Rheinmetall-BAE Systems Land (RBSL) have integrated the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory’s (Dstl) new modular armour system on the Challenger 3 main battle tank. Credit: Crown copyright/ UK MoD.

The British Army has adopted a new modular armour system for the Challenger 3 main battle tank (MBT) programme.

With integration trials conducted in 2023, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has selected the original equipment manufacturer of the platform, Rheinmetall–BAE Systems Land (RBSL), to start the manufacture and integration of the armour onto the MBT.

Designed by specialists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), an executive agency within the MoD, this new armour offers greater survivability through its active and layered protection.

According to the UK Government, this new contract is a key part of the Land Industrial Strategy, released in May 2022. The document made reference to the new modular, integrated protection system architecture:

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“Following a successful technology demonstrator, the Army is exploring options to use an open architecture to integrate active protection systems into its core platforms – starting with Challenger 3.

See Also:

“This will help mitigate the different integration challenges and create options for different sensors and effectors.

“Further research and experimentation in this area will also consider how such an architecture can incorporate a broader set of sensors and effectors to provide a more holistic system of protection against multiple ground and airborne threats.”

The tank underwent a full electromagnetic testing campaign to ensure its survivability in the most demanding battlefields saturated with sensors.

Lessons in armour from Ukraine

“The conflict in Ukraine has provided a timely reminder of the threat posed by Russia’s MBTs and other weapons systems,” stated Colonel Will Waugh, Senior Responsible Owner for the Army’s Armour (MBT) Programme. “This armour is a world-class sovereign capability that will provide a step change in protecting our soldiers and the survivability of the Challenger 3.”

In September, footage circulated of the destruction of a British Challenger 2 MBT destroyed by a mine and a Russian uncrewed aerial system.

The Challenger 2 turret is protected with second generation Chobham armour. A nuclear, biological and chemical protection system is located in the turret bustle.

This demonstrates the demand for reliable armoured systems at a time when even advanced protection, such as the Challenger 2’s armour, can be compromised in this way.