Challenger 3 programme promises capability upgrade as first delivery milestone approaches
The British Army’s Challenger 3 MBTs are expected to remain in service until at least 2040. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
The British Army’s Challenger 3 main battle tank (MBT) will replace existing Challenger 2s with a smaller but more capable fleet of vehicles with improved protection and notably a 120mm L55A1 smoothbore gun firing an Enhanced Kinetic Energy round. The programme is advancing rapidly with several hurdles cleared in the past year.
The Challenger 3 MBT is a development of the Challenger 2 and grew out of a project which began as a Life Extension Programme of the older platform in 2013.
Since mid-2023 Challenger 3 prototypes have undergone live firing trials with contracts placed for modular armour system and active protection system, and the last of eight prototypes has rolled off the production line.
The trials will culminate in the System Qualification Review (SQR) to create a standard which will be used to produce the remaining tanks. The Royal Tank Regiment is expecting its first delivery of Challenger 3 in early
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Australia invests $1.4 billion in additional AMRAAM buy]()
Australia invests $1.4 billion in additional AMRAAM buy
Some of the missiles ordered can be used on the F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and the F35-A Lightning.
-
![US Army seeks nearly $900 million to accelerate development and acquisition of CUAS capabilities]()
US Army seeks nearly $900 million to accelerate development and acquisition of CUAS capabilities
The branch plans to speed up the building and procurement of kinetic and non-kinetic systems for fixed, semi-fixed and on-the-move operations.
-
![Large 10×10 vehicles go in search of a role]()
Large 10×10 vehicles go in search of a role
Wheeled vehicles ranging in size from 4×4 to 8×8 provide high-speed at a good level of mobility compared to tracked. However, tracked can be larger and have a higher level of mobility in marginal terrain with a smaller turning circle. What are the possibilities for a 10×10?
