RBSL to build next-generation Challenger 3 tanks

Image courtesy RBSL

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic this contract award, worth £800m (incl. VAT), marks a significant boost for UK prosperity and economic recovery.

The programme will make significant enhancements to the vehicle and provide the British Army with a world-class capability, made in the UK.

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.

Four hundred and fifty jobs will be created and sustained within the UK supply chain, and a further 200 jobs will be created and sustained within RBSL, including 130 engineers and 70 technicians. RBSL will also provide work and training opportunities to 60 apprentices over the next five years.

The work will be led out of RBSL’s Telford manufacturing facility with engineering support from Heavy Armour specialists based at Telford and other RBSL sites in Washington (North East) and Bristol.  The programme will commence in 2021, with an expected in-service date of 2027.

RBSL will work with suppliers across the UK, further contributing to levelling-up of regional economies.  The programme has also prompted a £20m inward investment to RBSL’s Telford facility, ensuring world-class manufacturing equipment and training for employees and apprentices.

The Challenger 3 contract will facilitate the UK staying at the forefront of Armoured Fighting Vehicle development and provides the UK with the opportunity to explore new technologies for integration in future capabilities.

The programme protects the UK’s national skill base in both defence and engineering sectors, and could enable exports worldwide.

Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace said: "This represents a huge shift in the modernisation of our land forces through the increased lethality of Challenger 3. This pioneering new technology allows us to deliver immense warfighting capabilities in battlespaces filled with a range of enemy threats.

"The £800 million investment will also create hundreds of highly-skilled jobs across the country ensuring our soldiers benefit from the very best of British engineering."

Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Chris Tickell CBE said: "The announcement of the Integrated Review has provided us with a huge amount of opportunity and left the Army in a good place. The integration of Challenger 3 is key to ensure our success and integration in the land domain, ensuring that we meet our international commitments and continue to protect the nation."

Director Land Equipment for DE&S, Major General Darren Crook said: "This is a significant step forward for Defence and UK industry as we continue to develop and modernise our fleet of land vehicles and I am looking forward to working closely with our industry partners to deliver the very best capabilities we can for the British Army."

John Abunassar, RBSL Board Chairman, said: “What a moment for RBSL, for our Armed Forces, and for UK prosperity.  We are delighted to make this announcement and solidify the return of armoured vehicle engineering to the UK.  This announcement comes after years of hard work and collaboration with our customer, especially in the recent extraordinary circumstances brought about by COVID-19.

“The British Army will receive a world-class capability.  RBSL, Vickers Defence Systems at the time, handed over the first Challenger 2s to the British Army over 25 years ago, and it is a great deal of pride for our engineers to take this next step together too.”

Challenger 3 tech specs
The new vehicle will be equipped with the latest 120mm High Pressure L55A1 main gun, firing the latest kinetic energy anti-tank rounds and programmable multipurpose ammunition.  The gun is also complete with increased first-hit capability and the latest fire support technology.

The new turret structure and improved survivability systems provides the highest standard of protection for the crew.  The long-range commander and gunner primary sights will also be improved with automatic target detection and acquisition.

This solution also provides significant growth potential in all Main Battle Tank key capability areas with the new physical, electronic, and electrical architecture.