Make the Challenger 2 modern

Rheinmetall has secured a groundbreaking contract to equip the NATO and European land forces. The British Ministry of Defense has now tasked the German technology group with modernizing the British Army's fleet of combat tanks. A total of 148 Challenger 2 combat tanks are set to be equipped with new 120mm smoothbore cannons from Rheinmetall over the coming years. At the same time, they will receive a completely new turret structure with a futuristic digital system architecture. With this comprehensive modernization under the Challenger 2 Life Extension Project (LEP) of the British Armed Forces, the proven combat tanks will be upgraded to the new Challenger 3 and made usable for several more decades. The delivery of the modernized vehicles is scheduled to take place between 2021 and 2027. The total value of the contract amounts to around 770 million EUR (665 million GBP). Find all details on the Challenger 2.

Equipped with the latest generation L55A1 smoothbore cannon from Rheinmetall, the Challenger 3 leads the way in tank technology among NATO armed forces. The Challenger 3 will be a network-enabled, digital combat tank with the highest combat capability and significantly improved survivability in combat situations. It will be able to fire the ammunition currently offered by Rheinmetall as well as future available ammunition - including kinetic energy projectiles or programmable multi-purpose ammunition. Combined with the latest generation fire control technology and sensors, the vehicle has significantly increased combat value with remarkable precision in effect.

A significant portion of the modernization work will take place at the historic site of Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) in Telford, UK. Over 25 years ago, the first Challenger 2 vehicles were delivered to the British Army by a predecessor company of RBSL. RBSL is a joint venture between Rheinmetall and BAE Systems, with Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH holding 55% of the shares.

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “We are proud to now take responsibility for one of the most significant army equipment programs in the United Kingdom at this cradle of British combat vehicle construction. The British Challenger tank is thus taking the technological lead among NATO armed forces. To enable this, we are bringing together the outstanding expertise of our RBSL experts with the unmatched know-how of German Rheinmetall, especially in the areas of large-caliber weapon systems and sophisticated turret solutions.”

John Abunassar, Head of the Vehicle Systems Division at Rheinmetall: “The British Army will receive a world-class capability. At the same time, we are celebrating the return of high-class armored vehicle construction to the British Isles, as the majority of work - involving numerous suppliers in the Kingdom - will take place in Britain.”

RBSL will collaborate with suppliers across the UK, providing important stimuli for the regional economy at the sites involved. The work will be led from the RBSL manufacturing facility in Telford, with technical support from Heavy Armor specialists at RBSL sites in Telford and in Washington in the Northeast.

The modernization program will secure and create numerous high-quality industrial jobs in the UK. Around 200 jobs at RBSL are linked to the Challenger program, including 130 highly specialized engineers and 70 technicians. Furthermore, RBSL will provide work and training opportunities for over 60 apprentices in the next five years. Around 450 jobs will be maintained or created in the British supply chain.

The program protects the UK's national competence base in both defense and engineering, and prospectively offers opportunities for new developments and further exports to partner countries.

Challenger 3

The new vehicle will be equipped with the latest 120mm High-Pressure Smoothbore Cannon L55A1, capable of firing sub-caliber armor-piercing projectiles and programmable multi-purpose ammunition. The cannon also features increased accuracy and penetration power, as well as the latest fire control technology.

The new turret structure with modular armor provides the highest protection standard for the crew. The main targeting optics for the commander and gunner will also be improved by automatic target acquisition and tracking.
With the new physical, electronic, and electrical architecture, this solution also offers significant growth potential for the combat tank in the coming decades.

RBSL

RBSL is a UK-based independent joint venture company between Rheinmetall and BAE Systems, with Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH holding 55% of the shares. RBSL was established in July 2019 and has a longstanding relationship with the British Army. Predecessor companies of today's RBSL have developed and delivered many of Her Majesty's Armed Forces' existing combat vehicles, including Vickers Defence Systems providing the Challenger 2 from 1994 onwards.

BAE Systems Website: www.baesystems.com/en/home

RHEINMETALL DEFENCE Website: www.rheinmetall-defence.com