- Yes
- No (Explain why)
Suggestion No.102
G’day lads. I want to suggest a further protected Challenger 3, featuring EPSOM ERA :)
Description:
Spoiler
The Challenger 3 is the British Army’s newest main battle tank, made by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL). It is an upgrade of the older Challenger 2, with a new turret, better electronics, and stronger protection. The tank uses a new 120 mm smoothbore gun, which fires standard NATO ammunition and is more powerful and accurate than the old rifled cannon. Challenger 3 also has modern digital systems, giving the crew better sights and computers to find and hit targets faster. For protection, it uses a new modular armour system developed with the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. This system includes two parts called EPSOM and Farnham. EPSOM is the external modular armour (what appears to be ERA), with panels fitted to the outside of the tank that can be replaced or upgraded easily. Farnham is the internal armour layer inside the tank that adds more protection. The tank also has better mobility, improved suspension, and space for an APS, namely the Trophy, to stop incoming threats.
History:
Spoiler
The Challenger 3 program began as an effort to modernize the British Army’s Challenger 2 main battle tanks, which entered service in the late 1990s and were becoming outdated compared to newer NATO and foreign designs. Early studies by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) around 2014 to 2016 explored several options, including full replacement or a major upgrade. The goal was to extend the tank’s life into the 2040s while improving firepower, protection, and digital capability.
In 2016, the MOD launched the Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme (LEP) and invited bids from industry to update the tank. Two teams were made in 2019, that being Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), which is a new a new joint venture between Rheinmetall and BAE Systems, and Team Challenger 2 led by Babcock. Both offered competing upgrade packages. RBSL’s proposal included a new turret and a 120mm smoothbore gun, while Babcock’s design kept the existing turret and gun but updated internal systems.
In May 2021, the UK government awarded RBSL an 800 million Pound contract to deliver 148 upgraded tanks, officially named Challenger 3. Thus, they were creating a tank with a new turret and a NATO-standard smoothbore gun (instead of more CR2 life extensions). Production would take place at RBSL’s facility in Telford, England.
Following contract award, RBSL began detailed design and prototype development. By 2022 to 2023, the first prototype turrets were completed and installed on test hulls. The program also introduced a new modular armour system developed with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), known as EPSOM and Farnham, replacing earlier Dorchester armour. Testing and qualification began in 2024, including mobility, firing, and systems trials in the UK and Germany. The program aims to deliver initial production tanks in the late 2020s, with full operational capability expected around 2030.
Armaments:
Spoiler
L55A1 120mm smoothbore cannon expected to get the KE2020Neo aka DM83 in the future. Aside from that, it is capable of firing all NATO 120mm shells, such as the DM73 APFSDS shell or DM11 programmable HE shell. Right now, it’s current shell that it uses is the DM63A1. 15 shells can be carried in the back of the turret, while the other 16 are stowed in the hull according to DSEI.
For machine guns, it should have a coaxial 7.62mm L8A2, as well as a L37A2 for the commander
4 laser detectors, namely the ELAWS (Elbit Systems Laser Warning System), are fitted on the tank
Additionally, there is space for a Trophy APS system to be added in the future, but there is nothing fully confirming it will be added right now
Specifications:
Spoiler
The Challenger 3 has a length of 11.5m, a width of 3.5m and a height of 2.5m. It’s base weight is 66t, but I cannot find anything stating it’s weight with EPSOM attached to it. Apropos EPSOM, there is barely any info about it as it’s very, very new (so I’ll update this further once more info comes out). Sadly, it still appears that the engine is around 1200hp (or 1314hp ingame once that gets added)
Sources:
Spoiler
DSEI booklet
Challenger 3-Tests: Meilenstein für neuen Kampfpanzer | Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall modernizing the UK’s main battle tank Challenger 2 fleet | Rheinmetall
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/apfsds_ammunition_types
Modernisierung Challenger 2 - RBSL präsentiert Demonstrator
Rheinmetall unveils UK’s upgraded Challenger 3 battle tank
https://x.com/RyszardJonski/status/1975538574562070783
https://www.reddit.com/r/TankPorn/comments/1nddy96/challenger_3_at_dsei_2025/
Thanks a lot for reading! If you have any extra information, then feel free to share them in the replies! As always, have a good day :)
