The US Army's experience with operating armored vehicles and developing anti-tank weapons led them to consider equipping M1A2 Abrams tanks with active protection systems. The Israeli Trophy-HV system, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, was chosen for testing. The U.S. Army later decided to equip its tank units stationed in Europe with the system. Up to 261 Abrams tanks were planned for modernization, which is enough to equip four armored brigade combat teams.
In June 2018, Leonardo DRS, Rafael's American partner, received a contract to supply Trophy systems for Abrams tanks. In July 2020, M1A2 SEPv2 tanks equipped with the Trophy APS were deployed to Germany to participate in the large-scale NATO exercise, Defender Europe 2020.
The M1A2 (Trophy-HV) was introduced in Update 2.57 "Heavy Cavalry". The main difference between the M1A2 and the M1A2 (Trophy-HV) is the Trophy APS, which was previously seen on the Israeli Merkava Mk.4M. The Trophy APS has six countermeasures and provides the tank with 360-degree protection against enemy ATGMs launched from helicopters or ground-based platforms. Otherwise, it remains the same Abrams, offering good turret protection and the powerful M829A3 round. However, the increased weight of 69.5 tons negatively affects the vehicle's overall mobility.
