Originally published on the MoD DE&S website, the Challenger 3 Delivery Team has achieved another significant milestone in their mission to deliver one of Europe’s most capable and lethal tanks, within budget and ahead of schedule.
DE&S’ Land Equipment Operating Centre, the British Army, and industry partners Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) have worked collaboratively to progress the CR3 programme, resulting in the approval of the Critical Design Review (CDR) ahead of schedule.
This CDR approval means that RBSL can now proceed with building the CR3 prototypes. Under the £800M contract awarded to RBSL in 2021, 148 upgraded, fully digitalized battle tanks will be delivered to the British Army, with supply-chain sub-contracts awarded to UK companies, supporting the government’s levelling-up agenda.
Meanwhile, work to modernize and expand RBSL’s production facility in Telford is almost complete. The cutting-edge armour system, based on a DSTL design and manufactured by RBSL, has undergone successful trials to protect the tank. Work is also ongoing to deliver Main Battle Tanks earlier, in line with the Secretary of State for Defence’s acceleration challenge. Aside from the core-contract, the concurrent integration of the Trophy MV Active Protection System (APS) is progressing well, with a successful demonstration in November 2022.
The fully digitalized tanks will benefit from a new 120mm smoothbore gun, advanced sights for enhanced targeting abilities, an improved armour solution, an active protection system, and a turret that can be fitted to the tanks of allies and global partners, all supported by upgraded mobility through a new hydrogas suspension and engine.