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The Ministry of Defense Merkava Tank Administration has completed the implementation of the Rafael’s first active defense system on a Merkava armored fighting vehicle (AFV).

This past week, IDF ground forces, teamed with the engineers of the Merkava Tank Administration, have begun the first operational experiment of the Merkava AFV equipped with the Trophy active defense system. The operational experiment is taking place at the school for infantry corps in the south of Israel.

Head of the Merkava Tank Administration for the Ministry of Defense, brigadier-general Baruch Matzlicah, said: “In recent weeks we have completed the integration and adaptation of the Trophy system to be mounted on Merkava AFVs. At the end of the series of experiments being conducted now, we will start to mount the system on additional vehicles. That way we will be implementing the Ministry of Defense’s policy to equip every Merkava AFV which leaves production with the only operational active defense system in the world. A Merkava AFV with the Trophy system will provide the highest protection for the IDF soldiers, offering them security and a significant advantage in the battlefield.”

The Merkava is considered the best armored AFV in the world and has proven its capabilities fighting in operation Protective Edge, facing many threats. During the operation, these AFVs have saved the lives of many soldiers who stayed safe inside the vehicles. According to the decision of the Ministry of Defense, all the Merkava AFVs will be equipped with the Trophy system, which has achieved great success defending the Merkava tanks in operation Protective Edge, a decision that will provide significant protection to every AFV.