Defence Minister Visits Factory Building Challenger 3 Tank

Telford’s skilled manufacturing base is helping equip soldiers with high-tech equipment and drive the government’s growth mission, Defence Minister Maria Eagle has said.  

Her comments came on a visit today to Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL)’s Hadley Castle Works Factory in Telford, where she met crucial defence procurement staff and chaired a roundtable with defence industry leaders from the Telford area, as part of consultation for the new Defence Industrial Strategy.

The site is at the forefront of producing the Army’s newest tank, the Challenger 3, which is at the heart of the Army’s armoured warfighting force and will serve as the most lethal tank ever used by British Armed Forces. 

Under a £950 million contract, Challenger 3 production has generated nearly 300 highly skilled jobs within RBSL, including 130 engineers and 70 technicians, as well as an additional 450 roles supported across the UK supply chain. 

Contracts like this are a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, safeguarding national security whilst raising living standards across the UK with good, skilled, productive jobs.  

Defence investment continues to make a substantial contribution to the local economy, supporting over 1,500 skilled jobs and nearly 40 apprentices and graduates in Telford and Wrekin. 

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said: 

“Telford is at the heart of UK defence, and I was pleased to witness first-hand how our defence industry is equipping the Armed Forces with 21st-century armoured fighting vehicles.”

“In the face of global threats, the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy will drive economic growth, boost British jobs, and strengthen national security.”

£5 billion is being invested in equipping the British Army with 148 Challenger 3 tanks and 623 Boxer armoured vehicles, planned to be in service by the end of 2030. These investments continue to solidify the UK’s position as a global leader in defence innovation and manufacturing.   

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