Challenger 3 upgrade includes three phases but ammo requirements remain unclear
Challenger 2 MBT demonstrator armed with latest Rheinmetall 120mm L55A1 smoothbore gun plus new Thales commanders and gunner's stabilised sights. (Photo: RBSL)
There are three distinct phases to the Challenger 3 MBT upgrade plan for the British Army, but the MoD is still considering its 120mm ammunition options.
RBSL (a JV between Rheinmetall and BAE Systems Land) has confirmed that the British Army’s Challenger 3 MBT Life Extension Programme (LEP) will comprise three phases with an expected in-service date of 2027.
The first phase, now underway, covers the building of six pre-series Challenger 3 MBTs at the RBSL facility in Telford.
This will be followed by Phase 2 LRIP of a further 18 units, with Phase 3 being full-rate production of 203 tanks.
The end result will be sufficient to equip two regiments of the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) plus vehicles for training and reserve.
There
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy]()
US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy
As the US Department of Defense looks to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems to improve homeland security, the DroneHunter acquisition could point to future commercial innovation.
-
![Norway opts for Hanwha’s Chunmoo for long-range fires under $2 billion deal]()
Norway opts for Hanwha’s Chunmoo for long-range fires under $2 billion deal
The selection of Hanwha’s K239 Chunmoo long-range precision fires system, with a contract expected to be signed on 30 January, makes Norway the second European country to choose the system. It is expected an operational system will be in service within four years.
-
![Layered protection: How air defence is adapting to rising drone and missile threats (podcast)]()
Layered protection: How air defence is adapting to rising drone and missile threats (podcast)
A surge in aerial threats – from advanced missiles to low-cost drones – is reshaping the way militaries approach air defence, driving demand for flexible, multi-layered solutions.
