On July 13, 2023, the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense awarded a £20 million contract to Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for the development of a rocket and missile protection system intended for the Challenger 3 tanks. This contract is focused on procuring multiple Trophy APS systems, countermeasures, and test equipment needed for the qualification and integration activities during the forthcoming demonstration phase.
Israeli Rafael Defense Systems will be responsible for supplying the Trophy APS system for integration with the Challenger 3 tanks. The system has successfully completed a rigorous Assessment Phase, including an extensive series of 25 shots, including live intercept shots, performed on a representative Challenger 3 system. This successful testing phase has paved the way for the procurement of the Trophy Systems, Counter Measures, and test equipment required for the subsequent qualification and integration activities planned for the upcoming demonstration phase.
The Demonstration Phase, scheduled for 2024, will be overseen by Rafael Defence Systems and Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), serving as the Design Authority for the Challenger 3 tanks. Testing of the integrated system will take place at Rafael’s facility in Israel, as well as at multiple test ranges in the United Kingdom. RBSL is responsible for manufacturing the Challenger 3 tanks, which are expected to be in active service by 2027.
The Challenger 3 (CR3) Program will also involve contributions from other companies. Elbit Systems UK will provide the Elbit Laser Warning System (ELAWS), while Curtiss-Wright will supply their aiming and stabilization system.
The Trophy Active Protection System (APS), developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, is an advanced military technology designed to protect vehicles from incoming rockets, missiles, and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds. The Trophy APS has already proven successful on major Israeli combat vehicles, including the Merkava 3 and Merkava 4 tanks, Namer APCs, as well as American tanks, APCs, and Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs).