The US Marine Corps is finally following the footsteps of the Navy to upgrade their trusty tanks with the Israeli Trophy Active Protection System (APS) in order to protect their assets and lives of the brave men and women piloting them. The Trophy Active Protection System (APS) can detect and deflect incoming missiles by firing small rounds after the sensors detect an anti-tank missile on the way, detonating them in mid-air before they reach the tank itself. Apart from firing rounds that deflect incoming missiles, the US Marine Corps will be adding electronic warfare capabilities to the Abrams’ new defense system. These jammers can disable and jam incoming missiles, the US Marine Corps plans to benefit from the Navy’s already existing EW (electronic warfare) capabilities. The US Marine Corps is currently partnering with Army to test out the Trophy Active Protection System (APS) on their M1 Abrams tanks, one of the heaviest tanks in the world, and Stryker combat vehicles.
According to Lt. Gen. Robert Walsh, “Now we’re seeing the threat on the ground changing, becoming a much more sophisticated threat on the ground. What we’ve continued to do is up-armor our capabilities on the ground.” The General also noted that they are also investing in drones that are designed to spot enemies before they even launch such anti-tank missile attacks.
