The modernised British Challenger 3 tanks will be equipped with the Trophy active protection system. The choice in favour of the Israeli design was approved by the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom.
The UK Ministry of Defence intends to conduct demonstration and qualification tests of the Challenger 3 with the Trophy system in 2024. The Ministry of Defence has allocated £20m ($26m) for this purpose.
Trophy or ASPRO-A (short for Armoured Shield Protection – Active) is an active tank protection system. It was developed by Israel Aircraft Industries and Rafael Armament Development Authority.
The system aims to protect tanks from anti-tank missiles. To do this, it creates a hemisphere above the combat vehicle. The on-board computer determines the threat’s flight path and gives a command to destroy it.
The EL/M-2133 radar station is used to detect and identify the munitions that the enemy is striking. It has four active phased antenna arrays.
As for the Challenger 3, the UK intends to modernise 148 tanks. This will be handled by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), which received almost $1bn in 2021. All combat vehicles are expected to enter service by 2027.
The tank will be equipped with the L55A1 120mm cannon and will receive reinforced armour. The upgraded engine will allow the Challenger 3 to reach speeds of up to 60 km/h. Another new feature will be the E-LAWS warning system, which alerts the crew to laser irradiation of the enemy’s guidance system.
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