South Korea equips Trophy active defense system on K2 tanks

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Hyundai Rotem have partnered to integrate, produce, and support Israel's Trophy protection system on South Korea's K2 main battle tank and future platforms. The move marks the first time a South Korean tank has been equipped with the active protection system.

South Korean versions of the K2 tank will be equipped with the Trophy active defense system. Photo: Hyundai Rotem

The deal includes a K2PL version specifically for Poland, following a deal to supply 180 K2 tanks signed between Poland and South Korea.

The cooperation between Israel and South Korea was signed at the MSPO 2025 Defense Exhibition in Kielce, Poland, a day after China's military parade and against the backdrop of a trilateral summit between China, Russia and North Korea.

The companies said in their announcement that the pact "reflects a shared commitment to providing next-generation active protection capabilities tailored to the Republic of Korea Army, while pursuing joint development, local production and export opportunities."

The Trophy integration deal also boosts the upcoming UK defence exhibition DSEI, which is scheduled to start on September 9 in London and will feature major Israeli defence companies.

Cooperation between Israel and South Korea took place at the MSPO 2025 defense exhibition. Photo: Rafael

Israel's Defense Ministry announced last week that it was withdrawing from the exhibition after DSEI organizers barred government representatives in response to Israel's war in Gaza.

The Trophy active protection system can be integrated into a wide range of military vehicles, with the manufacturer claiming it is "the only fully integrated APS system deployed by NATO".

Battle tanks expected to be equipped with this weapon include the US Abrams tank, the Israeli Merkava and Namer armored personnel carriers, the British Challenger tank and the German Leopard 2.