In the type’s first public unveiling, a prototype of the British Army’s future Challenger 3 main battle tank (MBT) has taken centre stage at the UK’s Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) event, held in Millbrook, Bedfordshire, on 18 and 19 September 2024.
Designed and produced by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) out of its manufacturing facility in Telford under a GBP 800 (EUR 951 million) contract with the UK Ministry of Defence, Challenger 3 prototypes are currently undergoing a trials programme. According to RBSL, “trials to date have been successful and ahead of schedule, with further trials to take place in 2025”.
In total, 148 Challenger 2 MBTs will be upgraded to the Challenger 3 standard. Two prototypes have already rolled off the RBSL production line in Telford this year, with six more prototype MBTs being delivered in the coming months, according to RBSL. After the trials, which will validate the MBTs’ performance and allow refinements to be made, the remaining 140 Challenger 3s will be produced and delivered to the British Army.
The Challenger 3 features a new 120 mm L55A1 smoothbore gun built by Rheinmetall, enabling the use of the Rheinmetall’s most advanced ammunition, as well as next-generation, UK-sovereign modular armour designed by the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). It will also have a fully digitised turret and a Trophy active protection system (APS) provided by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
“The RBSL team is making great strides, with Challenger 3 completing successful non-destructive testing and further capability trials are to come,” RBSL Managing Director Will Gibby was quoted as saying in an 18 September press release. “Not only has RBSL produced the most advanced and capable Main Battle Tank in NATO, the development capability to deliver this programme – including the people, process, tools, facilities, and knowledge – are the building blocks needed to tailor new customer solutions. We look forward to RBSL helping shape the future of military vehicle design and production with international allies,” Gibby added.
The Challenger 3 is billed as the most lethal tank ever operated by British armed forces and has been described by the British Army as “the apex predator of modern warfare”.
