RBSL has completed the first crewed live firing of the Challenger 3 main battle tank, bringing the British Army a step closer to introducing its most advanced armored platform to date.
Conducted at a Ministry of Defence test range, the event marked the first live firing of a newly developed UK main battle tank in more than 30 years.
The trial program adopted a staged approach, progressing from remote firing activities to fully crewed live-fire tests carried out by RBSL personnel.
The Challenger 3 is fitted with Rheinmetall’s 120mm L55A1 smoothbore gun, enabling the use of next-generation kinetic-energy penetrators and programmable multipurpose ammunition to address a wide range of battlefield scenarios.
Compared with the Challenger 2, the new tank delivers a comprehensive capability upgrade, combining increased firepower, improved protection, and enhanced digital connectivity. The smoothbore weapon significantly boosts armor penetration, while modern munitions provide greater operational versatility.
Additional enhancements include advanced sensor suites, digital command-and-control systems, and upgraded armor optimized to counter modern battlefield threats.
The program will continue with additional testing as the Challenger 3 advances toward operational deployment. Manufacturing is underway at RBSL’s Telford site, with 148 modernized vehicles to be delivered as part of the British Army’s long-term modernization effort.
The £800-million ($1.07-billion) Challenger 3 contract has created 300 skilled positions at RBSL and supported another 450 jobs across the UK defence industrial base, including work by small and medium-sized enterprises across the country.
