With advanced survivability 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 live firing took place in northern Germany, following Prime
Minister Rishi Sunak's visit to Berlin yesterday where he
announced a joint endeavour to develop Remote-Controlled Howitzer
155mm Wheeled Artillery Systems (RCH 155), which will be fitted
to Boxer vehicles.
The UK and Germany are the two largest economies in Europe, and
Germany is our largest trading partner on the continent, with
bilateral trade worth £147.7 billion last year.
Challenger 3 is being delivered by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land
(RBSL) under an £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 live qualification firings involved the first Challenger 3
tank firing rounds at targets from a range of distances to ensure
accuracy. They are being led by RBSL UK and Rheinmetall and are
using the Rheinmetall ranges for consistency with NATO Reference
Standards for the new weapon and ammunition.
This important milestone follows Defence Secretary, , last week seeing the latest
of eight Challenger 3 prototypes at the Rheinmetall BAE Systems
Land factory in Telford.
Minister for Defence Procurement, said:
Challenger 3 is a hugely impressive, cutting-edge tank. It will
be crucial in the Army's warfighting ability and the UK's
contribution to NATO, while acting as a deterrent to our
adversaries.
The live firings and production progress are testament to the
talent of our defence industry, helping equip our soldiers with
one of the world's most lethal tanks and creating hundreds of
skilled jobs back home in the process.
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 the most
lethal NATO ammunition available, as well as improved sensors,
advanced armour, and an Active Protection System.
