The British Army’s Challenger 3 tanks are scheduled to undergo their next round of trials during the second quarter of 2025.
UK Minister for Defence Procurement Maria Eagle revealed this in a parliamentary written response, noting that “The [Armour Main Battle Tank] programme has now delivered four prototypes, with four more currently in build,” out of the 148 tanks expected.
Intended to replace the army’s Challenger 2 fleet, the fourth-generation main battle tanks (MBTs) have completed prior tests validating their basic firing capability, mechanical design, and structural strength.
The prototypes underwent live-fire trials in northern Germany in April 2024, proving their accuracy and lethality.
Challenger 3 MBTs
Developed by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land, a joint venture between UK-based BAE Systems and German manufacturer Rheinmetall, the tanks are integrated with Rafael’s Trophy Active Protection System to protect against threats such as missiles and drones.
They are designed for compatibility with NATO partners, featuring a Rheinmetall L55A1 smoothbore gun that is similar to those used in advanced variants of the German Leopard 2 MBTs.
The program is also “working under a bilateral UK/Germany agreement to qualify Enhanced Kinetic Energy ammunition,” according to Eagle.
The Challenger 3 MBTs are expected to achieve initial operational capability in 2027, with full operational capability expected by 2030 until 2040.
However, the program’s delays linked to supply chain issues and production of “insufficient” tanks have faced criticism from defense analysts.
Meanwhile, the defense ministry maintained that it is monitoring progress to mitigate further issues.
