Insight: The UK's Challenger 3 tank programme gets ready for service in 2025
Challenger 3 will the latest iteration of the Challenger MBT introduced into service with the British Army. (Photo: RBSL)
Initially planned for service entry between 2027 and 2030, the British Army's first Challenger 3 tanks remain on track for accelerated delivery in 2025. Shephard Defence Insight provides full technical details and a programme update for this vital UK armoured capability.
Snapshot
Challenger 3 is the latest iteration of the Challenger MBT introduced into service with the British Army. Manufactured by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land, Challenger 3 is an in-service upgrade to the existing Challenger 2 platform. Featuring a switch to a new 120mm smoothbore gun, integrated Trophy APS, and a new suite of sights and optics enhancing existing 'hunter-killer' capabilities, Challenger 3 is expected to replace 148 Challenger 2 platforms by 2030 in a $1.17 billion (£800 million) contract with the British Army.
Customers
Challenger 3 remains a solely British programme at present. Of the 227 Challenger 2 tanks currently
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