Hyundai Rotem has officially entered into an agreement with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to integrate the renowned Trophy active protection system onto the K2 main battle tank. This partnership marks a significant development as it will be the first instance of the South Korean-made armored vehicle incorporating an active protection system, enhancing its combat capabilities.
This noteworthy collaboration was announced in Kielce, Poland, and encompasses the baseline K2 model as well as the upgraded K2PL variants. These tanks are part of a substantial contract for 180 units being delivered to Warsaw. In addition to the current order, future South Korean military platforms are also expected to benefit from the integration of the Trophy system.
The Trophy system is designed to detect incoming anti-tank projectiles, track their trajectory, and engage them with countermeasures before they can cause damage. Its battlefield effectiveness has been demonstrated on several significant armored vehicles, including Israel’s Merkava, the U.S. Abrams, Germany’s Leopard 2, and the UK’s Challenger tanks. While the specific financial aspects of the contract were not disclosed, industry estimates suggest that the cost of implementing the Trophy system on each tank could reach approximately $300,000.
Hyung-joon Joo, senior vice president and head of Hyundai Rotem’s defense research center, emphasized the strategic advantage offered by the Trophy APS, referring to its strong combat credentials as a substantial enhancement to the K2 tank’s protection mechanisms.
The agreement aims to formalize cooperative efforts in various areas such as production, marketing, local adaptation, and lifecycle support for South Korea’s military, as well as for potential export markets. Executives from both companies highlighted that this partnership merges Rafael’s extensive combat experience with Hyundai Rotem’s robust industrial capabilities. This synergy is expected to open up new opportunities in international defense contracts, particularly within Europe, where the demand for advanced armored vehicles continues to grow.
Tzvi Marmor, head of Rafael’s land and naval division, expressed pride in deepening the collaboration with Hyundai Rotem. He conveyed optimism about melding Rafael’s operational expertise with South Korea’s technological and industrial prowess, aiming to address both local and global defense requirements effectively. This agreement signifies a collective commitment to enhancing battlefield survivability for next-generation armored platforms, underscoring the strategic nature of the partnership.
