With advanced armour and devastating firepower, the Challenger 3
boasts an impressive range of state-of-the-art technology, making
it the most lethal and survivable tank ever operated by the
British Army.
The latest of eight Challenger 3 prototypes rolled off the
Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land factory production line in Telford
as the Defence Secretary had an opportunity to meet the engineers
and apprentices who have worked on this crucial programme.
The first tank is already showing its capabilities on trials. All
will be tested under operational conditions to validate their
performance and make refinements, before another 140 are built
and delivered to the British Army.
Defence Secretary, , said:
In a more dangerous world, the need for vehicles such as the
Challenger 3 is imperative, as the threats facing the UK evolve.
This tank will be at the heart of the British Army's warfighting
capabilities and will be integral to the UK's deterrence.
The hard work and dedication on show in Telford and across the
country is instrumental in driving forward UK defence innovation
and delivering for our forces in the frontline.
Providing the Army's Main Battle Tank, the Challenger 3 will
remain in service until at least 2040. This third iteration
of the Challenger series includes a state-of-the-art turret with
a more capable smoothbore gun, which is compatible with NATO
ammunition, as well as improved armour and sensors.
The Army's Director Programmes, Major General Jon Swift
OBE said:
Challenger 3 will be at the heart of the Army's Armoured Brigade
Combat Teams, alongside Ajax and Boxer, and is critical to the
Army's warfighting capability and the UK's contribution to NATO.
The delivery of these prototype vehicles, the first of which has
already started trials, marks a significant milestone on the
Army's modernisation journey.
Director General Land for Defence, Equipment and Support,
Lieutenant General CBE said:
Delivering the capability the Army needs to be more lethal is
vital in an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world. The
Challenger 3 Programme is a cornerstone of the Army's Future
Soldier modernisation, and I am delighted to see the Army,
DE&S and RBSL collaborating together to provide our soldiers
with a world-class Main Battle Tank made here in the UK.
RBSL Managing Director, Will Gibby said:
RBSL is playing a key part in delivering the Land Industrial
Strategy through its Challenger 3 programme, ensuring it benefits
from the best of British engineering and manufacturing, whilst
also sustaining valuable skills across the country.
Delivery of the first pre-production Challenger 3 and the
commencement of trials marks a critical milestone in our delivery
of this impressive capability to the British Army and will
provide our soldiers with a world-class Main Battle Tank made
here in the UK.
Challenger 3 is being delivered by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land
(RBSL) under a £800 million contract, creating a number of highly
skilled roles, with nearly 300 jobs generated within RBSL,
including 130 engineers and 70 technicians, with an additional
450 jobs across the UK.
The contract is also attracting a £40 million inward investment
in RBSL's Telford facility, utilising a UK supply chain that
includes companies in the West Midlands, Glasgow, Newcastle upon
Tyne and the Isle of Wight.
