Rheinmetall unveiled the U.K.’s new Challenger 3 main battle tank with upgraded armor and a 120mm smoothbore cannon at a British Army event this week. The tank, along with Ajax and Boxer, will form the backbone of the Army’s Future Soldier concept beyond 2030.
Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land joint venture signed an £800 million contract with the U.K. Ministry of Defence to upgrade 148 Challenger 2 tanks. Two Challenger 3 prototypes have rolled out, with more on the way.
The Challenger 3 features a modular armor system and a Trophy active protection system. The tank is equipped with 24-hour all-weather sights, better communications, and increased electrical power.
Rheinmetall and Finland’s Patria showcased a mortar variant of the Boxer, while Babcock and ST Engineering presented a 120mm mortar system for the U.K.’s armed forces. The Netherlands has chosen BAE’s 120mm mortar system for its CV90 armored vehicles.
