UK awards Challenger 3 upgrade contract
RBSL aims to keep Challenger 2 battle-ready for the next two decades. (Photo: RBSL)
Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land sign £800m contract with UK MoD to upgrade Challenger 3 main battle tanks.
Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land has been awarded the UK MoD contract to upgrade 148 British Army Challenger 3 main battle tanks.
The programme will make significant enhancements to the vehicle and provide the British Army with a world-class capability, made in the UK.
The upgraded Challenger 3 tanks will be network-enabled, digital main battle tanks with state-of-the-art lethality, upgraded survivability and world-class surveillance and target acquisition capabilities.
The new vehicle will be equipped with a 120mm high-pressure L55A1 main gun, firing the latest kinetic energy antitank rounds and programmable multipurpose ammunition.
The gun is complete with increased first-hit capability and the latest fire support technology.
The new turret structure and improved survivability systems provides the highest standard of protection for the crew.
The long-range commander and gunner primary sights will also be improved with automatic target detection and acquisition.
This solution provides significant growth potential in all main battle tank key capability areas with the new physical, electronic and electrical architecture.
The contract is valued at £800m and the programme will commence in 2021 with an expected in-service date of 2027.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Air defence offerings multiply in anticipation of emerging requirements]()
Air defence offerings multiply in anticipation of emerging requirements
Air defence and counter-drone weapons continue to be developed, tested and demonstrated in anticipation of growing demand, with most solutions designed to be platform-agnostic and readily integrated onto suitable platforms.
-
![BAE Systems looks beyond the M113 replacement as it tests 30mm AMPV]()
BAE Systems looks beyond the M113 replacement as it tests 30mm AMPV
The development demonstrates how the platform could provide additional firepower and growth potential while the US Army progresses its long-term replacement for the Bradley.
-
![FNSS advances Indonesian Kaplan APC programme as local production expands]()
FNSS advances Indonesian Kaplan APC programme as local production expands
FNSS and PT Pindad are progressing the Indonesian tracked armoured personnel carrier programme as local production gets under way.
-
![Tulpar firing trials expand Hitfact Mk II platform options]()
Tulpar firing trials expand Hitfact Mk II platform options
Firing trials of the Tulpar and Leonardo Hitfact Mk II combination follow an integration programme covering mechanical, electrical, electronic and software interfaces.
