Meeting the Challenges of Modern Warfare
Modern armored vehicles face a growing range of threats on today’s battlefields. Hidden landmines, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and attack drones can strike from different directions, putting both vehicles and crews at risk. To address these challenges, Israeli defense company Plasan has unveiled a new survivability package that combines three protection systems—LAPS, ATHENA, and TAPS. Together, these technologies create a layered defense designed to improve vehicle protection against multiple forms of attack.
Three Layers of Protection
Plasan developed each component to counter a specific battlefield threat. The first layer, LAPS, focuses on mine-blast protection. When a vehicle triggers a mine, the resulting shockwave can cause serious injuries to soldiers inside. LAPS reduces the force transferred to occupants, helping crews survive powerful underbody explosions.
The second layer, ATHENA, protects against shaped-charge weapons such as RPGs and anti-tank munitions. These weapons concentrate explosive energy to penetrate armor. ATHENA disrupts the effectiveness of incoming attacks, reducing the likelihood of severe vehicle damage.
Countering the Drone Threat
As drones become increasingly common in military conflicts, armored vehicles face new dangers from above. Recognizing this shift, Plasan created TAPS, the Top Attack Protection System. The lightweight overhead armor shields vehicles from drone-dropped explosives and top-attack weapons while preserving mobility and operational performance. The company designed the system for integration with existing vehicle platforms, making upgrades easier for military operators.
Preparing for Future Battlefields
Recent conflicts have demonstrated that no single armor solution can address every threat. Instead, vehicles need protection against mines, anti-tank weapons, and aerial attacks simultaneously. By combining LAPS, ATHENA, and TAPS into one survivability package, Plasan aims to help military forces adapt to changing battlefield conditions and improve the safety of soldiers operating in high-risk environments.
