German Leopard 2A8 gets key upgrade driven by Ukraine war lessons

The Israeli-made Trophy active protection system (APS) has emerged as one of the key upgrades in Germany’s newest Leopard 2A8 main battle tank, according to 19FortyFive.

Analysts note that battlefield experience in Ukraine has underscored the urgent need for active protection technologies.

“Historically, European tanks have relied almost entirely on passive armour – but the scenes witnessed in Ukraine in recent years have proven that an APS is simply necessary for survival. Without it, tanks are rolling targets,” the report says.

The Leopard 2A8 also features an improved fire-control system equipped with advanced sights, along with enhanced armour protection. Defence experts argue that the 2A8 variant will shape the future direction of Europe’s armoured forces.

Introduced in 2005, the Trophy system is designed to intercept incoming anti-tank missiles and rockets. It uses radar to detect threats and launches protective countermeasures to neutralise them before impact.

By Vugar Khalilov