BAE Systems is now part of Team Challenger 2 for the Challenger 2 LEP

Defence & Security News - BAE Systems
 
BAE Systems is now part of Team Challenger 2 for the Challenger 2 LEP
BAE Systems announced on 3 June 2016 its decision to become part of Team Challenger 2, to bid for the Challenger 2 tank’s Life Extension Project. The platform will continue to provide its services until 2035 according to the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review. Moreover, the upgrade will allow for an improved cooperation between the GDLS-UK AJAX IFV and Challenger 2.
     
BAE Systems is now part of Team Challenger 2 for the Challenger 2 LEP
     

Team Challenger 2 is comprised of seven key defence industries, namely General Dynamics Land Systems – UK; General Dynamics Mission Systems – International; Leonardo – Finmeccanica; Moog; QinetiQ and Safran Electronics.

The work of upgrading the tanks to the Challenger 2 Mark 2 standard would be carried out at a General Dynamics’ factory in South Wales, at the same location where the AJAX IFV will be produced.

The new version of the Challenger 2 Mk 2 will enhance its capabilities with the integration of:
• A thermal imaging system;
• A new commander’s primary sight that will include thermal imaging and hunter/killer capability,
• Updated gun control equipment;
• Updated electronic architecture with a new commander’s crew station, new interfaces and reconfigurable displays and controls;
• An updated fire control system and
• Other potential capability improvements depending on the MoD’s requirements.

Jennifer Osbaldestin, Managing Director of BAE Systems Land (UK), said: “We have taken an innovative approach in teaming for this bid to enable the best and most experienced partners to develop and deliver a winning solution. This approach gives us access to capabilities and facilities that will sustain Challenger 2 through life and offer a value for money solution for British taxpayers.

“BAE Systems designed and built Challenger 2, we are now excited about the opportunity to use our expertise with the rest of Team Challenger 2 to update and integrate new technology to further extend the capability for the British Army.”