The UK’s

The Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land Challenger 2 advanced technology demonstrator features a new Rheinmetall turret armed with the L55 120mm smoothbore gun. © RBSL

The UK’s armoured fist

By By Ian Kemp

The Royal Armoured Corps (RAC), in parallel with the British Army as a whole, is undergoing sweeping changes in organisation and equipment. The Labour government’s 1998 Strategic Defence Review reorganised the Army into two deployable divisions: the 1st (UK) Armoured Division stationed in Germany with three armoured brigades; and, the 3rd (UK) Mechanised Division with three mechanised brigades. The Conservative-led coalition government’s 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review resulted in the new ‘Army 2020’ structure which grouped the service’s heavy units into five multi-role brigades each with one armoured regiment, one armoured reconnaissance regiment, one armoured infantry battalion, one mechanised infantry battalion and two light role infantry battalions. The structure was designed to support enduring operations at the brigade level such as those then underway in Afghanistan.

The multi-role brigade structure was never implemented, as in June 2012, the Army introduced a new Army 2020 structure optimised for warfighting. The 3rd (UK) Mechanised Division was renamed the 3rd (UK) Division and given command of three - 1st, 2nd and 12th - armoured infantry brigades each consisting of a Type 56 armoured regiment, an armoured cavalry regiment, two armoured infantry battalions, and one ‘heavy protected mobility’ infantry battalion. The division and the Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade would comprise the Reaction Force for rapid deployment and warfighting. The Adaptable Force, to support both warfighting and enduring operations, consists of a pool of Regular and Army Reserve units assigned to seven – later reduced to four – regionally based infantry brigades for training and administrative purposes, all grouped under the 1st (UK) Division, as the 1st Armoured Division was retitled in 2014.

The British Army’s Challenger 2 Theatre Entry Standard (CR2 TES) reference vehicle, shown here fitted with a Mobile Camouflage System, is held at the Armoured Trials and Development Unit. © UK MOD

Following SDR98, the regular component of the RAC consisted of six armoured regiments equipped with Challenger 2 main battle tanks and five armoured reconnaissance regiments equipped with the ageing Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) family. The new Army 2020 reduced the RAC to nine regular regiments divided into three categories: three armoured regiments; three armoured cavalry regiments, the new designation for regiments trained and equipped to provide formation reconnaissance; and, three light cavalry regiments, a new type of regiment equipped with 4x4 Jackals originally procured to provide an ‘agile, well-armed, light patrol vehicle’ for use in Afghanistan.

In 2016, the Army announced the ‘Army 2020 Refine’ structure which reduced the number of armoured infantry brigades from three to two, and unveiled the formation of two medium weight ‘Strike’ brigades which would be equipped with two new vehicle families - the Ajax tracked reconnaissance vehicle and the 8x8 Mechanised Infantry Vehicle. By 2025-26, the Army is expected to be capable of generating a warfighting division consisting of the two armoured infantry brigades and a single Strike brigade, generated from the two brigades.

Toward Challenger 3

“Challenger 2 is now teetering on the cliff edge of obsolescence,” is the assessment of Chief of the General Staff General Sir Mark CarletonSmith. The BAE Systems Challenger 2 has been in service for more than 20 years, but it was not the Army’s preferred choice to replace its Challenger 1 fleet. In 1990-91, the service evaluated the Challenger 2 demonstrator, ordered

A Challenger 2 of the Queen’s Royal Hussars participates in exercise “Spring Storm” in Estonia in May 2020. © Estonian Defence Forces

by the Conservative government in January 1989, against the American M1A2 Abrams, the French Leclerc and the German Leopard 2 (Improved) and recommended the Leopard 2 pointing to the benefits of commonality with NATO allies and the design’s impressive performance.

Unlike its NATO contemporaries which are armed with 120 mm smoothbore guns, the Challenger 2 is equipped with a 120/55 mm L30A1 tank gun, the successor to the L11 gun developed for the Chieftain and retained for the Challenger 1, which fires unique separate loading ammunition consisting of a projectile and a combustible charge. This requires the Ministry of Defence and BAE Systems, the only producer of ammunition for the Challenger 2, to fund ammunition development for British service with little opportunity to share or recoup ammunition development costs through export sales.

Nevertheless, in June 1991 the Ministry of Defence placed a £ 520 million order for 127 Challenger 2s and 13 driver training vehicles, and three years later ordered another 259 tanks and nine driver trainers. The Challenger 2 entered Army service in June 1998 and the last of the 386 tanks ordered was delivered in 2002. Only 38 Challenger 2s were exported, to the Royal Army of Oman.

In late 2005, under the proposed Challenger Lethality Improvement Programme (CLIP) a single Challenger 2 was fitted with a Rheinmetall L55 smoothbore gun for trials. Despite the positive results, the Army was forced to abandon the project, with an estimated cost of over £ 330 million, as funds were diverted to support operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The British Army’s Challenger 2 now only equips three armoured regiments. © Estonian Defence Forces

Approximately 120 Challenger 2s participated in the 2003 invasion of Iraq and a number remained until April 2009 to support the stabilisation operation. These received various improvements through the urgent operational requirement process to enhance their survivability and ability to operate in urban terrain. An enhanced applique armour package was fitted, which included Chobham passive armour along the sides of the hull and turret, and Enhanced Protection Bar Armour around the rear of the turret and the engine compartment, and the Selex Enforcer remote weapon system, armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun, was installed in front of the loader’s hatch. Other improvements included: an electronic counter measure system; the Caracal Driver’s Night Vision System; and, the Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System.

In 2015, the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organisation invited industry participation in a life extension programme (LEP) to address obsolescence issues to extend the Challenger 2’s service life beyond 2035. After considering proposals from at least seven manufacturers, the MOD awarded separate £ 23 million contracts in December 2016 to BAE Systems and Rheinmetall Landsysteme for the assessment phase of the Challenger 2 LEP.

In January 2019, Rheinmetall announced its intention to buy a 55% share of BAE Systems’ land business for £ 28.6 million. The new Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) joint venture, headquartered at BAE’s existing facility in Telford, Shropshire, was formally launched on 1 July 2019. Telford will play a major role in production of the ARTEC 8x8 Boxer after the MOD awarded the ARTEC consortium, owned by Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), a 12.6 billion euro contract to produce 528 vehicles for the Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) requirement.

When the Challenger 2 LEP was launched, the Army’s was seeking up to 227 tanks sufficient to equip three Type 56 regiments plus a pool for training in the UK and at the British Army Training Unit Suffield, Alberta, Canada. However, the Army 2020 Refine structure only requires two regiments thus freeing funds for a more extensive modernisation of the remaining fleet.

Although the Challenger 2 LEP stipulated that the L30 would be retained, the Army decided in 2019 to pursue a more comprehensive CR2 LEP (Enhanced) modernisation package that as well as addressing obsolescence issues would considerably improve lethality and survivability. At the September 2019 DSEI exhibition RBSL unveiled its Challenger 2

NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup in Estonia includes a squadron of British Army Challenger 2 MBTs. © Estonian Defence Forces

The British Army’s Challenger 2 is the only vehicle in NATO service armed with the L30A1 120 mm rifled gun. © Estonian Defence Forces

advanced technology demonstrator which features a new Rheinmetall turret armed with the L55A1 smoothbore gun, a computerised fire control system, and all-electric gun control equipment. The turret is equipped with the same combination of sights from Thales as fitted to the Ajax reconnaissance vehicle - the Orion commander’s panoramic sight and the gunner’s DNGS T3 stabilised day/night sight. Installation of the L55 will enable the tank to fire the latest Rheinmetall ammunition including the DM63A1 APFSDS-T and the DM11 programmable air burst round. Each one-piece round is stored in an individual armoured container in the turret bustle of the turret, which is also fitted with blow out panels.

Protection could be enhanced with the integration of the Elbit Systems Iron Fist Light Decoupled (IFLD) active protection system while the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is leading a project to develop New Modular Armour for application on the Challenger 2 and other armoured vehicles.

The MOD is expected to award RBSL a 12-month Assessment Phase 2 contract this year which is planned to lead to a production contract for the Challenger 3 in 2021-22.

The Army is considering the merits of moving from the current Type 56 regiment, consisting of three armoured squadrons each with 18 tanks and two in regimental headquarters, to a Type 58 regiment with four squadrons, each equipped with 14 tanks, plus two headquarters tanks.

Armoured Cavalry 2025

The Army is finally poised to replace the remaining members of its Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) family as its primary reconnaissance vehicles after more than 45 years of the service.

As far back as 1992, the service launched the technologically ambitious Tactical Reconnaissance Armoured Combat Equipment Requirement (TRACER) to develop a replacement for the CVR(T) and in 1997 the programme was merged with the US Army’s Future Scout Cavalry System project which was intended to replace its M3 Bradley Cavalry Fighting Vehicle. Two AngloAmerican industrial teams, SIKA International and Team Lancer, were awarded contracts in 1999 to develop prototype vehicles incorporating advanced technologies including: hybrid electrical drives, to offer near silent vehicle movement; ‘band track’ technology, offering lighter, quieter movement with a longer operational life; sophisticated mast-mounted sensors; and, the more lethal CTA International 40mm Cased Telescoped Armament System. The UK terminated TRACER in 2002 after the US Army withdrew from the project.

The shortcomings of the 30 mm-armed Scimitar CVR(T) reconnaissance variant, especially their vulnerability to land mines and IEDs, became a challenge in Afghanistan. To improve survivability and performance, BAE Systems received an urgent operational requirement contract in 2010 which resulted in the development of the Scimitar 2 which mounted legacy turrets on new Spartan hulls. Survivability enhancements included additional protection to withstand improvised explosive device/mine blasts, ceramic armour to protect against kinetic energy attack, bar armour to disrupt rocket propelled grenades, and blast mitigation seating for all crew members in all variants. The original Scimitar weighed 8 tonnes while the Scimitar 2 weighed 12.25 tonnes, much of it being additional armour.

Approximately 60 CVR(T) vehicles, including Sultan command vehicles, Spartan APCs, Samson recovery variants, and Samaritan ambulances were upgraded in 2010-11 and the first Scimitar

The British Army is cutting the number of armoured regiments equipped with the Challenger 2 tank from three to two. © Estonian Defence Forces

2s were airlifted to Afghanistan in August 2011. The Scimitar 2 is expected to be the last significant investment in the CVR(T) family as it is scheduled to be replaced by the General Dynamics UK Ajax family in the 2020-25 period.

Ajax originated in the Future Rapid Effect Systems (FRES) programme to acquire two armoured vehicle families - the FRES Utility Vehicle wheeled armoured personnel carrier and the FRES Specialist Vehicle (SV) tracked reconnaissance vehicle. Although the FRES project died, the SV portion survived and in November 2008, the MoD awarded assessment-phase contracts to BAE Systems and GDUK to develop solutions based on their respective infantry fighting vehicles, the CV90 and the ASCOD 2 (Austrian Spanish Cooperative Development). In July 2010, GDUK was awarded a £ 500 million contract to develop seven prototypes of the ASCOD SV for the demonstration phase.

In September 2014, the company received a £ 3.5 billion contract to deliver 589 Ajax vehicles, as the family was named, in six variants: 245 Ajax reconnaissance vehicles; 93 Ares mobility reconnaissance support variants, essentially armoured personnel carriers; 112 Athena command and control vehicles; 51 Argus engineer reconnaissance vehicles; 38 Atlas recovery vehicles; and, 50 Apollo repair vehicles.

Compared to the 12.5 tonnes Scimitar the Ajax weighs 38 tonnes with growth potential to 42 tonnes. The main armament is CTAI’s 40mm Cased Telescoped Armament System and a remotecontrolled weapon station is mounted on the turret. The Ajax family will equip four armoured cavalry regiments, two in each of the Strike brigades, as well as the reconnaissance troops within the two armoured regiments and the reconnaissance platoons within the four Warrior-equipped armoured infantry battalions. The sensors integrated on the Ajax are intended to provide the dispersed elements of the Strike brigade with unprecedented situational awareness.

In December 2015, GDUK stated that “the training establishment and first squadron will be equipped by mid-2019 to allow conversion to begin with a brigade ready to deploy from the end of 2020.” Actual progress has been slower. The first six Ares production vehicles were delivered to the Armour Centre in Bovington in February 2019 where they are being used for initial driver training in parallel with desktop training equipment and full-motion driver training simulators. On 22 January 2020, an Army crew fired the Ajax’s CT40 cannon and 7.62 mm chain gun for the first time at the start of trials on a range in Wales to valid that Ajax can conduct manned firing safely.

Since 2017, the Household Cavalry Regiment, which will be the first armoured cavalry regiment to be equipped with Ajax, has been using its

A Challenger 2 configured for the “Streetfighter 2019” demonstration. © UK MOD

General Dynamics UK will produce 245 40 mm-armed Ajax reconnaissance vehicles by 2025-26. © GDUK

Scimitars to develop tactics, techniques and procedures for Ajax. The first Ajax armoured cavalry battlegroup is expected to be operational by the end of 2023 and a full Strike brigade, with two Ajax regiments, in 2025.

Light Cavalry

In the transition period before the two Strike brigades are equipped, the 3 (UK) Division’s warfighting organisation will consist of an armoured infantry brigade,16 Air Assault Brigade, and a light brigade.

The Army’s decision to add three light cavalry regiments to the regular order of battle followed the successful employment of the 4x4 Jackal during “Operation Herrick” in Afghanistan in 2008-15. For each rotation during this period the deployed brigade would form an ad-hoc brigade reconnaissance force (BRF) to conduct intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) as well as provide fire support. The Jackal, originally developed by Supacat as the HMT 400 for Special Forces use,

The General Dynamics UK Ajax reconnaissance vehicle family is at the heart of the British Army’s Strike concept. © GDUK

was well suited for these roles and more than 500 Jackal 1/2/2A vehicles were ordered in 2007-10. Operated by a crew of three to five, the Jackal was typically armed with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun or a Heckler & Koch 40 mm grenade GMG, and a 7.62 mm general purpose machine gun.

General Dynamics Land Systems UK is producing the Ajax reconnaissance vehicle family at its Merthyr Tydfil factory in Wales. © GDUK

The light cavalry regiments consist of three ‘sabre’ squadrons each with three ‘find’ troops equipped with four Jackals and a support troop with four Coyotes, the Army’s designation for the Supacat 6x6 HMT 600 vehicle which carries heavier support weapons. The light cavalry regiments, like the BRFs and the armoured cavalry regiments, include soldiers trained as snipers, Javelin anti-tank guided weapon operators, forward observation officers, mortar fire controllers and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers.

The British Army began manned live fire trials of the General Dynamics UK Ajax reconnaissance vehicle family in January 2020. © GDUK

The Supacat Jackal 2 equips three light cavalry regiments in the Adaptive Force. © UK MOD

In preparation for the deployment of a light cavalry squadron to serve with the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) later this year the Armour Development and Trials Unit has worked with

A Jackal 2 reconnaissance vehicle of the Light Dragoons participates in NATO Enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group training in Poland in May 2020. © US Army

several industry partners to develop sensor, communications, and environmental upgrades for the Jackal 2.

Companies involved in the project include Exsel Electronics, Exsel Engineering, Petards Group, Qioptiq, RolaTube, Safran and Thales. Enhancements include a mast-mounted thermal imaging camera system, a telescopic radio mast, night vision upgrades, and a vehicle heater. Some of these improvements could become part of Project Thundercat, a conceptual study to explore

The Scimitar CVR(T) series vehicles which now equip three armoured cavalry regiments will be phased out of service over the next five years. © UK MOD

what technologies are available to improve the ‘eyes’ (ISTAR), ‘ears’ (communications) and ‘teeth’ (lethality) of the light cavalry regiments.

Coronavirus and defence

Less than two months after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the launch of an ‘Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy’, MOD officials confirmed on 15 April 2020 that the review had been paused to allow the government to focus on the coronavirus.

Defence officials were already braced for cuts in defence spending. “The Ministry of Defence’s equipment procurement and support budget is large but does not cover its forecast costs over

BAE Systems developed and produced the Scimitar 2 upgrade in 2010-11 to improve the vehicle’s survivability and performance in Afghanistan. © UK MOD

2019–2029,” was the assessment of the UK National Audit Office published in February. The Equipment Plan 2019 to 2029 report noted that the MoD’s best-case assessment was that the £ 180.7 billion allocated for equipment over the 10-year period would be £ 2.9 billion less than needed while the worst case predicted a £ 13.0 billion. Speculation about which projects will be cancelled or delayed was rampant.

The defence review is now complicated by the biggest financial crisis to hit the UK government since 1945.

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