Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. Provides the United States Army with anti-missile protection systems in exchange for Abram’s tanks and other armored personnel carriers (APCs); Deal said to be worth $500 million; Rafael CEO: Technology developed in Israel over many years of investment will play a major role in protecting US soldiers – exactly as it protects our soldiers.
Israel’s ‘Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.’ has struck a deal with the US Army involving their anti-missile protection system called the Trophy. As part of the military deal worth $500 million, the United States Army has inherited the Trophy anti-missile defense system in exchange for some of its Abram’s tanks and other armored personnel carriers (APCs).
The Trophy system has been in use since 2011 by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). This technology is highly sought after for its versatility when it comes to self-defense. The Trophy’s ability to protect a tank from multiple projectiles including missiles and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) is what makes it so special. While originally suited for Israeli tanks, Rafael has said that it has been designed to suit the needs of the US Army as well. Rafael is partnering with Leonardo DRS, the US division of Italy’s Leonardo, and Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd (IAI). Interestingly enough, near 50% of the supplies needed to manufacture the Trophy system are produced in the United States.
Rafael CEO Gen. (res.) Yoav Har Evan stated, “We have fully complied with this challenging order, which combined production and integration procedures alongside trials in especially stringent scenarios. There is great satisfaction that technology developed in Israel over many years of investment will play a major role in protecting US soldiers – exactly as it protects our soldiers.” Additionally, the US Army has other defense systems in place to accompany the Trophy.
Different than nations around the world, Israel believes that the heart and soul of their tank is the people inside of it. An engine is replaceable, people are not. This technology is a huge advantage in battle when it comes to self-defense while operating inside of such a vulnerable piece of equipment, and now the United States Army will benefit from it.
