Britain announced the start of production of the “most lethal” tank

Challenger 3 will be the main British tank until the middle of the century: it was equipped with improved armor, sensors and a gun unified with NATO tanks. It was the gun that was the problem with the previous generation of Challenger tanks.

The British Rheinmetall plant has produced eight prototypes of the newest Challenger 3 tank, tests are underway, the press service of the government of the kingdom reported.

In total, it is planned to supply 148 tanks of this model to the army. The Challenger 3 is expected to be in service with the country until 2040.

“In an increasingly dangerous world, the need for vehicles like the Challenger 3 is vital as the threats the UK faces grow. This tank will be the backbone of the British Army's combat capabilities and an integral part of its deterrent force,” said Defense Secretary Grant Shapps.

The Challenger 3 has advanced armor and state-of-the-art technology, “making it the deadliest and most survivable tank ever used by the British Army,” London says. We are talking about a smoothbore gun compatible with NATO ammunition , as well as improved armor and sensors.

Production of the previous model, Challenger 2, began 20 years ago - in 1994, and was put into service four years later. Despite the recognition, it needed either modernization or complete replacement, ArmyTechnology notes. As the publication points out, one of the main problems in Challenger 2 was the uniqueness of the L30A1 main gun, which was not used by other NATO countries.

The new Challenger 2 will be equipped with a 120-mm L55A1 smoothbore gun, unified with tanks from other armies of the alliance (Leopard 2, Abrams). A unified gun will allow the use of common projectiles with other NATO countries. Last spring, London agreed with Berlin to jointly develop more armor-piercing shells for the Challenger 3.

ArmyTechnology writes that the Challenger 3 is not “next generation” technology, but the update and the developments involved represent the largest modernization of the British tank in decades.