Challenger 3 Goes On Show To Public

Members of the public have had their first good look at Challenger 3, the British Army's next-generation Main Battle Tank (MBT).

One of two completed prototype vehicles is on show at DVD 2024, the military event being staged yesterday and today (Thursday) at UTAC Millbrook in Bedfordshire.

The new MBT is being designed and built by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) at its Telford (UK) manufacturing facility; a further six more prototype machines are in production and expected to be completed in the months ahead.

Among the main upgrades over Challenger 2 are its turret, which features a new 120mm L55A1 smoothbore gun, and its next-generation modular armour system designed by experts at the  Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and jointly developed with Defence Equipment and Supprt (DE&S).

The first prototype Challenger 3 recently successfully completed test-firing exercises; further trials of the tank's capabilities are scheduled for 2025. Eventually 148 vehicles will be upgraded under the terms of a contract worth in excess of £800 million.

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.”

• You can read more details on the RBSL website