Modern British Challenger 3 tanks get E-LAWS laser warning system

Britain wants to equip its Challenger 3 main battle tanks with an Israeli-made laser warning system.

Here's What We Know

Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land, a joint venture between Britain's BAE Systems and Germany's Rheinmetall, has contracted with the UK arm of Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems to supply 150 E-LAWS laser warning systems for the Challenger 3. It alerts the crew of the combat vehicle to laser irradiation of the enemy's guidance system.

E-LAWS provides seamless integration with a variety of countermeasures and training within the vehicle. The system comes with an integrated test platform.

Flashback

The Challenger 3 is the United Kingdom Army's modernized main tank. The U.K. Armed Forces though modernize 148 Challenger 2 combat vehicles. In late spring 2021, the Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land and allocated it $1 billion.

One of the upgrades will be the replacement of the Royal Ordnance L30 cannon with the Rheinmetall 120 mm High-Pressure L55, as in the Leopard 2. This upgrade will allow Challenger 3 tanks to use programmable ammunition.

Source: Elbit Systems UK