Challenger 3

Improvements to Challenger 2 began in 2005 as the Capability And Sustainment Programme (CSP) to keep the Challenger 2 competitive until the 2030s. Lack of funding{{Cite web |date=21 November 2015 |title=Challenger 2 Life Extension Project – Interim |url=https://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2015/11/challenger-2-interim-life-extension-project/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204234207/https://thinkdefence.wordpress.com/2015/11/21/challenger-2-interim-life-extension-project/ |archive-date=4 December 2022 |website=Think Defence}} meant that it was not until 2014 that the programme was formally reorganised into the "Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme" (LEP). In response to the LEP programme, two prototypes were submitted for evaluation; one from BAE Systems in 2018{{Cite web |date=21 September 2018 |title=DVD 2018: BAE Systems displays Challenger 2 LEP nicknamed Black Night |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/dvd_2018_show_daily_news_coverage/dvd_2018_bae_systems_displays_challenger_2_lep_nicknamed_black_knight.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120041606/https://www.armyrecognition.com/dvd_2018_show_daily_news_coverage/dvd_2018_bae_systems_displays_challenger_2_lep_nicknamed_black_knight.html |archive-date=20 January 2024 |website=Army Recognition}} and the other from Rheinmetall in 2019.{{Cite web |last=Cazalet |first=Mark |date=23 January 2019 |title=IAV 2019: Rheinmetall unveils proposal for Challenger 2 LEP |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/iav-2019-rheinmetall-unveils-proposal-for-challenger-2-lep |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204234201/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/iav-2019-rheinmetall-unveils-proposal-for-challenger-2-lep |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=25 January 2019 |website=Janes}} Later that year BAE and Rheinmetall merged their British operations into Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), effectively leaving Rheinmetall's proposal the only option available without replacing the Challenger 2 fleet with foreign models.{{Cite web |last=Allison |first=George |date=14 January 2020 |title=Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme decision due late 2020 |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/challenger-2-life-extension-programme-decision-due-late-2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029123042/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/challenger-2-life-extension-programme-decision-due-late-2020/ |archive-date=29 October 2023 |work=UK Defence Journal}}

The Challenger 3 has an all-new turret with an improved hull. The most significant change from Challenger 2 to Challenger 3 is the replacement of the Challenger's main armament from a 120 mm L30A1 rifled main gun to the 120 mm L55A1{{Cite web |date=10 May 2021 |url=https://www.rheinmetall-defence.com/en/rheinmetall_defence/public_relations/news/latest_news/index_27584.php|title=Rheinmetall modernizing the UK's main battle tank Challenger 2 fleet|website=Rheinmetall Defence |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512084707/https://www.rheinmetall-defence.com/en/rheinmetall_defence/public_relations/news/latest_news/index_27584.php |archive-date= 12 May 2021 }} smoothbore gun (which itself is an upgraded version of the L55 fitted to the Leopard 2A6/A7 family of main battle tanks) giving commonality with other NATO members. Ammunition is to be developed in conjunction with Rheinmetall AG, with a new kinetic energy round being developed for Challenger 3 and Leopard 2.{{cite web |date=27 April 2023 |title=partnering-agreement-optimise-tank-ammunition-programme |url=https://des.mod.uk/partnering-agreement-optimise-tank-ammunition-programme/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720133014/https://des.mod.uk/partnering-agreement-optimise-tank-ammunition-programme/ |archive-date=20 July 2023 |website=UK Ministry of Defence - Defence Equipment & Support}}

The Challenger 3 core weight is expected to be about {{convert|66|t}}, but the weight of the deployable configuration is withheld for security reasons.{{cite web |url=https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2024-03-13/18356 |title=Challenger Tanks |last=Cartlidge |first=James |publisher=UK Parliament |work=House of Commons |date=21 March 2024 |access-date=21 March 2025}}

The initial entry into service of the Challenger 3 has been brought forward to 2025, not 2027 as originally planned. The first units are to be delivered to the British Army in 2025. A total of 148 tanks are to be produced, with core development costs estimated at 906.9 million British pounds sterling (1.17 billion US dollars).{{Cite web |title=The United Kingdom accelerates the Challenger 3 tank program |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/the-united-kingdom-accelerates-the-challenger-3-tank-program/ |date=5 September 2023 |access-date=2024-06-09 |website=Militarnyi |language=en-US}} By the spring of 2024, eight pre-production tanks had been delivered and trials had commenced in Germany. In January 2024, another contract was awarded to RBSL to provide a new modular armour system for Challenger 3.{{cite news |url=https://thedefensepost.com/2024/01/29/challenger-modular-armor-system/ |title=Challenger 3 Battle Tanks to Receive New Modular Armor System |last=Domingo |first=Juster |website=The Defense Post |location=Washington D.C. |date=29 January 2024 |access-date=21 March 2025}}

In 2021 whole life costs were estimated to be £1.3 billion,{{cite news |url=https://www.army-technology.com/features/challenger-3-mbt-three-years-on-and-400m-spent/?cf-view |title=Challenger 3 MBT: three years on and £400m spent |last=Thomas |first=Richard |website=Army Technology |publisher=Verdict Media |date=17 December 2024 |access-date=21 March 2025}} but by 2024 the MOD internal budgeted estimate of whole life costs had increased to £1,987 billion which now includes the modular armour system and active protection system.{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6787e4b2bca9366c9f56df7f/MOD_Government_Major_Projects_Portofolio_AR_Data_March_2024.csv/preview |title=MOD Government Major Projects Portfolio Data March 2024 |publisher=Ministry of Defence |date=16 January 2025 |access-date=21 March 2025 |quote=Compared to financial year 22/23-Q4, the project's departmental-agree Whole Life Cost at 23/24-Q4 increased from 1435m to 1987m. This is primarily due to the following factors. At Q4 22/23 the Baseline Whole Life cost was 1435m. Following completion of EPSOM (New Armour System) negotiations this decreased by 13m to 1422m. As at March 2024 the new WLC of 1985m includes the costings for the full EPSOM 148 Inert sets and Active Protection System D&M. The review note agreeing this uplift is still subject to approval by the Treasury.}}

The Challenger 3 will be the fourth tank of this name, the first being the World War II Cruiser Mk VIII Challenger, which was developed from the Cromwell tank chassis and armed with a Ordnance QF 17-pounder.{{cite web |url=https://www.qrhmuseum.com/challenger-of-the-8th-hussars-the-netherlands-autumn-1944 |title=Challenger of the 8th Hussars, the Netherlands Autumn 1944 |author= |date=3 October 2022 |website=www.qrhmuseum.com |publisher=Museum of The Queen's Royal Hussars |access-date=25 August 2024}} The second was the Gulf War-era Challenger 1, which was the British army's main battle tank (MBT) from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s, when it was succeeded by the Challenger 2 which saw action during the Iraq War in 2003.{{cite web |url=https://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/combat-vehicles/ |title=Combat Vehicles - Challenger 2 |author= |website=www.army.mod.uk |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=25 August 2024}}

In 2005, the MOD recognised a need for a Capability Sustainment Programme (CSP) to extend the service life of the Challenger 2 into the mid-2030s and upgrade its mobility, lethality and survivability.{{cite book |title=Defence Industrial Strategy: Defence White Paper |date=2005 |publisher=The Stationery Office |location=London |isbn=0101669720 |page=79 |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/272203/6697.pdf |access-date=29 March 2021}} The CSP was planned to be complete by 2020 and was to combine all the upgrades from CLIP (Challenger Lethality Improvement Programme), including the fitting of a 120 mm smoothbore gun.{{cite web |title=The King's Royal Hussars: Regimental Journal 2007 |url=https://www.krh.org.uk/uploads/4/5/0/9/45090939/krh_2007.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725154456/https://www.krh.org.uk/uploads/4/5/0/9/45090939/krh_2007.pdf |archive-date=25 July 2021 |access-date=29 March 2021 |website=King's Royal Hussars}}{{cite web |date=2014 |title=Case Studies in Defence Procurement and Logistics |url=https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/bitstream/handle/10072/63083/97211_1.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328220037/https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/bitstream/handle/10072/63083/97211_1.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y |archive-date=28 March 2023 |access-date=29 March 2021 |website=Griffith Research Online - Griffith University |page=236}} By 2014, the CSP had been replaced by the Life Extension Programme (LEP) which shared a similar scope of replacing obsolete components and extending the tank's service life from 2025 to 2035, however the 120 mm smoothbore gun had seemingly been abandoned.{{cite web |last=Ripley |first=Tim |date=26 June 2014 |title=DVD 2014: UK Challenger 2 LEP numbers may drop |url=http://www.janes.com/article/40057/dvd-2014-uk-challenger-2-lep-numbers-may-drop |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030150006/http://www.janes.com/article/40057/dvd-2014-uk-challenger-2-lep-numbers-may-drop |archive-date=30 October 2014 |access-date=30 October 2014 |website=Janes}}{{cite web |date=22 January 2018 |title=Dynamic Security Threats and the British Army - Presentation to RUSI by Sir Nick Carter CGS of the British Army |url=https://rusi.org/event/dynamic-security-threats-and-british-army |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329141808/https://rusi.org/event/dynamic-security-threats-and-british-army |archive-date=29 March 2018 |access-date=22 March 2018 |website=Royal United Services Institute}}{{cite web |date=31 January 2018 |title=The Defence Equipment Plan 2017 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/677999/20180125-EP17_Final.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328215854/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/677999/20180125-EP17_Final.pdf |archive-date=28 March 2023 |access-date=7 March 2018 |website=GOV.UK}} The development project, named "Armour MBT", was formally started in December 2014.

In 2015, the British Army provided an insight into the scope of the LEP, dividing it into four key areas:{{cite web |date=December 2015 |title=RTR December 2015 Newsletter |url=http://www.royaltankregiment.com/Uploads/Files/en-GB/RAC_Newsletter_Dec_2015.PDF |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105073703/http://www.royaltankregiment.com/Uploads/Files/en-GB/RAC_Newsletter_Dec_2015.PDF |archive-date=5 November 2016 |access-date=5 May 2016 |website=Royal Tank Regiment}}

• Surveillance and target acquisition: Upgrades to the commander's primary sight and gunner's primary sight, as well as the replacement of the thermal observation and gunnery sights with third-generation thermal imaging.
• Weapon control system: Upgrades to the fire control computer, fire control panel and gun processing unit.
• Mobility: Upgrades including third-generation hydrogas suspension, improved air filtration, CV-12 common rail fuel injection, transmission and cooling.
• Electronic architecture: Upgrades to the gunner's control handles, video distribution architecture, generic vehicle architecture compliant interfaces, increased on-board processing and improved human-machine interface.

The MOD also began assessing active protection systems (APS) on the Challenger 2, including MUSS and Rheinmetall's ROSY Rapid Obscurant System.{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/543458/20160801-Letter_to_Maj_Gen_Gaunt_from_CGS.pdf|title=Armour MBT 2025 programme: SRO appointment letter|publisher=UK Ministry of Defence|access-date=3 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919021931/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/543458/20160801-Letter_to_Maj_Gen_Gaunt_from_CGS.pdf|archive-date=19 September 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/active-protection-for-our-armed-forces|title=Active Protection for our Armed Forces|publisher=DSTL / UK Government|date=5 July 2016|access-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730154359/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/active-protection-for-our-armed-forces|archive-date=30 July 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Bingham |first=James |date=16 November 2017 |title=Challenger 2 trialled with ROSY, Iron Fist APS |url=http://www.janes.com/article/75743/challenger-2-trialled-with-rosy-iron-fist-aps |url-access=subscription |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113125635/https://www.janes.com/article/75743/challenger-2-trialled-with-rosy-iron-fist-aps |archive-date=13 November 2018 |access-date=15 March 2018 |website=Janes}}

In August 2016, the MOD awarded assessment phase contracts to several companies for the Life Extension Programme. These included Team Challenger 2 (a consortium led by BAE Systems and including General Dynamics UK),{{cite news |date=22 December 2016 |title=BAE Systems' Team Challenger® 2 awarded Assessment Phase for Life Extension Project |url=https://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/article/bae-systems--team-challenger--2-awarded-assessment-phase-for-life-extension-project |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205091627/https://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/article/bae-systems--team-challenger--2-awarded-assessment-phase-for-life-extension-project |archive-date=5 December 2022 |access-date=29 March 2021 |agency=BAE Systems}} CMI Defence and Ricardo plc, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin UK.{{cite news |date=22 August 2016 |title=UK Announces Life Extension Project |url=https://battle-updates.com/uk-mod-announces-challenger-2-life-extension-projectlep-by-julian-nettlefold/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607131024/https://battle-updates.com/uk-mod-announces-challenger-2-life-extension-projectlep-by-julian-nettlefold/ |archive-date=7 June 2023 |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=Battlespace}}{{cite web |url=https://janes.ihs.com/Janes/Display/1761650|title=Several contenders line up for Challenger 2 life extension programme|publisher=IHS Jane's |date=11 August 2016 |access-date=14 November 2016 |url-access=subscription}} In November, the MOD shortlisted two teams led by BAE Systems and Rheinmetall to compete for the LEP which was then estimated to be worth £650 million (US$802 million).{{cite web |last=Chute |first=Andrew |date=2 November 2016 |title=Field Narrows for UK Battle Tank Modernization |url=http://www.defensenews.com/articles/field-narrows-for-uk-battle-tank-modernization |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240123011857/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2016/11/02/field-narrows-for-uk-battle-tank-modernization/ |archive-date=23 January 2024 |access-date=14 November 2016 |publisher=Defense News}}{{cite web |url=https://janes.ihs.com/Janes/Display/1788580|title=Challenger 2 LEP contracts due in December|publisher=IHS Jane's |date=14 November 2016 |access-date=14 November 2016 |url-access=subscription}}{{cite web |date=22 December 2016 |title=MOD awards £46M to start Challenger 2 Tank life extension project competition |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mod-awards-46m-to-start-challenger-2-tank-life-extension-project-competition |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223065857/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mod-awards-46m-to-start-challenger-2-tank-life-extension-project-competition |archive-date=23 December 2016 |access-date=22 December 2016 |website=GOV.UK}}

In October 2018, BAE Systems unveiled its proposed Challenger 2 LEP technology demonstrator, the "Black Night".{{cite news |last1=Allison |first1=George |date=8 October 2018 |title=BAE unveils 'Black Night' – the first fully-upgraded Challenger 2 tank |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/bae-unveils-black-knight-the-first-fully-upgraded-challenger-2-tank/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119215758/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/bae-unveils-black-knight-the-first-fully-upgraded-challenger-2-tank/ |archive-date=19 January 2024 |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=UK Defence Journal}} The new improvements included a Safran PASEO commander’s sight, Leonardo thermal imager for the gunner and Leonardo DNVS 4 night sight.{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}} The turret also received modifications to improve the speed of traverse and to provide greater space, and regenerative braking to store energy. Other enhancements included a laser warning system and an active protection system.

In January 2019, Rheinmetall unveiled its proposal, which included the development of a completely new turret with fully digital electronic architecture, day and night sights for the commander and gunner, and a Rheinmetall L55 120{{spaces}}mm smoothbore gun. Whilst a more substantial upgrade than Black Night, the turret was developed on Rheinmetall's initiative and was not funded by the UK MOD, nor was it part of the MOD's LEP requirements.

In June 2019, BAE Systems and Rheinmetall formed a joint venture company, based in the UK, named Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL).{{Cite web |last1=Sprenger |first1=Sebastian |last2=Chuter |first2=Andrew |date=21 January 2019 |title=Rheinmetall, BAE Systems launch joint venture for military vehicles |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2019/01/21/rheinmetall-bae-systems-launch-joint-venture-for-military-vehicles/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240123012406/https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2019/01/21/rheinmetall-bae-systems-launch-joint-venture-for-military-vehicles/ |archive-date=23 January 2024 |access-date=25 January 2019 |website=Defense News}} Despite the merger, the company was still expected to present two separate proposals for the LEP contract.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}{{cite news |last=Grzeszczyk |first=Sian |date=1 July 2019 |title=Challenger 2 Upgrade Decision Will Not Be Made Until 2021 |url=https://www.forces.net/news/technology/challenger-2-upgrade-decision-will-not-be-made-until-2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118190527/https://www.forces.net/news/technology/challenger-2-upgrade-decision-will-not-be-made-until-2021 |archive-date=18 January 2024 |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=Forces News}} At DSEI 2019, RBSL first showed the 120mm proposal.{{cite news |last=Cazalet |first=Mark |date=12 September 2019 |title=DSEI 2019: RBSL's Challenger 2 LEP contender comes out in the open |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/dsei-2019-rbsls-challenger-2-lep-contender-comes-out-in-the-open |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204234207/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/dsei-2019-rbsls-challenger-2-lep-contender-comes-out-in-the-open |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=Janes}}

In July 2020, Rheinmetall Defence showed a testbed vehicle on the Challenger 2 chassis, with a brand new turret, autoloading system and a powerful 130 mm smoothbore gun, the Rheinmetall Rh-130 L/51.{{Cite web |date=31 July 2020 |title=MBT 130 mm Gun |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8Sa_q-Lz6g |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508042621/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8Sa_q-Lz6g |archive-date=8 May 2021 |via=YouTube |publisher=Rheinmetall |format=Video}} The 130 mm L/51 is 500 kilograms heavier than existing 120 mm L/44 or L/55 cannons and would require a larger turret to use on the Challenger 3.{{cite web |last=Hempel |first=Alex |date=25 June 2016 |title=Why Can't Tanks be Larger? Rheinmetall's 130 mm Gun and the Future of MBTs |url=https://whitefleet.net/2016/06/25/why-cant-tanks-be-larger-rheinmetalls-130mm-gun-and-tank-size-issues/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128001433/https://whitefleet.net/2016/06/25/why-cant-tanks-be-larger-rheinmetalls-130mm-gun-and-tank-size-issues/ |archive-date=28 January 2023 |website=whitefleet.net}}

In October 2020, the MOD argued against buying a new main battle tank from overseas instead of pursuing the Challenger 2 LEP, stating that an upgraded Challenger 2 would "be comparable—and in certain areas superior—to Leopard 2 or M1 Abrams".{{cite web |author= |date=6 October 2020 |title=Written evidence submitted by the Ministry of Defence HCDC Inquiry: Progress in delivering the British Army's armoured vehicle |url=https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/12523/pdf/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204234207/https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/12523/pdf/ |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=30 October 2020 |publisher=UK Parliament |quote=The Challenger 2 Life Extension Project will be the first significant upgrade since it entered service in 1998...it will be comparable..in certain areas superior – to the latest version of Leopard 2 and Abrams.}}

The management of the C2 LEP was scathingly criticized by the Defence Select Committee on 15 March 2021.{{cite news |date=14 March 2021 |title=British tanks would be outgunned by Russian adversaries, MPs warn |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2021-03-14/british-tanks-would-be-outgunned-by-russian-adversaries-mps-warn |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729185540/https://www.itv.com/news/2021-03-14/british-tanks-would-be-outgunned-by-russian-adversaries-mps-warn |archive-date=29 July 2023 |work=ITV News |publisher=}} They said in a report entitled "Obsolescent and outgunned: the British Army's armoured vehicle capability",{{cite news |date=15 March 2021 |title=Report: Obsolescent and outgunned: the British Army's armoured vehicle capability |url=https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/24/defence-committee/news/152744/report-obsolescent-and-outgunned-the-british-armys-armoured-vehicle-capability/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118232010/https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/24/defence-committee/news/152744/report-obsolescent-and-outgunned-the-british-armys-armoured-vehicle-capability/ |archive-date=18 January 2023 |publisher=UK Parliament}} that "Despite having spent around 50% of the allocated budget (£800 million), the programme has yet to place a manufacturing contract. The programme has a current in-service date of 2024 (originally planned for 2017) and is some £227 million over budget. After a decade of effort, this abject failure to deliver against both cost, (with an overrun now totalling over a quarter of a billion pounds of public money) and timescale (ISD seven years late) is clearly totally unacceptable. Nevertheless, it is symptomatic of the extremely weak management of Army equipment programmes, by both Defence Equipment and Support and the Army Board itself, in recent years."{{cite news |date=14 March 2021 |title=Obsolescent and outgunned: the British Army's armoured vehicle capability: Conclusions and recommendations |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5801/cmselect/cmdfence/659/65910.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329173451/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5801/cmselect/cmdfence/659/65910.htm |archive-date=29 March 2023 |publisher=UK Parliament}}

On 22 March 2021 Defence Minister Ben Wallace presented the command paper Defence in a Competitive Age to Parliament, which confirmed the British Army's plans to upgrade 148 Challenger 2 tanks for "around £1.3bn" and designate them Challenger 3.{{cite book|date=March 2021|title=Defence in a Competitive Age|page=54|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/971859/_CP_411__-_Defence_in_a_competitive_age.pdf|access-date=22 March 2021|publisher=Ministry of Defence |isbn=978-1-5286-2462-6}}{{cite web |date=22 March 2021 |title=Future Soldier: Transforming the British Army |url=https://www.army.mod.uk/media/11826/20210322-army-future_soldier-publication-final.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503214140/https://www.army.mod.uk/media/11826/20210322-army-future_soldier-publication-final.pdf |archive-date=3 May 2023 |access-date=28 March 2021 |website=British Army |page=3}} The MOD confirmed the contract with RBSL had been signed, valued at £800 million (USD$1 billion), on 7 May 2021. Rheinmetall's more extensive upgrade proposal, including the new 120 mm smoothbore gun, had been accepted. The initial operating capability for the upgraded tanks is expected by 2027, with full operation capability expected to be declared by 2030.{{Cite web |last=Chuter |first=Andrew |date=7 May 2021 |title=Britain awards $1 billion contract to upgrade Challenger 2 tanks |url=https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/05/07/britain-awards-1-billion-contract-to-upgrade-challenger-2-tanks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210510155401/https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/05/07/britain-awards-1-billion-contract-to-upgrade-challenger-2-tanks/ |archive-date=10 May 2021 |website=Defense News}}

File:DES 2024 100 0104.jpg, in September 2024.]]

It was announced on 23 January 2024 that the first pre-production Challenger 3 had been delivered,{{cite web |url=https://www.forcesnews.com/technology/land-vehicles/challenger-3-main-battle-tank-takes-major-step-forward-trial-get-underway |title=Challenger 3 main battle tank takes major step forward with trials to get underway soon |last=Candlin |first=Alex |date=23 January 2024 |website=www.forcesnews.com |publisher=British Forces Broadcasting Service |access-date=25 August 2024}} with trials commencing in Germany in February{{cite web |url=https://www.forcesnews.com/technology/weapons-and-kit/first-pre-production-model-armys-new-challenger-3-tank-deploys-germany |title=First pre-production model of Army's new Challenger 3 tank deploys to Germany for trials |author= |date=20 February 2024 |website=www.forcesnews.com |publisher=British Forces Broadcasting Service |access-date=25 August 2024}} and the first live-firing of the main armament in April.{{cite web |url=https://www.forcesnews.com/services/army/boom-first-ever-live-firing-armys-lethal-new-challenger-3-main-battle-tank |title=New gun put to the test as Challenger 3 main battle tank fires live rounds for first time |author= |date=25 April 2024 |website=www.forcesnews.com |publisher=British Forces Broadcasting Service |access-date=25 August 2024}} On 18 April 2024, the Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, attended the rollout of the last of eight pre-production models at the RBSL factory in Telford.{{cite web |url=https://www.army.mod.uk/news-and-events/news/2024/04/british-army-s-most-lethal-tank-prototype-rolls-off-production-line/ |title=British Army’s most lethal tank prototype rolls off production line |author= |date=18 April 2024 |website=www.army.mod.uk |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=25 August 2024}} A Ministry of Defence statement claimed that nearly 300 jobs would be created at the RBSL plant, with a further 450 jobs around the UK in a supply chain of companies based in the West Midlands, Glasgow, Newcastle upon Tyne and the Isle of Wight.{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uks-most-lethal-tank-rolls-off-the-production-lines |title=UK's most lethal tank rolls off the production lines |author= |date=18 April 2024 |website=www.gov.uk |publisher=UK Government |access-date=25 August 2024}}

A drawback of the adoption of the L55A1 smoothbore gun is that it is incompatible with the depleted uranium ammunition used by Challenger 2, and that the NATO standard tungsten ammunition is less effective. On 27 April 2024, the Ministry of Defence announced that a statement of intent had been signed with Germany for the development of an Enhanced Kinetic Energy (EKE) armour-piercing round for both Challenger 3 and Leopard 2 tanks.{{cite web |url=https://www.army-technology.com/news/uk-to-develop-more-lethal-ammunition-for-challenger-3/?cf-view |title=UK to develop more lethal ammunition for Challenger 3 |last=Thomas |first=Richard |date=27 April 2024 |website=www.army-technology.com |publisher=Army Technology |access-date=25 August 2024}}

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• List of main battle tanks by generation

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{{Post-Cold War tanks}}

Category:Main battle tanks of the United Kingdom

Category:Post–Cold War tanks of the United Kingdom

Category:Fourth-generation main battle tanks