UK Now Has 8 Challenger 3 Prototypes
The UK’s Challenger 3 main battle tank program is progressing as another prototype tank has been delivered by RBSL. At least eight prototype Challenger 3s have been delivered. The UK Ministry of Defence describes them as “the most lethal and survivable tank ever operated by the British Army.”
The tank can reach speeds of up to 60kph and is armed with a new 120mm smoothbore gun with higher muzzle velocity than the and greater penetration than the Challenger 2’s current L30A1 120 mm rifled gun. The Challenger 3 will also be equipped with the Trophy Active Protection System for protection against rocket and anti-tank guided missiles.
The British Army’s Director Programmes, Major General Jon Swift OBE noted that “Challenger 3 will be at the heart of the Army’s Armoured Brigade Combat Teams, alongside Ajax and Boxer, and is critical to the Army’s warfighting capability and the UK’s contribution to NATO”, adding that the “delivery of these prototype vehicles, the first of which has already started trials, marks a significant milestone on the Army’s modernisation journey.”
The prototypes rolled off the Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) factory production line in Telford. During a visit to the factory UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, said:
“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.
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.”
Challenger 3 is a total refit of existing Challenger 2 hulls and will result in 148 tanks being delivered. Challenger 3 is being delivered at a cost of £800 million (USD$1 billion) and will remain in service until at least 2040.