A major deal, valued at approximately $390 million, has been recently announced, marking a significant expansion of the Israeli Trophy Active Protection System (APS) presence within NATO forces. Lithuania, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Croatia have opted to equip their Leopard 2 A8 Main Battle Tanks with this innovative system, under a contract signed between EuroTrophy GmbH and KNDS Deutschland. This decision underscores a growing confidence in Israeli defense solutions for strengthening European security.
A European Alliance for Armored Security
The multi-nation contract represents a milestone for EuroTrophy, a company established in 2022 by defense industry giants Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, with the aim of marketing and producing the Trophy system. KNDS, the company resulting from the merger of Germany’s KMW and France’s Nexter Defense Systems, plays a central role in this partnership. Meir Ben Tzook, Chairman of the Board of EuroTrophy, stated that the selection of Trophy by multiple NATO nations reflects „a clear and shared confidence in the system itself,” adding that European armies now benefit from a „combat-proven active protection system that is produced, integrated, and sustained in Europe, while fully aligned with NATO operational standards.”
Why Trophy? A Foundational Standard for Modern Protection
The agreement provides for the supply of not only the Trophy systems but also spare parts, training packages, and comprehensive logistical support, ensuring long-term availability and through-life sustainment. Tzvi Marmor, Rafael Executive Vice-President and head of the Land and Naval Systems Division, emphasized that the joint selection of the system „reflects a clear consensus that active protection has become a foundational requirement for modern armored forces.”
From Israeli Fronts to Global Main Battle Tanks
Trophy boasts an impressive track record. It was first integrated on Israel’s Merkava tanks more than a decade ago and has equipped the US Army’s Abrams tanks since 2018. In 2024, Rafael delivered the first Trophy systems for Germany’s Leopard 2 tanks, and the system was also chosen for Norway’s Leopard 2 A8s. Global expansion continues, with Trophy expected to be installed on Hyundai Rotem-made tanks in South Korea following a September 2025 agreement. By November 2025, over 1,900 Trophy systems had already been procured worldwide.
Beyond Main Battle Tanks: A Strategic European Vision
The Trophy system is now expanding its applicability to lighter armored vehicles, including Boxer, Patria AMV, and Namer APCs, a sign of active protection evolving into a core element of modern armored force design. EuroTrophy is considered a strategic hub for „localized vehicle integration, lifecycle support, and customer-specific services tailored to European operational and industrial requirements,” a strategy similar to that of EuroSpike for the Spike missile family.
A Legacy of Trust: Europe Embraces Israeli Defense Innovation
The decision by these nations is not surprising, given their prior experience in acquiring Israeli defense systems. Lithuania has acquired SPIKE NLOS missiles, Croatia has integrated Elbit Systems turrets, the Czech Republic uses IAI radars and Rafael’s Spyder air defense system, and the Netherlands has procured multiple systems from Israeli defense companies over the years. This history of collaboration underscores mutual trust and the key role of Israeli technology in modernizing European defense capabilities.
