Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • RBSL breaks ground for new Challenger 3 turret test rig

Defence Events

RBSL breaks ground for new Challenger 3 turret test rig

RBSL has formally started construction on a Challenger 3 turret test rig at its Telford site, following a groundbreaking ceremony last week attended by members of RBSL, British Army, DE&S and Mark Pritchard – local MP for The Wrekin.

Image courtesy RBSL

The turret test rig programme is a multimillion pound capital infrastructure project which will equip RBSL with unique test capabilities to ensure the Challenger 3 turret system is mature and reliable before production begins.

The turret system forms an integral part of the Challenger 3 upgrade programme, which will transform 148 Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks for the British Army. The upgraded vehicle, to be called Challenger 3, will be a network-enabled, digital Main Battle Tank with state-of-the-art lethality, upgraded survivability, plus world-class surveillance and target acquisition capabilities.

Advertisement
Leonardo RT

The Challenger 3 programme will create and sustain 200 jobs within RBSL, including 130 engineers and 70 technicians, plus a thriving community of RBSL’s 40 current apprentices. In parallel, 450 jobs are expected be created and sustained within the UK supply chain, further contributing to UK prosperity and the levelling-up agenda.

RBSL’s turret test rig will be a new, purpose-built facility which will simulate road and cross-country driving conditions in a controlled environment. This will allow engineers to perform rigorous reliability testing and significantly reduce the need to complete thousands of kilometres of vehicle trials.

It will be a critical piece of equipment for the Challenger 3 programme and a significant capability for UK armoured vehicle production.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The groundbreaking event saw local MP, Mark Pritchard, receive an update on the Challenger 3 and industrialisation programmes, including RBSL’s engagement with local industry to initiate the building project, plus local recruitment for skilled engineers who will operate the rig.

The turret test rig is also an important milestone for RBSL’s £20m industrialisation programme, which will modernise facilities and infrastructure at its Telford site to deliver manufacturing excellence.

Mark Pritchard, local MP for The Wrekin, said: “As a local employer in the West Midlands, RBSL’s projects and programmes have significant potential to benefit the Telford and Wrekin constituencies. It was my pleasure to perform the groundbreaking for RBSL’s new Challenger 3 turret test rig and ensure Shropshire remains a hub of engineering excellence in support of national defence programmes.”

Phil Simon, Chief Operating Officer for RBSL, said: “The turret test rig will allow RBSL to perform trials in a more innovative way and make valuable efficiencies throughout the Challenger 3 programme. From conducting geophysical surveys to determine the best location, to working with specialist architectural consultants to design the facility, we’re now ready to take the next step and start construction, ensuring the Challenger 3 programme receives the full benefit of this unique capability.”

Col Will Waugh MBE, Challenger 3 Programme Director for Army HQ, said: “This is great news for the Challenger 3 programme. The ability to stress test our turrets in this facility will ensure they are fit for purpose and save time during later trials. It’s another step to delivering the most lethal tank in Europe to the British Army and is essential to our warfighting capability out to the 2040s.”
 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
BAE Systems partners with US Army on M109 Paladin upgrades

Defence

BAE Systems partners with US Army on M109 Paladin upgrades

19 June 2025

BAE Systems has partnered with the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center (DEVCOM-AC) to advance the capabilities of the M109-52 Self-Propelled Howitzer prototype.

Smith Myers and JD2E showcase simulator solutions at Paris Airshow

Defence Security Events

Smith Myers and JD2E showcase simulator solutions at Paris Airshow

19 June 2025

Smith Myers has joined forces with aviation training and simulation provider JD2E to showcase their latest solutions at the Paris Airshow 2025.

Thales unveils mini electronic warfare payload for drones

Defence Events

Thales unveils mini electronic warfare payload for drones

18 June 2025

At the Paris Air Show (16th-22nd June 2025), Thales is presenting a new electronic warfare solution to meet the need for more closely integrated electromagnetic dominance operations across all military units.

Safran and Babcock advance Franco-British defence collaboration at Paris Air Show

Defence Events

Safran and Babcock advance Franco-British defence collaboration at Paris Air Show

18 June 2025

Safran Electronics & Defense and Babcock International Group, have announced plans to increase collaboration across multidomain mission systems, aircraft engines, space systems, tactical and strategic communications.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
UK provides funding for Typhoon’s future radar

Defence

UK provides funding for Typhoon’s future radar

17 June 2025

The UK Government has released £204.6m of funding towards the production and integration of an advanced new radar for the latest Eurofighter Typhoon jets for the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Serco to support US Navy amphibious ships and systems

Defence

Serco to support US Navy amphibious ships and systems

17 June 2025

Serco announced today that it has retained its contract to provide support to the US Navy’s amphibious warfare ships and systems.

Advertisement
Leonardo RT