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
-
![Drone wars: countries are looking for answers but do companies have the solutions?]()
Drone wars: countries are looking for answers but do companies have the solutions?
Manufacturers are speeding up their counter-drone development efforts as countries increasingly focus on procurements to provide battlefield and national protection.
-
![Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability]()
Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability
The proposed $920 million deal would provide Sweden with a step up from its existing tube artillery and align the country with other northern European nations that have selected the HIMARS platform.
-
![Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers]()
Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers
The attack drone threat from first-person view uncrewed aerial systems has been highlighted by recent conflicts and Thales has adapted its Storm 2 counter-improvised explosive device jammer to provide protection.
-
![UAE’s first combat use of M-SAM II could raise export prospects for South Korean air defence]()
UAE’s first combat use of M-SAM II could raise export prospects for South Korean air defence
Reported to provide a high percentage of precision in its engagements, the South Korean air defence system has been receiving growing international interest since it was deployed by the UAE to defeat Iranian missiles.
