India into a global hub for defense innovation and manufacturing.

The deployment of TROPHY APS is not just about safeguarding individual vehicles, but rather enhancing the overall strategic capability of India’s armed forces. With modern threats evolving rapidly, especially with the proliferation of high-tech anti-tank missiles and drones, TROPHY offers a comprehensive solution to neutralize these emerging dangers, providing a significant technological edge. The active protection of armored platforms is becoming increasingly crucial as combat tactics shift toward asymmetrical warfare, where non-traditional threats like drones and precision-guided munitions are used to target critical assets. In this context, TROPHY provides the Indian military with a potent, reliable tool to defend its troops and platforms in any operational environment.

As India continues to modernize its defense infrastructure, collaborations such as the one between Rafael and L&T are vital in accelerating the country’s technological advancements. By adopting state-of-the-art systems like TROPHY, India strengthens not only its military defense but also its defense industry, paving the way for future exports of advanced defense technologies. The integration of TROPHY into Indian combat vehicles is therefore not just a step forward in terms of military protection but also an important leap in the development of India as a global defense leader.

This collaboration represents a new phase in the evolving defense partnership between Israel and India. As TROPHY continues to gain global recognition for its operational success, its deployment in India’s combat vehicles will undoubtedly serve as a critical component in enhancing the Indian Army's capabilities. With the added protection of TROPHY APS, Indian forces will be better prepared to face the complex and dynamic challenges of modern warfare, ensuring greater safety for their soldiers while maintaining a technological edge over adversaries.