Challenger 3 main battle tank takes major step forward with trials to get underway soon

The British Army's Challenger 3 main battle tank has reached a major milestone in its development with pre-production trials starting soon.

The leap forward follows months of hard work by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land's engineers and technicians to help bring this new weapon onto the battlefield.

"Challenger 3 will be at the heart of the Army's Armoured Brigade Combat Teams, alongside Ajax and Boxer, under Future Soldier," said Colonel Will Waugh, the senior responsible owner of the Army's Armour Programme.

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Col Waugh added: "Delivery of the first pre-production Challenger 3 and the commencement of trials marks a critical milestone on the journey to the Army's modernised main battle tank capability.

"Events in Ukraine have underscored the need for credible warfighting capabilities.

"The Army's Armoured Brigade Combat Teams, with Challenger 3 at their centre, are key to the UK's contribution to Nato's deterrence."

The prototype Challenger 3 tank will soon be put through its paces during the trials.

During this important stage in the tank's development, the vehicle will be tested under operational conditions to validate its performance and refinements will be made when needed.

After this stage, it is expected that 140 tanks will be built and delivered to the British Army.

The Challenger 3 will be fitted with a new 120mm L55A1 smoothbore gun built by Rheinmetall, enabling the use of the most advanced ammunition available.

Next-generation UK-sovereign modular armour, a fully digitised turret and the integration of Trophy Medium Variant APS will protect against rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank missiles.

The Ministry of Defence said the new would provide the British Army with a step change in its warfighting capability.

Major General Darren Crook, Director Land Equipment for Defence, Equipment and Support said: "In an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world, our priority is to deliver to the Army the capability it needs to deliver Future Soldier and be more lethal on the battlefield.

"I am immensely proud of the work the whole team has undertaken: the Army, DE&S and RBSL working together to deliver the first pre-production Challenger 3.

"This marks a critical milestone in our delivery of this impressive capability to the British Army and will provide our soldiers with a world-class main battle tank made here in the UK.

"It also demonstrates the centrality of the Land Industrial Strategy, with the UK increasingly developing a highly skilled industrial base and maintaining strategic advantage through our Industry partners such as RBSL."