________________________________________________________________________ Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land

With a skilled workforce of over 700 employees , including 300 engineers , across its UK sites in Telford , Gateshead , Bristol , and Bovington , the organization designs , manufactures and supports military vehicles for the British Army and international customers .

The company ’ s core capabilities include design , manufacture , and interfacing programs for the Challenger 3 , alongside capability , production , and through-life support for the Boxer . It also delivers support to the UK Ministry of Defence land enterprise in-service equipment , including the provision of field service support , post-design services , spares provision and repairs for equipment including those designed and produced by RBSL such as Pinzgauer , Bulldog , Challenger 2 , CRARRV , Terrier , Titan , Trojan and Warrior .

William Gibby , Managing Director , shares further details of RBSL ’ s operations : “ In May 2021 , the British Army placed an order for 148 main battle tanks to be known as Challenger 3 . This tank will be based on the existing Challenger 2 but will incorporate several upgrades , including a completely new turret structure and a 120mm smoothbore cannon capable of firing NATO standard ammunition , which will include a tank killing Armour Piercing Fin Stabilised Discarding Sabot ( APFSDS ), and a programmable High Explosive round .

“ It will also incorporate a completely new digital panoramic sighting system , independent sighting systems for both commander and gunner that work by both day and night , an enhanced forward and reverse vision system for the driver that also works by both day and night , and new upgraded stateof-the art British armor , designed to defeat the current threats .

“ An Active Protection System ( APS ) will also be included , and to come , will be a new type of APFSDS ammunition that can outmatch the current threat armor ; the development of which has been jointly funded by the German and British governments . The program is progressing well ,” William shares , “ with the

We are proud of our UK content on UK defense programs , and equally proud to partner with international organizations first two prototypes already completed and initial strength of design trials completed at the Rheinmetall test ranges in Unterluss , Germany . A further six prototype vehicles will be completed by Q2 2025 . Further trialing will take place over the next two years to ensure that the vehicle delivers what the Army has asked for and to demonstrate that it will be the best Main Battle Tank in NATO .”

Indeed , RBSL is committed to collaborating with a diverse supply chain to ensure the best products are incorporated into its platforms , services , and solutions , securing the highest levels of quality and safety whilst delivering value for money for the customer base . “ This extends from supply of unique items for legacy platform support or Urgent Operational Requirements , through to ensuring the latest equipment makes its way onto tomorrow ’ s military vehicles ,” William adds . “ RBSL is committed to ensuring SMEs and technological innovators are supported throughout our portfolio , with several supporting initiatives .

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