Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme (LEP) / Challenger 3 Upgrade
UK · 2016 (LEP commenced) - 2027 (Challenger 3 replacement begins) · £1.3 billion (whole life cost of LEP); €770 million / £665 million (Challenger 3 contract)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchDecision to upgrade existing Challenger 2 tanks to Challenger 3 rather than procuring new main battle tanks. - Importance of interoperability with NATO allies through the adoption of standard ammunition. - The high cost and logistical challenges of maintaining a unique gun and ammunition system.
Key engineering challenges
Replacing the unique L30A1 rifled gun with a NATO standard smoothbore Rheinmetall 120 mm gun. - Adapting ammunition storage and handling for single-piece smoothbore rounds. - Upgrading the powertrain to increase power output, reduce emissions, and improve reliability. - Integrating new digital systems, sights, and armour.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- British Army / UK Ministry of Defence
- Lead contractor
- Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL)
- Lead designers
- Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL)
- Project type
- upgrade
- Scale
- 148 Challenger 2 tanks to be upgraded to Challenger 3.
- Disciplines
- Mechanical engineering; electrical engineering; systems integration; armaments; optics; digital systems
- Standards & frameworks
- NATO standards for main battle tank ammunition.
Sources: Wikipedia: Challenger 2 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Challenger_2) - Joint-Forces.com: Rheinmetall Confirms UK Challenger 2 LEP Award (https://www.joint-forces.com/defence-equipment-news/43198-rheinmetall-confirms-uk-challenger-2-lep-award) - Defence Procurement International: Challenger 3 Tank for the British Army (https://www.defenceprocurementinternational.com/features/land/rheinmetall-bae-systems-land-awarded-800-million-contract-for-challenger-3-tank-upgrade)