Spanish technology group Indra announced on 20 May 2025 that it has successfully tested its Nemus radar for active protection against drones and projectiles on Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks (MBTs) at the Spanish Army’s Armored Units Instruction Center (CENAD) in Zaragoza.
The aim of the tests was to check whether the Nemus radar can be integrated into the Leopard platform. The demonstration was a continuation of tests that Indra carried out with the same system at the army’s Radio Evaluation and Experimentation Centre (CEAR) in Guadalajara in July 2024.
Indra classifies the Nemus system as the most advanced radar of its class in Europe. Derived from a naval radar installed, for example, on the Spanish F100 frigate, the Nemus system is a small and lightweight active electronically scanned-array (AESA) radar designed to be installed on armoured vehicles to detect, identify and track drones, micro-drones and all types of projectiles – from anti-tank missiles and grenade launchers to incoming munitions reaching supersonic speeds – in order to initiate the necessary countermeasures to neutralise them.
The system can use its own intelligence to identify false targets and is resistant to interference. It also works in extremely wet, cold and hot weather conditions. More than 20 targets can be tracked per radar element.
Potential future business opportunities include involvement in the modernisation of the Spanish Leopard 2E MBT, as well as in the construction of the Leopard 2A8, which Spain might decide to order, and participation in the construction of components for the Franco-German Main Ground Combat System, should Spain decide to join that programme.
During the demonstration of the Nemus system, only the radar sensor and the evaluation of the data were on display, showing the threat spectrum that the sensor can cover. No effectors were included, but Indra states that the Nemus system is agnostic in relation to the active protection system (APS) with which it is integrated. The most advanced APS is currently the Trophy system from Israel’s Rafael, which is marketed in Europe by EuroTrophy. The system has already proven itself in combat and is currently being installed in the first Bundeswehr MBTs.
Rheinmetall has developed the Strikeshield distributed installation solution, which is being integrated into the Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicle in Hungary during ongoing production there.
In addition, there are numerous other APSs (such as Iron Fist, Arena, Pulat and Akkor) that are already installed or ready for production.
Informed sources have rumoured that the Indra sensor is to be integrated into an existing APS, potentially enhancing its performance.
