British Army’s Challenger 3 undertakes qualification firings in Germany
The Challenger 3 MBT undertook live fire trials in Germany. (Photo: MoD/Crown Copyright)
The first live firings of the British Army’s next generation Challenger 3 MBT took place on 24 April with the platform firing rounds at targets from a range of distances to ensure accuracy.
Trials of the tank have been led by RBSL UK and Rheinmetall using the latter’s ranges in Germany for consistency with NATO Reference Standards for the latest 120mm L55A1 smooth bore gun and its suite of ammunition.
The firing trials followed an announcement earlier this month of the latest Challenger 3 tanks finalising production in Telford and the establishment of a joint endeavour to develop Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm (
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return
The introduction of Ajax vehicles into British Army service was stopped after operator health issues were reported during an exercise, but manufacturer General Dynamics Land Systems UK believes work over the past 10 months has dealt with the problems.
-
Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions
Sweden, Croatia and France are pursuing different rocket artillery solutions as European armies seek greater reach, survivability and industrial resilience.
-
MAAF to test Britain’s shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia
The bilateral agreement between the UK and Estonia comes as both countries explore how dispersed troops, drones, digital targeting, anti-tank weapons and increasingly long-range fires can complement the combat mass traditionally provided by heavy armour.