Active protection systems for combat vehicles and unmanned robots — sensors detect incoming threats (drones, anti-tank missiles) and a countermeasure module neutralises them before impact. Known examples: Trophy (Rafael), Iron Fist (Elbit), Arena-M (Russia).
This subcategory covers Active Protection Systems (APS) — integrated hardware-software packages mounted on armored vehicles, unmanned robots and mobile platforms. Their purpose is to detect incoming threats (guided anti-tank missiles, RPGs, FPV drones, grenades) via radar, acoustic sensors, thermal or optical cameras, and then to neutralise them before impact — by launching interceptors, generating decoys or actively jamming drone communications. In the context of the 2022-2026 war in Ukraine, FPV drones have become the key challenge, driving new APS systems based on sensor fusion and AI.
