RBSL to Build Next-Generation Challenger Battle Tanks

Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) has been awarded the UK MOD contract to upgrade 148 British Army Challenger 3 Main Battle Tanks. 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.

450 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.

“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,” said John Abunassar, RBSL Board Chairman.

“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.”

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.