Sweden’s Mildef will supply Generic Vehicle Architecture components for the new Challenger 3 tanks.

A £2.5m subcontract on the supply of Generic Vehicle Architecture compliant Processors and Ethernet Switches for the Challenger 3 tanks has been awarded to MilDef.

MilDef will manufacture the components at its UK facility in Cardiff, Wales.

The company has heavily invested in the site by building an expanded manufacturing space and installing new testing apparatus.

In total, MilDef will deliver over 300 units over the lifetime of the Challenger 3 programme, with deliveries taking place in the period from 2023 to 2029.

“MilDef is once again delighted to supply high-performance products together with RBSL (Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land) into one of the UK MoD’s strategic vehicle programmes,” said CEO MilDef Group.

The Challenger III is an upgraded version of the British-made Challenger 2 tank.

In May 2021, the Ministry of Defense announced an order for 148 Challenger 3 main battle tanks in an £800m contract with RBSL.

RBSL is a joint venture between the British branch of the German defense company Rheinmetall and the British multinational defense company BAE Systems.

This collaboration was created to develop and manufacture military equipment, including the Challenger 3 main battle tank for the British Army.

RBSL is responsible for the design, manufacture and integration of key components and systems for the Challenger 3 tank, leveraging Rheinmetall’s armor expertise and BAE Systems’ long-standing experience in the defense sector.

The partnership aims to deliver a modern tank that meets the growing needs of the British Army, as well as strengthening the UK’s defense industry. The new version of the British Challenger tank will be able to develop speeds of up to 97 km/h, will have a greater range and will receive many new digital systems. Each tank will be able to exchange data and information on the battlefield both with other tanks and with attack helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.