UK's Challenger 3 battle tank programme 'ahead of schedule and in budget'

The UK's Challenger 3 battle tank programme is ahead of schedule and within budget, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) says.

The Challenger 3 delivery teams – working with the MOD's Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) team – have now completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) stage faster than expected.

The CDR means that the design for the tanks has been agreed and that Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), the company awarded the £800m contract in 2021, can now start building the Challenger 3 prototypes.

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A statement by DE&S said: "Another significant milestone has been achieved by the Challenger 3 Delivery Team within budget and ahead of schedule – we are moving closer to delivering one of the most capable and lethal tanks in Europe.

"Challenger 3 teams from DE&S' Land Equipment Operating Centre and the British Army, together with our industry partners Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) have been working to progress the CR3 programme at pace, and we can now announce that we have approved the Critical Design Review (CDR) ahead of schedule."

The MOD's DE&S team works to provide and supply vital equipment to all branches of Britain's Armed Forces and has been working with the Challenger 3 Delivery Teams to create the tank.

The Challenger 3 will benefit from a new 120mm smoothbore gun and, according to the British Army, troops will be using the most advanced globally available ammunition.

The tank will also use enhanced day-and-night targeting systems, have new armour and active protection systems, and will have improved mobility through an upgraded engine and new hydro-gas suspension.

The RBSL is contracted to deliver 148 upgraded, fully-digitalised battle tanks to the British Army from 2027.