• Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land says Challenger 3 has driven 2,000 km, fired more than 200 main gun rounds and 100 smoke grenades, with tougher trials from November.
  • The roughly £800 million contract converts 148 Challenger 2 hulls with a Rheinmetall L55A1 120 mm gun, upgraded armour and the Trophy active protection system.
  • The British Army plans initial operating capability in 2027 and full operating capability in 2030; series conversion begins once the demonstration-phase trials validate performance.