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09 May 24. Pyka and Sierra Nevada Corporation Partner to Offer Large-Scale All-Electric Cargo UAS.
Pyka and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) have partnered to offer Pyka’s large-scale all-electric cargo uncrewed aerial system (UAS) to customers within the U.S. Department of Defense. The dynamic partnership combines SNC’s expertise in customizing solutions for the world’s most complex challenges and Pyka’s revolutionary autonomous electric cargo aircraft, Pelican Cargo.
Together, Pyka and SNC have introduced RUMRUNNER— a modified edition of Pelican Cargo, the world’s largest 100% electric cargo UAS for sustainment in contested operations. Featuring high-thrust super-short takeoff and landing (SSTOL) capability, a payload capacity of up to 400 pounds, and range of up to 200 miles, RUMRUNNER is a game-changer for military sustainment operations, enabling dynamic logistics and operational energy support from points of distribution to points of need.
“Pyka’s Pelican Cargo is unlike any other UAS solution on the market for contested logistics,” said Michael Bertman, vice president of programs at SNC. “We assessed a number of leading capabilities and concluded that the Pelican Cargo is significantly more capable than any other platform. It is the only all-electric, austere environment cargo aircraft with that kind of range, payload capacity, and cargo volume. While the clean energy aspect is important, creating a more diverse, distributed, and survivable supply chain is expected to be the primary driver in terms of interest from the DoD. The Zero-Fuel component minimizes the need to forward-stage bulk fuel, which significantly reduces the logistics tail normally associated with resupply operations. This presents opportunities to increase the survivability of our service members, reduce risks to the force, and transform the way military operations have historically been conducted.”
“We are excited to partner with SNC to bring our autonomous electric cargo UAS platform to DoD customers,” said Michael Norcia, co-founder and chief executive officer at Pyka. “SNC has extensive experience modifying products from the Silicon Valley technology ecosystem to fit DoD requirements, and they are committed to making cutting-edge technology like Pelican Cargo available to the United States government.”
About Pyka
Pyka is defining the future of safe, environmentally-friendly, and cost-effective aviation with autonomous electric airplanes for crop protection and cargo delivery. Pyka’s proprietary technology includes autonomous flight control software, flight computers, high energy density batteries, advanced electric propulsion systems, and carbon composite airframes.
About SNC
SNC is a trusted global technology leader in aerospace and national security. Our innovative solutions enable connected protection through command, control and communications systems, as well as ISR, cyber, electromagnetic spectrum management, and other high-tech capabilities across all domains – sea, land, air, space and cyber. SNC is a next-generation prime at the optimum intersection of commercial, defense and non-traditional contractors. We are one of the only privately owned mid-tier A&D prime contractors and we pride ourselves on our ability to invest early and often to ensure mission success on or ahead of schedule. It’s part of our mission to always stay one step ahead; working on solutions today to solve the problems of tomorrow. Founded in 1963, SNC is owned by Chairwoman Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen. (Source: UAS VISION)
09 May 24. Swedish Armed Forces receive first batch of new container tents. The tents can withstand harsh weather and are equipped with provisions for external climate control and electrical connections. The Swedish Defence Material Administration (Försvarets materielverk – FMV) has delivered the first batch of new container tents to the Swedish Armed Forces, marking a significant upgrade in their field equipment. In autumn 2022, the FMV entered into a framework agreement to procure new containers to replace the Swedish Armed Forces’ older container tent version. The latest milestone marks the first delivery of tents to units under the same agreement. FMV highlighted that the new tents were purchased in response to the Swedish Armed Forces’ requirement for new version of tents that can be more functional and used for a wide variety of purposes. The new tents, which are attached to the long side of a 20ft container, provide an additional 15m² of covered space. These tents feature a metal frame which is associated with tent fabric, complete with necessary accessories such as anchoring materials as well as guy lines. According to FMV, the new tents can withstand snowstorms, wind, and rain, which makes them compatible for use with Sweden’s multi-domain forces. Prior to the delivery of the first batch of tents, FMV in collaboration with the supplier conducted product training for the Swedish Armed Forces in autumn last year. Delivery of these tents will continue over the next few years. The procurement of these tents is part of a broader effort to enhance the technical service capabilities of the armed forces.
FMV General Maintenance Equipment head Caroline Genfors said: “We are proud to be able to deliver these tents, as they help to quickly create a weather-protected environment for, for example, for the equipment maintenance and storage.”
In December 2023, FMV also entered a framework agreement with Svekon for the design and production of staff tents. This collaboration, which includes Tekonf, will result in the delivery of the first 300 out of a potential 1,300 tents by the second quarter of 2025. (Source: army-technology.com)
09 May 24. Portsmouth IT partner Novatech and Babcock team up to revolutionise military driver training. In a landmark move, UK IT partner, Novatech, has joined forces with Babcock International Group (Babcock) to spearhead advancements in military driver training through state-of-the-art simulation technology.
The collaboration marks a significant commitment to developing scalable, high-tech training environments focused on enhancing the user experience and achieving rapid competency.
David Furby, CEO of Novatech, who founded the business 35 years ago, said: “This partnership with Babcock and other key collaborators such as Cranfield University and VRAI represents a pivotal moment for Novatech as we blend cutting-edge technology with transformative educational practices for the military. Together, we are setting new benchmarks in military training that promise enhanced safety and effectiveness.”
This sentiment was reinforced by Jo Rayson, Managing Director of Babcock’s training business, who said: “We are not tied to any one solution or approach. We are focused on finding the right answers, using the right technology and harnessing it for greatest impact at the lowest cost.”
Niall Campion, Managing Director for Product & Customers at VRAI, said: “At VRAI, we believe that data is the untapped resource in simulation training and have developed HEAT to turn this resource into actionable insights.
“We are delighted to be able to work with Novatech to bring this pioneering technology to driver training. By capturing structured training data, the project team will not only be able to assess individual trainee performance, but also that of the simulator in general, providing objective, actionable insights when considering the potential future impact of the research.”
There is also an emphasis on the development of scalable simulation training environments that not only replicate real-world scenarios but also enhance learning retention and skills applicability.
09 May 24. Burkina Faso acquires more military vehicles and UAVs. Burkina Faso continues to build up its military amid ongoing terror attacks, and to this end has taken delivery of Bayraktar Akinci unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Turkey and nearly 100 military vehicles, including Temsah and Fahd armoured personnel carriers (APCs) from Egypt.
Burkina Faso’s Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Kassoum Coulibaly, received the vehicles during a handover ceremony on 18 April. He gave the equipment to the military’s Chief of General Staff, Brigadier General Celestin Simpore, and this included at least two Temsah 6×6 armoured vehicles, seven Fahd armoured ambulances, and 20 GAZ 3308 Sadco 4×4 trucks. A number of KrAZ-6322 6×6 trucks were also seen.
According to local media reports, a total of 75 vehicles were handed over and these included 20 KrAZ fuel tanker trucks, 20 “M53” vehicles, and several armoured cars.
Coulibaly said the acquisition was funded entirely by Burkina Faso with the support of Egypt. In January, it emerged that Egypt’s Arab Organisation of Industrialisation (AOI) had signed a contract to supply an unnamed African country with 25 Fahd APCs in addition to delivering the latest ambulance version of the APC to Burkina Faso.
The latest equipment delivery came after Burkina Faso’s military ruler Ibrahim Traore pledged further acquisitions. In March, Coulibaly received from China more than 80 vehicles offered to the military. These included over a dozen Maxus double cab pickups; and a number of cargo trucks, tanker trucks, and crane trucks, apparently manufactured by Dongfeng.
On 8 April Traore officially delivered a dozen combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to the country’s armed forces. At least two Bayraktar Akinci UAVs were seen at a new UAV base south of Ougadougou. Three Bayraktar TB2s were also observed – the type has already been seen in Burkinabe service, with five aircraft delivered from April 2022.
Traore’s office released a statement thanking Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and saying the expansion of the UAV fleet “makes it possible to intervene in a timely manner and to have permanent surveillance”.
According to Janes, one of the Akincis had the serial number S3 on its tail, suggesting it was one of the first six production models originally delivered to Turkish forces in August 2021.
Akinci S40 was seen in Ethiopia in January for the first time, along with newly acquired Sukhoi Su-30K combat aircraft. It is unclear how many Akincis Ethiopia has acquired. The Akinci can reach an altitude of 11 000 metres and has a 25 hour endurance. It can be armed with a variety of weapons – the Ethiopian aircraft have been seen with underwing MAM-L missiles manufactured by Roketsan.
Since 2021, Ethiopia has operated Bayraktar TB2 UAVs, with at least four deployed at Bahir Dar and Harar Meda Air Bases (other TB2 customers in Africa include Libya, Morocco, Niger, Djibouti, Togo, Nigeria, Mali, Rwanda and Tunisia). Ethiopian TB2s have been used against the Tigray People’s Liberation Forces, along with Wing Loong and Qods Mohajer-6 UAVs acquired from China and Iran respectively. It is likely the new Akinci UAVs will also be used in combat.
Shortly after delivery, Burkina Faso appeared to begin using its Akinci UAVs in combat, with video published on 29 April purportedly showing Akinci and TB2 strikes against terrorist targets. The country has used UAVs extensively to combat Islamist fighters, but unfortunately dozens of civilians have also been killed in these strikes. Various Turkish weapons have been acquired for Burkina Faso’s UAVs, including MAM-L and MAM-T munitions and bomb guidance kits.
Since 2015, the country has been grappling with armed terrorist groups, which have caused 10 000 casualties and the displacement of some two m people, and this instability has been a factor behind the two coups that occurred in 2022. Last year, Burkina Faso surpassed Afghanistan as the country most impacted by terrorism, with nearly 2 000 deaths.
According to the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), deaths from terrorism in Burkina Faso increased successively each year since 2014 when no deaths were recorded. Deaths surged from 1 135 in 2022 to 1 907 in 2023, a 68% increase, despite a nearly 16% decline in the number of attacks last year.
Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) continues to be the most prominent terrorist group in Burkina Faso, being responsible for 134 deaths in 2022 and 616 in 2023. Islamic State also increased its activity in Burkina Faso, claiming responsibility for seven attacks in 2023 compared to two in the previous year. Eighty-five percent of attacks and 59% of deaths in the country were attributed to unknown jihadist groups. This puts Burkina Faso amongst the countries with the highest rate of unclaimed terrorist attacks and deaths globally, according to the IEP’s Global Terrorism Index. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
07 May 24. DSA 2024: Mildef outlines 4×4 armoured vehicle programmes. Malaysian firm Mildef International Technologies (Mildef) has showcased three 4×4 armoured vehicles known as Tarantula, High Mobility Light Tactical Vehicle (HMLTV), and Weapon Carrier Vehicle (WCV) at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2024 exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur from 6 to 9 May.
Ahmad Ziad Rehman Bin Ahmad Zaidi, senior assistant engineer at Mildef, told Janes that the Malaysian Army has already ordered 178 Tarantula vehicles in 2023, while the other two vehicles are yet to be tested by the service.
The delivery of Tarantula vehicles will be initiated by the end of 2024, and nearly 80 vehicles will be delivered in the first batch, with final delivery in 2027, Ahmad said.
According to Mildef specifications, Tarantula has a crew capacity of 10, and it has a length of 5,700 mm, a width of 2,500 mm, and a height of 2,500 mm. (Source: Janes)
07 May 24. SubSea Craft teams with Capewell to explore Victa DDU air deployment opportunities. UK-based SubSea Craft has joined forces with Capewell Europe to explore the air deployability of its Victa diver delivery unit (DDU) prototype when integrated onboard the latter’s newly developed Universal Maritime Craft Aerial Delivery System (UMCADS).
Speaking to Janes on 1 May, Lee Ebsworth, SubSea Craft’s chief commercial officer, said the partnership has mutual opportunities as the two companies work together to increase the evidence bank for Victa as a deployable air asset as well as to demonstrate the flexibility of Capewell’s UMCADS.
“While we continuously push the technological edge in our platforms to give operators the advantage, their effectiveness hinges on successful deployment into the area of operations,” he said. “We’ve prioritised ensuring Victa’s flexibility in deployment, and conducting feasibility studies with Capewell enables us to expand the available options against the most demanding scenarios.” What is particularly valuable about UMCADS is its configurable nature, which not only supports Victa but also complements other concepts currently in development, he added.(Source: Janes)
08 May 24. French-German tank project company is closed to partners for now. The planned project company between defense firms KNDS, Rheinmetall and Thales to develop a future main battle tank for Germany and France will remain closed to other shareholders for now, according to the French branch of KNDS.
The two governments recommend the French and German divisions of KNDS as well as Rheinmetall and Thales each hold a 25% stake in the project company, KNDS France said in an emailed response to Defense News questions. The companies on April 30 announced plans to set up a project company to work on the future tank, known as the Main Ground Combat System.
“The integration of new companies into the project company will only be considered when the MGCS program is opened up to other nations,” KNDS said. “At this stage, the MGCS program is solely French-German; the French and German companies in charge have been designated.”
Deciding whose defense firms would get to do what on the future tank has been a touchy topic for politicians in France and Germany, and years of wrangling were resolved last month with the countries’ defense ministers signing off on an equal share of the industrial work.
The governments’ recommendations, including for a 50-50 France-Germany split for the entire project, will be used to draw up the operating rules of the project company, KNDS said.
“We’ll have a balance in MGCS between the four participating companies,” Emmanuel Chiva, the head of French armament agency DGA, said in an interview on BFM TV on Monday. “That’s what’s always a little complicated to set up.”
The project will include a heavy tank alongside “other effectors” such as armored vehicles equipped with innovative weapons, drones and a combat cloud, according to Chiva, who said the project “is well underway,” with the first contracts to be awarded at the start of 2025.
The work on MGCS has been divided into eight pillars, and the project company will subcontract work on the pillars to various companies, on a 50-50 French-German basis. While the governments have recommended which nation will lead each pillar, the companies remain to be designated, KNDS said.
The project company will be the single point of contact for the contracting authority, Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, according to KNDS. With Germany designated the lead country on MGCS, the Bundeswehr acquisition office will issue invitations to tender and will buy from the project company on behalf of the two countries.
France’s Safran is involved in several pillars of the MGCS project, the company said in an emailed response to questions. Safran Electronics & Defense will lead the work related to the sensor suite in association with Thales LAS, under the banner Optrolead, with Germany’s Hensoldt also part of the sensor pillar as a main partner, according to Safran.
Safran said its “ready to play an active role” in other pillars. The DGA in February awarded a contract to KNDS and Safran to develop new sights for the renovated Leclerc main battle tank, replacing analog systems with digital ones and adding latest-generation sensors and a panoramic observation sight.
The MGCS is a topic of “interesting conversations” between France and Italy, French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu said April 29 at a meeting with his Italian counterpart, Guido Crosetto. The countries’ army leaders will discuss Italy’s vision for armored cavalry in the 2040s and beyond, looking at points of convergence for when France and Germany kick off the first phase of the future tank, the minister said.
“We’ll talk about it with our German friends, but there would something natural in Italy being able to participate in this project for a future tank,” Lecornu said. “The interest is there, the operational need seems to us could be there, and we’ll obviously continue our exchanges with our German friends on this subject.”
The national leads for the MGCS pillars, as reported by France’s Armed Forces Ministry:
Pillar 1
Platform: includes chassis and automated navigation
Germany
Pillar 2
Main fire: gun, turret and ammunition
France/Germany
Pillar 3
Innovative weapons: secondary armament
for example guided missiles
France
Pillar 4
On-board systems: communication, command and engagement systems
France/Germany
Pillar 5
Simulations
France/Germany
Pillar 6
Sensors
France
Pillar 7
Global protection: defense against drones
Germany
Pillar 8
Infrastructure: support, logistics and infrastructure
France/Germany
(Source: C4ISR & Networks)
06 May 24. DSA 2024: DEFTECH, FNSS unveil upgraded Adnan vehicle prototype. Malaysia’s state-owned DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies (DEFTECH) and Turkish vehicle manufacturer FNSS have unveiled a prototype of the upgraded ACV-300 ‘Adnan’ tracked armoured combat vehicle at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2024 exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur from 6 to 9 May. Mohd Nizam Saedon, head of the engineering department at DEFTECH, told Janes on 6 May that the vehicle, which has been in operation since the early 2000s, is being upgraded to extend its operational life. The turret of the vehicle is upgraded with a 25 mm sharpshooter turret as a part of the upgrades, Mohd said. Other enhancements include the addition of a laser rangefinder and a thermal imager in the turret, a laser warning system, and a 360° situational awareness system, Mohd added. He said the Malaysian Army has “successfully” tested the upgraded vehicle, and DEFTECH is awaiting orders from the service. (Source: Janes)
06 May 24. MRZR Alpha Family of Vehicles Expanding Further to Meet Emerging Customer Requirements for Expeditionary Operations. Polaris Government and Defense has been solving mobility challenges for its military customers worldwide for decades and is again expanding the capabilities, mission sets and user communities its vehicles can address with the introduction of new variants and concept demonstrators. The MRZR Alpha export power variants, autonomous MRZR Alpha and expanded payload concept demonstrators further flex the off-road engineering expertise and capabilities of the dedicated division of Polaris Inc., (NYSE: PII) the global leader in powersports.
Expeditionary warfighters operating worldwide in austere environments require modular platforms that can adjust to multiple environments and modes of transport – tactical air, fixed wing plane and ship – now more than ever. These new vehicles will be incorporated into various user exercises and experiments to help identify where and how the capabilities could augment current tactical wheeled vehicle fleets and bridge gaps between existing capabilities.
“More than just a troop carrier, a single MRZR Alpha can be transformed into multiple configurations for different environments and unique missions. We design and manufacture for the off-road environment, and our vehicles don’t sacrifice mobility, breakover and departure angles or ground clearance at full payload,” said Nick Francis, vice president, Polaris Government and Defense. “The new variants expand on the capability of the MRZR Alpha platform well beyond original specifications, helping address emerging threats and future areas of operation. The application of technology in each of these systems can serve as force multipliers and empower greater self-sufficiency for distributed forces.”
Two New MRZR Alpha Export Power Variants
Additional exportable power is now available to handle the ever-increasing demand from power-hungry systems, such as C-UAS and network on the move, which are critical enablers of littoral operations in contested environments. Polaris is offering an additional 1kW or up to 5kW of exportable power at 24v on its MRZR Alpha 4 to meet the energy draw of communications, network and air defense systems or to power external loads like a forward operating tactical grid. The two new variants also provide power management capabilities to deliver steady and stable power while stationary or on the move, while enabling simplified systems integration. The 1kW can be integrated on new vehicles or incorporated as a kit; the 5kW option is available from the factory on new production vehicles. The integration of the additional export power does not impact the vehicle’s bed layout, maintaining the capability to haul two litters and other mission critical supplies while eliminating the need for a generator and freeing up critical cargo space.
Autonomous MRZR Alpha
Four MRZR Alphas have undergone autonomy integration from two different specialty firms in support of USSOCOM’s Program Manager for Family of Special Operations Vehicles (PM-FOSOV). The most advanced MRZR to-date, the MRZR Alpha has been modified to be drive-by-wire to accept integration of robotic kits from Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) and Forterra. Autonomous vehicles can help improve soldier safety and reduce the cognitive load of operators. Recent and planned exercises will demonstrate teleoperation, go-to-point technology, waypoint denied navigation and full autonomy, with a unique focus on maximizing the platform’s extreme off-road capabilities. The Polaris-led by-wire modification of the vehicle provides several benefits: the MRZR Alpha can still be driven by an operator with the flip of a switch when operationally required. Also, the integrated design provides much lower latency – or reaction time – between the autonomous system, vehicle controls and vehicle behavior, which is a significant advantage in off-road terrain and as speeds increase.
“As a robotic platform, the MRZR Alpha is technology agnostic. We can – and do – provide the by-wire vehicle, ready to accept autonomy kits of various levels to multiple industry partners for continued development and advancement of the capability for the warfighter,” said Francis.
MRZR Alpha Expanded Payload Concept Demonstrator
Polaris has designed, manufactured and delivered several MRZR Alpha expanded payload concept demonstrators to U.S. Special Forces and Marines. The MRZR Alpha 6×6 is a two-seat platform with a 65 percent larger cargo bed optimized for heavier systems and payloads like mortar systems, command and control, UAS/drone launch, C-UAS, forward arming and refuelling point (FARP) and others. An incredible target of 3,600 lbs (about 1632.93 kg) of payload is available on the MRZR Alpha 6×6, with 3,000 lbs (about 1360.78 kg) of that available in the extended cargo bed – up from 600 lbs of bed payload in the MRZR Alpha 4. The third axle and short wheelbase also have a positive impact on mobility, decreasing the contact pressure per tire for enhanced performance in soft soil, mud and bogs. The MRZR Alpha 6×6 maintains top speed and air transportability and will have more than 90% parts commonality with the base MRZR Alpha.
“Our engineers love to solve military mobility challenges and customer collaboration provides the feedback to make enhancements and engineering changes possible,” said Shane Novotny, director of Engineering, Polaris Government and Defense. “Autonomy integration, export power and expanded payload are examples of how feedback can impact a family of vehicles. We’re also looking at tire technology, engines and drivetrains and shallow fording. We already have an Arctic Mobility kit for the MRZR Alpha and just launched two new military snowmobiles for customers needing winter warfare solutions.”
The MRZR Alpha export power variant and 6×6 expanded payload concept demonstrator were on display publicly for the first time at Modern Day Marine in Washington, D.C. in April and will also be displayed at SOF Week in Tampa in May.
New MRZR Alpha Options and Packages
Engineering and development efforts have also resulted in expanded accessories to include an optional half-windshield and an operator and stowage package. The highly configurable operator and stowage package provides a modular deck to accommodate additional spare tire carriers, jerry can holders, individual weapon holders and cargo nets to better secure equipment. The extended deck is modular allowing expansion in place of one or both rear occupant seats. Extended deck payload and provisions available to mount a litter and maintain a rear attendant seat for on the move care.
Each of these vehicles reinforce the ultimate value that Polaris brings to the warfighter – a responsive and engaged team with off-road engineering expertise, world-class manufacturing and a built-in global support network. The MRZR Alpha from Polaris Government Defense is quickly becoming the most in-demand light tactical vehicle in production and available today due to its multi-mission capabilities and off-road mobility. Funding for these efforts has included internal investments and funding from customers. MRZR Alpha production and deliveries are active with interest continuing to grow globally.
07 May 24. Malaysian Army plans life extension programme for PT-91M tanks. Malaysia’s state-owned DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies (DEFTECH) has outlined the Malaysian Army’s plans to upgrade its plaguing fleet of PT-91M ‘Pendekar’ main battle tanks (MBTs) at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2024 exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur from 6 to 9 May. Wan Mohamed Aizat bin Wan Mohamed, lead engineer for weapon system integration at FNSS, told Janes on 6 May that the Malaysian Army plans to upgrade the PT-91M tanks – delivered to the army by Poland’s PHZ Bumar between 2007 and 2011 – as a part of the MBT’s life extension programme. The upgrades will include the integration of a new fire-control system (FCS), which will be supplied by Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), with the tank, Wan Mohamed said. Other upgrades include the addition of new controllers and displays for the turret, a new autoloader system, a new day-and-night-vision camera in the tank, and a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), Wan Mohamed added. (Source: Janes)
06 May 24. British Army currently has 221 in-service Challenger 2 tanks. The number of Challenger 2 MBTs in service need not necessarily reflect vehicles available for operations, with cannibalisation of the fleet required to sustain the ageing platform. The British Army’s tank numbers appear to have dwindled further from the theoretical 227 Challenger 2 main battle tanks (MBTs) listed in its inventory, with the confirmation that 213 vehicles remain in service as of the end of Q1 2024. The information was provided by UK Defence Procurement Minister James Cartlidge on 2 May, with the figure representing a more than 6% drop in Challenger 2 MBT numbers from the listed 227 vehicle fleet. Earlier in 2023 it was reported by Army Technology that the British Army has just 157 Challenger 2 MBTs either ready or available to undertake operations within a 30-day work-up period. In the 2 May comment by Cartlidge, it was not disclosed how many of the 213 Challenger 2s currently in service were available for operations immediately or after a short work-up period.
In 2023 the UK provided a squadron of Challenger 2 MBTs to Ukraine to aid the country in its ongoing war against Russia, with a single vehicle later confirmed as having sustained a mobility kill in combat.
In the UK’s 2021 Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper, it was revealed that 148 of the country’s Challenger 2 MBTs would be upgraded to a Challenger 3 variant, featuring active protection systems, improved sensors and optics, as well as a new turret and the Rheinmetall L55A1 120mm smoothbore gun.
Although previous Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace had stated that the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) would keep the upgrade from Challenger 2 to Challenger 3 numbers under review, little has been heard recently as to whether more than 148 would be upgraded.
Only the Sultanate of Oman became as export customer for the Challenger 2, concluding delivery of 38 MBTs in 2001.
Potential options for the remaining ~65 Challenger 2 MBTs that will not currently be upgraded include disposal, a granting in kind in part or whole to Ukraine, or sale to Oman. Alternatively, the fleet could be kept in storage and used for parts for the British Army’s new Challenger 3 fleet, which will retain a degree of commonality in the hull.
Challenger 3: the replacement to the Challenger 2
In May 2021, Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), was awarded an £800m ($995.9m) contract by the UK MoD to upgrade 148 Challenger 2 MBTs to the Challenger 3 variant for the British Army.
In terms of capabilities the upgrades to the Challenger 2, introducing a new turret, sensor suite, passive and active armour, and power pack, represent the most significant tank modernisation programme undertaken by the UK MoD for decades.
The latest development, announced on 18 April by the UK MoD, saw the latest of eight prototypes roll off the RBSL factory production line in Telford. With the first prototype already undergoing trials, the UK MoD stated that all will be tested under operational conditions to “validate their performance and make refinements”, before another 140 are built and delivered to the British Army.
Army Technology approached the UK MoD in mid-April for an update to the Challenger 3 programme but did not receive an official response.
(Source: army-technology.com)
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