The latest of eight Challenger 3 prototypes rolled off the Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land factory production line in Telford.
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.
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Providing the Army’s Main Battle Tank, the Challenger 3 will remain in service until at least 2040. This third iteration of the Challenger series includes a state-of-the-art turret with a more capable smoothbore gun, which is compatible with NATO ammunition, as well as improved armor and sensors.
The Army’s Director Programmes, Major General Jon Swift OBE said, “The Challenger 3 tank will be at the heart of the Army’s Armoured Brigade Combat Teams, alongside the Ajax and Boxer vehicles, and is critical to the Army’s warfighting capability and the UK’s contribution to NATO.”
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