In order to support its Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank Life Extension Project, the British Ministry of Defense has offered competitive contracts. The agreement has seen BAE Systems and Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH each winnning a $28 million deal to develop upgrades for the Main Battle Tank. According to procurement officials, the deal is key to bolster defensive capabilities for the country's land forces.
Their respective deals require Rheinmetall and BAE Systems to carry out technical studies with the Challenger 2 for the production of digital models to decide proper upgrades for the legacy vehicles. The Challenger 2 Assessment Phase is worth a total of $65 million. The Challenger 2 tank entered service with the UK's forces in 1998, and was used heavily during operations in Iraq.
U.K. Defense Procurement Minister Harriet Baldwin said, "Modernizing the British Army's Main Battle Tank under the Challenger 2 Life Extension Project involves partnerships across Defense exploring innovative solutions. Backed by a rising defense budget and a 178 billion equipment plan, these tanks, just like the brand new Ajax armored vehicle, are crucial to the British Army."
Chief of Materiel for Defense Equipment and Support Lt. Gen. Paul Jaques, added, "Challenger 2 is an excellent Main Battle Tank with an impressive operational track record. The Challenger 2 Life Extension Project will upgrade the vehicle with the latest technology to make it available for operations out to 2035."
Their respective deals require Rheinmetall and BAE Systems to carry out technical studies with the Challenger 2 for the production of digital models to decide proper upgrades for the legacy vehicles. The Challenger 2 Assessment Phase is worth a total of $65 million. The Challenger 2 tank entered service with the UK's forces in 1998, and was used heavily during operations in Iraq.
U.K. Defense Procurement Minister Harriet Baldwin said, "Modernizing the British Army's Main Battle Tank under the Challenger 2 Life Extension Project involves partnerships across Defense exploring innovative solutions. Backed by a rising defense budget and a 178 billion equipment plan, these tanks, just like the brand new Ajax armored vehicle, are crucial to the British Army."
Chief of Materiel for Defense Equipment and Support Lt. Gen. Paul Jaques, added, "Challenger 2 is an excellent Main Battle Tank with an impressive operational track record. The Challenger 2 Life Extension Project will upgrade the vehicle with the latest technology to make it available for operations out to 2035."