British Army Showcases its Deadliest Tank in Live Fire Drills

The British Army has deployed prototypes of its Challenger 3 main battle tank for its inaugural live-fire trials in Germany. Featuring an enhanced cannon, the upgraded tank boasts the capability to intercept and neutralize incoming anti-tank projectiles while in flight.

Market as the UK’s most formidable tank to date, the Challenger 3 represents a substantial advancement over its predecessor, the Challenger 2, which entered service in 1998.

Back then, the Challenger 2 earned recognition as NATO’s most sophisticated tank and gained renown for its undefeated status in combat.

The British Government’s Approach to Tank Modernization

However, over twenty-five years have passed since then, during which the British government displayed minimal enthusiasm for modernizing tank technology. Indeed, there were periods when military strategists regarded main battle tanks as outdated and destined for obsolescence.

Amidst escalating global instability and significant shifts in the geopolitical arena, Britain is now aiming to enhance its defense expenditure to 2.5% of GDP. As part of this effort, the country is pursuing various high-tech ventures, such as deploying laser weapons by 2027 and developing hypersonic missiles.

Although the Challenger 3 program was approved a decade ago, it underscores military strategizing that hinges on technological progress. Unlike starting from scratch, the Challenger 3 utilizes the chassis of the Challenger 2, with numerous enhancements integrated by the primary contractor Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land under an £800 million (US$1 billion) contract, resulting in an increased total weight of 66 tonnes.

The Challenger 3’s Advanced Features and Armor Technology

The tank’s upgrades include a newly powered turret with improved front and side protection, along with modular armor featuring External EPSOM and Internal Farnham armor, details of which are classified. Customizable armor bolts allow for the addition of passive and active plates, the latter using explosives to counter incoming threats. A new sensor suite within the turret enables independent scanning and targeting in both visual and infrared spectrums.

Furthermore, the tank boasts improved digital communications, a newly implemented hydraulic system, enhanced electrical power to accommodate new energy weapons, and relies on a Perkins CV12-9A 26.1-liter V12 diesel engine for propulsion.

The highlight of the upgrades is the replacement of the rifled L30A1 main gun with Rheinmetall’s L55A1 120mm smoothbore gun, enabling ammunition sharing with other NATO tanks. However, this change means the Challenger 3 can no longer use tank-killing rounds relying on depleted uranium due to health risks. To compensate, Britain and Germany are developing an Enhanced Kinetic Energy (EKE) round with higher shell velocity.

Programmable Rounds and Active Protection System

Additionally, programmable rounds will enhance effectiveness against various targets. The Challenger 3 will also feature the Trophy Medium Variant Active Protection System by Israel’s Rafael, which detects and neutralizes incoming anti-tank missiles or rockets with explosively formed penetrator rounds.

Production and Deployment Plans for the Challenger 3

The factory production line in Telford has delivered eight prototypes of the new tank. Initially, 148 Challenger 3s have been ordered, with the possibility of increasing this to 227. While this might seem like a modest number, Whitehall believes that, drawing from insights gained in the Ukraine conflict, these tanks are sufficient for anticipated missions due to their speed, maneuverability, survivability, firepower, and accuracy. Subsequent tasks can be handled by other armored vehicles.

The Challenger 3 is expected to enter service by 2027 and will operate into the 2040s.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps emphasized the importance of vehicles like the Challenger 3 in an increasingly perilous world as threats evolve. He highlighted the tank’s central role in the British Army’s combat capabilities and its significance for UK deterrence efforts. Shapps commended the dedication and effort displayed in Telford and nationwide, underscoring their crucial role in advancing UK defense innovation and supporting frontline forces.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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