El Ministerio de Defensa del Reino Unido de Gran Bretaña (RUGB) ha comunicado que los ensayos del tanque de batalla CHALLENGER 3 estarán terminados a finales del 2026. La nueva versión de la familia CHALLENGER ha sido desarrollada por Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), una empresa conjunta germano-británica. El programa tiene como objetivo la modernización de 148 CHALLENGER 2 a la “Versión 3”. El cambio más relevante es el reemplazo del Cñ 120 mm estriado actual, por el Cñ 120 mm de ánima lisa Rheinmetall L55A1 normalizado NATO, que permite el empleo de las modernas municiones programables. Otras mejoras incluyen el rediseño de la torreta, modernos sistemas de visión térmica y el conjunto TROPHY- APS (Active Protection System) desarrollado por la empresa Elbit (Israel).
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that trials for the British Army’s Challenger 3 main battle tank are planned to conclude by the end of 2026, according to a written parliamentary answer.
The clarification came in response to a question from Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who asked when testing would be completed ahead of the tank’s acceptance at its final build standard.
Luke Pollard, Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence, replied on 16 September: “The Challenger 3 trials are currently planned to conclude by the end of 2026. This timeline is subject to ongoing review by the project team to ensure it remains aligned with delivery milestones, operational requirements, and any emerging technical risk.”
The Challenger 3 is the British Army’s next-generation main battle tank, developed by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), a joint venture between BAE Systems and Germany’s Rheinmetall. The programme will see 148 Challenger 2 tanks upgraded to the Challenger 3 standard, strengthening firepower, protection, and NATO interoperability.
A central change is the replacement of the 120mm rifled gun with the NATO-standard Rheinmetall L55A1 120mm smoothbore cannon, which allows the use of advanced programmable ammunition. Other upgrades include a redesigned turret, modern thermal imaging sights, improved hydrogas suspension, enhanced engine cooling, and the integration of the Trophy active protection system alongside Elbit’s laser warning system.
According to the MOD, four prototypes have already been delivered, with four more in production. Trials are set to continue through 2025, with initial operational capability expected in 2027 and full operational capability by 2030. The programme has experienced supply chain delays and budgetary pressures, but officials stress its role in modernising the Army’s armoured fleet.
The Challenger 3 is intended to overcome the shortcomings of Challenger 2 by increasing lethality, survivability, and situational awareness. With its new gun, sensors, and protection systems, it is designed to counter modern battlefield threats more effectively while remaining interoperable with allied forces.
Fuente: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk
