British Army's Most Lethal Tank Undertakes First Live Fire Exercises

The British Army is currently undertaking the initial live-fire tests of its most advanced and formidable tank to date. Equipped with superior survivability features and potent firepower, the Challenger 3 represents the pinnacle of modern military technology and is the deadliest tank the British Army has ever fielded.

The tests are being conducted in northern Germany, closely following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's announcement in Berlin of a collaborative project with Germany to develop Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm Wheeled Artillery Systems (RCH 155), to be mounted on Boxer vehicles. The UK and Germany, as the two largest economies in Europe, share robust trade relations, with bilateral trade reaching £147.7 billion last year.

Under an £800 million contract, Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) is spearheading the production of the Challenger 3, creating nearly 300 specialized positions within RBSL, including 130 engineering and 70 technical roles, and supporting an additional 450 jobs throughout the UK. The live qualification tests involved the Challenger 3 firing at various targets over different ranges to verify its precision.

These tests are led by RBSL UK and Rheinmetall, using Rheinmetall's ranges to align with NATO Reference Standards for new weapons and ammunition. The significant achievement was highlighted by Defence Secretary Grant Shapps’s recent visit to see the latest of eight Challenger 3 prototypes at the RBSL factory in Telford.

James Cartlidge, Minister for Defence Procurement, emphasised the tank's exceptional capabilities, stating, "Challenger 3 is a remarkably advanced tank. It will play a crucial role in the Army’s combat readiness and the UK’s NATO contributions, serving as a deterrent to potential adversaries."

The progress in live firings and production underscores the expertise of the UK's defence sector, ensuring that the British Army is equipped with one of the world's most lethal tanks and fostering hundreds of skilled jobs domestically. Scheduled to remain in service until at least 2040, the Challenger 3 features a cutting-edge turret with a more effective smoothbore gun compatible with leading NATO ammunition, enhanced sensors, advanced armour, and an Active Protection System.

Additionally, the Challenger 3 includes the Trophy Medium Variant Active Protection System developed by Israel’s Rafael. This system employs a network of sensors to detect and neutralize incoming anti-tank missiles or rockets with explosively formed penetrators before they can hit the tank.

To date, eight prototypes have been produced at the Telford factory, with orders for 148 Challenger 3 tanks and potential plans to increase this number to 227. Despite the seemingly small quantity, officials in Whitehall believe, based on insights from the conflict in Ukraine, that these tanks are adequate for any anticipated military needs due to their agility, survivability, firepower, and precision.

Other armoured vehicles will supplement these capabilities. Expected to enter service by 2027 and remain operational into the 2040s, the Challenger 3 is poised to become a cornerstone of the British Army's operational capabilities.

"In a world that is increasingly perilous, the imperative for platforms like the Challenger 3 grows as the UK faces evolving threats," stated Defence Secretary Grant Shapps. "This tank will be central to our military effectiveness and crucial for national defence. The commitment and innovation displayed in Telford and throughout the country are vital in advancing UK defence initiatives and supporting our frontline troops."