British Army's 'most lethal tank' fires live rounds for first time

29 April 2024 , 15:31

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A British Army Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank fires a round during trials in Germany (Image: PO Joel Rouse/MOD/SWNS)

The British Army's 'most lethal tank' has undertaken live firing trials for the first time.

The Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank blasted rounds at targets from a range of distances to ensure accuracy at manufacturers Rheinmetall Defence in Sudheide, Germany. Minister for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge MP was on hand to witness the 24 April trials.

Challenger 3 is being delivered by German firm Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) under a £800 million contract. The tanks are being built at the Rheinmetall factory in Telford, with eight Challenger 3 prototypes being made. The Ministry of Defence said: "The first tank is already showing its capabilities on trials. All will be tested under operational conditions to validate their performance and make refinements, before another 140 are built and delivered to the British Army.

"With advanced survivability and devastating firepower, the Challenger 3 boasts an impressive range of state-of-the-art technology, making it the most lethal and survivable tank ever operated by the British Army." The Challenger 3 tank is being developed to replace the current Challenger 2 tank which has been in service since 1998. Full Operating Capability for the tank is planned for 2030, with initial operating capability expected by 2027.

The Challenger 3 advanced technology demonstrator (Sgt Ben Beale/MOD/SWNS)

Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, said earlier this month: "In a more dangerous world, the need for vehicles such as the Challenger 3 is imperative, as the threats facing the UK evolve. This tank will be at the heart of the British Army's warfighting capabilities and will be integral to the UK's deterrence."

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