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Eight units of the British Army’s future Challenger 3 main battle tanks have been completed by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land, with a total of 148 of the tanks to be delivered to the British Army following trials.
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The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MOD) has confirmed that the first tank has started proving its capabilities during trials, with the eight tanks to be trialled across a range of conditions before the additional 140 begin construction.
The UK MOD has billed the tank as the “most lethal and survivable tank” operated by the British Army.
The delivery is part of an £800 million contract between the British military and Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land. It is the third iteration of the Challenger tank, and is projected to remain in service until at least 2040.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps explained that the Challenger 3 will remain integral to British warfighting.
“In a more dangerous world, the need for vehicles such as the Challenger 3 is imperative, as the threats facing the UK evolve. This tank will be at the heart of the British Army’s warfighting capabilities and will be integral to the UK’s deterrence,” Shapps explained.
“The hard work and dedication on show in Telford and across the country is instrumental in driving forward UK defence innovation and delivering for our forces in the frontline.”
The delivery of the capabilities will prove central to the modernisation of the British Army, Director General Land for Defence, Equipment and Support, Lieutenant General Simon Hamilton CBE said.
“Delivering the capability the Army needs to be more lethal is vital in an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world. The Challenger 3 Program is a cornerstone of the Army’s Future Soldier modernisation, and I am delighted to see the Army, DE&S and RBSL collaborating together to provide our soldiers with a world-class main battle tank made here in the UK.”
