UK accelerates pace of Challenger 3 modernisation - The United Kingdom wants to take the new tank into service in 2025

The United Kingdom hopes to bring the Challenger 3 tank into service at an accelerated pace. If everything goes according to plan, the combat vehicle will be ready in two years.

Here's What We Know

Initially, the UK planned to take the modernised tank into service in 2027. However, against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, the United Kingdom is accelerating its land forces modernisation programme. The Challenger 3 is expected to be ready by 2025.

The Challenger 3 will receive a new turret equipped with a 120mm L55A1 cannon designed by German company Rheinmetall. Production of the turrets is set up at Armstrong Works in Newcastle.

The upgrade will take place at RBSL's (Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land) plant, where production of Boxer armoured personnel carriers is established. The Ministry of Defence has allocated more than $1 billion for the project in 2021. The UK Army plans to receive 147 Challenger 3 tanks.

The final version of the combat vehicle was agreed in winter 2023. The tank will be equipped with a new suspension and improved powerplant. The maximum speed will be 60 kilometres per hour.

In April, it became known that Germany and the UK would develop new munitions with increased kinetic energy for the Challneger 3. In July, the Trophy active defence system was approved. The Defence Department has allocated $26 million for demonstration and qualification tests.

Source: Shepard Media