The activity formed part of a phased assurance programme, progressing from remote operation to live firing with a crew in the turret by RBSL personnel. Challenger 3 is fitted with the Rheinmetall-manufactured 120 mm smoothbore L55A1 cannon, capable of firing the latest kinetic energy anti-tank rounds and programmable multipurpose ammunition.
Rebecca Richards, Managing Director of Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land, said: “This is a hugely significant achievement for the Challenger 3 programme and a testament to the skill and dedication of the teams delivering it. Firing the vehicle first remotely and then with a crew in the turret reflects the enormous amount of work that has gone into ensuring the design is safe, robust and ready. This shows just how far the programme has progressed and marks a proud moment for UK armoured vehicle development.”
Mark Colley, Army Senior Responsible Owner, said: “This milestone reflects the benefits of the close collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and industry. The successful crewed firing of Challenger 3 demonstrates tangible progress in delivering the modernised, Main Battle Tank the British Army needs.”
Following the trials, the tank will undergo further testing as it moves towards operational service as the centrepiece of the British Army’s modernisation programme. The vehicles are designed and produced by RBSL at its Telford facility, highlighting collaboration between the UK, its allies and a European supply chain of vehicle systems suppliers.
Under an £800 million-plus contract, 148 modernised Challenger 3 tanks will be delivered, supporting 300 jobs within RBSL and a further 450 roles across the UK. The programme has also driven a £40 million investment in the Telford site, with most suppliers being skilled UK-based SMEs distributed across regions including the West Midlands, Glasgow, Newcastle upon Tyne and the Isle of Wight.
