Israeli defense firm Plasan has unveiled three protection systems targeting the threat types that have defined armored vehicle vulnerability in recent conflicts: drone top-attacks, mine blasts, and shaped charges.
The systems are ATHENA (Advanced Thickening Energetic Armor), TAPS (Top Attack Protection System), and LAPS (Leg Active Protection System).
Vehicle-Mounted Module
Built for protection against shaped-charge jets, rocket-propelled grenades, and explosively formed penetrators, ATHENA is a vehicle-mounted module that contains no energetic materials.
Made from composite armor with expanding layers, the system physically expands upon impact, converting the energy of the incoming projectile into a response that defeats shaped-charge attacks.
According to the company, it is effective against shaped-charge munitions, explosively formed penetrators of defined diameters, and 30/35mm long-rod penetrators.
The module is in an advanced development phase and has been tested in real-world conditions.
Upper Surface Defense
The second system is TAPS, a carpet-like surface fitted with spike-like elements that allows personnel to walk across it without causing damage.
Meant to be installed over passive add-on armor, the lightweight system weighs 17 kilograms per square meter (3.5 pounds per square foot).
TAPS is intended to protect against loitering munitions, artillery-delivered submunitions, and grenades dropped from drones onto vehicle upper sections.
It has been tested by several Western militaries and is currently entering production for several armored fighting vehicle programs.
Active Blast-Response System
Rounding out the suite is LAPS, an active blast-response system integrated into the vehicle’s energy-attenuating seat structure.
The system is intended to enhance mine blast survivability by addressing effects that passive armor alone cannot fully mitigate.
Following detection of a mine blast, LAPS activates within milliseconds, raising the crew’s legs before the shockwave reaches the vehicle floor.
The system provides this capability without increasing vehicle weight or occupying additional internal space, preserving existing platform constraints.
