This marks the completion of the eighth and latest prototype under an £800 million contract aimed to reinforce the UK's military capabilities. The Challenger 3 tank is notable for its 120mm smoothbore gun, modular armour, and an active protection system. It can reach speeds up to 60 km/h. Regarded as a key asset, this tank will serve in the army until at least 2040.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps visited RBSL today. He met with engineers and apprentices responsible for assembling these advanced tanks.
The first prototype is already showing its capabilities on trials. All prototypes will be tested under operational conditions to validate their performance and make refinements, before another 140 are built and delivered to the British Army.
The Challenger 3 tank will utilise the hulls from the Challenger 2 tank, which will undergo a comprehensive modernisation process. The hull will be subjected to ultrasonic testing to assess its structural integrity and weld quality. Additionally, the existing composite armour will be removed and replaced with a new composite armour package designated as EPSON. New mounts for the Farnham additional protection units will also be installed. Finally, the hull will undergo a process to enhance its service life for further use.
The production of Challenger 3 not only boosts national defence but also brings economic benefits. Nearly 300 jobs have been created at RBSL, with another 450 positions across the UK spanning from engineering to technical specialties.
RBSL Managing Director Will Gibby said: “Delivery of the first pre-production Challenger 3 and the commencement of trials 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.”
Source: Army
