M1A2 SEP V2 Abrams & Trophy APS – Forum Proposal
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Real-World Context
• Official U.S. sources confirm that M1A2 SEP V2 Abrams tanks have been tested and temporarily fitted with the Israeli Trophy Active Protection System (APS).
• In late 2018, a Fort Bliss trial saw an armored platoon of SEP V2s conduct successful live-fire and force-on-force events with Trophy installed.
• In 2020, SEP V2s deployed to Europe for DEFENDER-Europe 20 carried Trophy modules, as documented by U.S. Army Europe.
• The U.S. Army has since contracted hundreds of Trophy kits for both SEP V2 and the upcoming SEP V3 (M1A2C), demonstrating institutional intent to field APS on current Abrams models.
Comparable In-Game MBTs with APS
• Merkava Mk 4M “Windbreaker” (Israel) enters battle equipped with Trophy APS as standard.
• T-90M Proryv and T-80BVM (Russia) both utilize Arena-M APS in real life—and in War Thunder, these systems are already modelled and functional.
• Allowing Trophy on the SEP V2 would bring the U.S. tree into parity with other nations’ modern tanks and uphold historical accuracy.
SEP V3 (M1A2C) vs. SEP V2
• The long-term Abrams upgrade path (SEP V3) is slated to carry Trophy as a factory-fit system.
• However, SEP V3 is not yet in War Thunder’s service period or release schedule.
• A retrofit option on the existing SEP V2 would bridge this gap, reflecting real-world staging of Trophy installation.
Gameplay Balance & Historical Accuracy
• Optional Upgrade: Trophy could be unlocked as a late-Tier modification, protecting against ATGMs and rockets without granting invulnerability.
• Parity: U.S. players deserve access to the same APS technology already available to Russian and Israeli MBTs.
• Realism: Multiple authoritative reports confirm SEP V2 testing and limited field use of Trophy—omitting it breaks immersion.
Why It Should Be Added
• Fairness: Balances the U.S. tank tree by matching other nations’ APS-equipped MBTs.
• Authenticity: Reflects documented U.S. Army trials and procurement for Trophy on SEP V2.
• Continuity: Serves as a logical interim before the eventual arrival of SEP V3 in-game.
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Sources
• 2019 DOT&E “Active Protection Systems (APS)” report (Fort Bliss Trophy trials):
https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals/97/pub/reports/FY2019/army/2019aps.pdf
• 2020 DOT&E “Abrams M1A2 System Enhancement Packages” report (SEP V2 Trophy tests):
https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals/97/pub/reports/FY2020/army/2020abrams-m1a2.pdf
• Inside Defense: General Dynamics Land Systems contract for Trophy APS kits on Abrams:
• Army Recognition: “Rafael Trophy APS equipped on Merkava Mk 4M tank”:
https://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2021_global_security_defense_news_industry_analysis_report/rafael_trophy_aps_equipped_merkava_mk4m_tank.html
• Wikipedia – Trophy (countermeasure):
• Wikipedia – Arena (countermeasure):
All listed sources are publicly accessible for further verification.
Contrary to popular beliefs these pictures are not of the sep v3 and are only of the sep v2
Please let me know what you think about this
