UK's most lethal tank enters testing

The tanks are being built at the Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land factory in Telford

Prototypes of a new tank, described as the UK's most lethal, have rolled off the production line.

The Challenger 3 tanks are being built at the Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land factory in Telford.

The first vehicles have entered a trial period and will be tested under operational conditions, the Ministry of Defence said.

The tanks have advanced armour and a range of technology which makes them the most lethal and most survivable ever operated by the British Army, it added.

The project will ultimately see the Army's fleet of 221 Challenger 2 main battle tanks slimmed down to 127 Challenger 3s, and will use the existing chassis.

They will be able to travel up to 60mph (97kph), with an increased range and be the UK's first fully digitised tank, allowing them to share information with other vehicles.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps the new tanks are integral to the UK’s deterrence against war

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, said: "In a more dangerous world, the need for vehicles such as the Challenger 3 is imperative, as the threats facing the UK evolve."

He said the new tanks would be integral to the UK’s deterrence against war.

The Army’s director of programmes, Maj Gen Jon Swift, said the Challenger 3 tanks were critical to the Army’s warfighting capability and contribution to Nato.

He said delivery of the eight prototype vehicles marked a significant milestone on the Army’s modernisation journey.

The Challenger 3 will remain in service until at least 2040, and is being delivered under an £800m contract, which the Ministry of Defence said had created up to 750 jobs.

The contract has also attracted £40m of investment in Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land’s Telford facility, the department added.