- The UK’s future main battle tank (MBT), Challenger 3 (CR3), conducted its first crewed live fire test
- Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) followed a carefully phased programme, beginning with remote operation before progressing to crewed firing by technical operators
- Following this milestone, the tank will undergo further trials as the platform moves toward active service
Technical operators have successfully undertaken the first crewed live fire test from inside the CR3 turret, according to a statement from the joint venture manufacturer RBSL.
This trial marks the first UK firing of a newly developed MBT in more than 30 years, as the third iteration is due to replace the Challenger 2 model. According to GlobalData intelligence, 213 units are still in active service but only 157 of these are said to be operational.
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The transition will see RBSL engineers integrate the modern upgrade onto existing Challenger 2 chassis at their site in Telford, Shropshire. A total of 148 of the British Army’s Challenger 2 MBTs are due to be converted.
A decision on what will happen to the remaining Challenger 2 platforms not being used as part of the Challenger 3 programme has not yet been taken, according to a senior UK Ministry of Defence official on 8 January 2026.
The CR3 iteration includes a new turret with a more capable smoothbore gun, compatible with available Nato ammunition, as well as improved sensors, advanced armour, and the Israeli-designed Trophy Active Protection System.
There are further trials to take place before the platform enters operational service, RBSL stipulated. The UK’s Minister for Defence Readiness Luke Pollard noted in a parliamentary written statement on 2 January 2026 that manufacturing will only begin once the tank’s performance is proven, rather than being tied to any specific deadline.
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By GlobalDataCrewed firing: future rounds
This trial comes after early CR3 prototypes underwent remote firing trials in Germany in April 2024.
“Firing the vehicle first remotely and then with a crew in the turret reflects the enormous amount of work that has gone into ensuring the design is safe, robust and ready,” said Rebecca Richards, managing director of RBSL.
CR3 is equipped with the 120mm smoothbore L55A1 cannon – the same as the Leopard 2A7 – manufactured by Rheinmetall Waffe Munitions.
The gun fires the latest kinetic energy anti-tank rounds, which are designed to explode upon hitting the target, and programmable ammunition, whereby the projectile is equipped with electronics to precisely time detonation at a specific distance or location.
One munition that could be employed down the line is the 120mm Akeron MBT non-line of sight (NLOS) missile, which MBDA UK unveiled last year.
The fire-and-forget munition would allow MBTs to strike without exposing themselves directly.
However, the British Army has not publicly expressed interest in the missile at this time, but it is understood that Europe’s foremost missile maker are in discussions with several armies. It is likely the Akeron NLOS missile will be test fired over the next 12 months.
