18/09/2024 | Press release

The most lethal tank ever operated by British Armed Forces – the new Challenger 3 – will be on display at the British Army’s Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) event in Millbrook.

Designed and produced by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) from their Telford (UK) manufacturing facility, the Challenger 3 is a leading example of advanced military vehicle production and collaboration between Britain’s allies and the most respected vehicle systems suppliers across the UK and Europe.

Visitors to DVD will see that the British-made Challenger 3 is designed with the user in mind using the most advanced technologies, delivering a vehicle for the challenges of today’s battlefield ensuring operational effectiveness and the safety and comfort of the crew. This has been achieved in part by the symbiotic approach to development, with RBSL engineers working side-by-side with Army personnel to adapt where needed within the parameters of the vehicle design and requirements.

Challenger 3 will be delivered with a next-generation modular armour system. Designed by world leading armour experts at Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), and jointly developed with DE&S and RBSL, the new modular armour provides a step change in survivability for the Main Battle Tank. Trials to date have been successful and ahead of schedule with further trials to take place in 2025.

In total, 148 Challenger 3 Main Battle Tanks will be upgraded: two prototypes have already rolled off the Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) factory production line in Telford this year with six more prototype vehicles being delivered in the coming months. Testing is already underway and progressing well to validate their performance and make refinements, before another 140 are built and delivered to the British Army.

RBSL Managing Director, Will Gibby said: “I am proud that the product of RBSL’s capability is being showcased at DVD, supporting the event’s theme of ‘Working together to pull the future into the present’. “

“The RBSL team is making great strides, with Challenger 3 completing successful non-destructive testing and further capability trials are to come.”

“Not only has RBSL produced the most advanced and capable Main Battle Tank in NATO, the development capability to deliver this programme – including the people, process, tools, facilities, and knowledge – are the building blocks needed to tailor new customer solutions. We look forward to RBSL helping shape the future of military vehicle design and production with international allies.”

Challenger 3 is being delivered by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) under a £800 million+ contract, creating highly skilled roles, with nearly 300 jobs generated within RBSL, including 130 engineers and 70 technicians, with an additional 450 jobs across the UK.

The contract has also attracted a £40 million inward investment in RBSL’s Telford facility, utilising a UK supply chain that includes companies in the West Midlands, Glasgow, Newcastle upon Tyne and the Isle of Wight.

Visitors to DVD can see Challenger 3 on the British Army’s stand.

Challenger 3 Programme

In May 2021, Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), was awarded an £800m+ contract to upgrade 148 Challenger 3 (CR3) Main Battle Tanks for the British Army.

With advanced armour and devastating firepower, the Challenger 3 boasts an impressive range of state-of-the-art technology, making it the most lethal and survivable tank ever operated by the British Army.

The upgraded vehicle will be a network-enabled, digital Main Battle Tank with state-of-the-art lethality, upgraded survivability, offering world-class surveillance and target acquisition capabilities.

Since the announcement, the Telford-based company has been working at pace and in collaboration with the British Army, Defence Equipment & Support and industry partners to deliver the programme.
 

Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL)

RBSL is a UK-based joint venture business between Rheinmetall and BAE Systems. RBSL has a long-standing relationship with the British Army having designed and delivered many of the Army’s existing combat vehicles under different business names, including the Challenger 2.

RBSL continues to provide in-service support for British Army vehicle fleets and, in addition to the Challenger 3 programme, is one of the major manufacturers of the Boxer Armoured Vehicle under the UK MOD’s Mechanised Infantry Vehicle programme.