Editing Challenger 2 (section)

== Upgrades ==
=== CLIP ===
The Challenger Lethality Improvement Programme (CLIP) was a programme to replace the current L30A1 rifled gun with the smoothbore [[Rheinmetall 120 mm gun]] currently used in the [[Leopard 2]] and [[M1 Abrams]]. The use of a smoothbore weapon would have allowed Challenger 2 to use NATO standard ammunition, including tungsten-based [[kinetic energy penetrator]]s which do not have the same political and environmental objections as [[depleted uranium]] rounds. The production lines for rifled 120{{spaces}}mm ammunition in the UK have been closed for some years so existing stocks of ammunition for the L30A1 are finite.<ref name=forecastinternational>{{cite web |url=http://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/or/vo0190.doc |title=ForecastInternational |format=doc |access-date=8 August 2009}} {{dead link|date=July 2013|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

[[File:The 120mm smooth bore tank gun, looking down the barrel. MOD 45146593.jpg|thumb|Challenger 2 fitted with 120&nbsp;mm smoothbore gun for trials]]
A single Challenger 2 was fitted with the L55 and underwent trials in January 2006.<ref>{{cite web |title=100 Years of Firing At Lulworth Training Area |type=Blog |url=https://insidedio.blog.gov.uk/2016/07/25/100-years-of-firing-at-lulworth-training-area/ |access-date=28 March 2021 |website=[[Defence Infrastructure Organisation]] |date=25 July 2016}}</ref> The smoothbore gun was the same length as the L30A1 and was fitted with the rifled gun's cradle, thermal sleeve, bore evacuator and muzzle reference system. Early trials apparently revealed that the German tungsten DM53 round was more effective than the depleted uranium CHARM 3.<ref name="Fprado"/> The ammunition storage and handling arrangements had to be changed to cater for the single-piece smoothbore rounds, instead of the separate-loading rifled rounds. Other improvements were also considered, including a regenerative [[CBRN defense|NBC]] protection system.<ref>{{cite web |first=Christopher F |last=Foss |url=http://www.janes.com/defence/news/jdw/jdw060329_2_n.shtml |title=UK fields regenerative NBC system |work=Jane's Defence News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527151434/http://www.janes.com/defence/news/jdw/jdw060329_2_n.shtml |archive-date=27 May 2008}}</ref>

=== HAAIP ===

Updates to the automotive components of Challenger 2 are being undertaken as part of the ongoing Heavy Armour Automotive Improvement Programme (HAAIP), which is expected to continue until 2031, and expected to align with the Challenger 3 programme.<ref name="DVD 2018: BAE Systems' Challenger 2 demonstrator - Black Night">Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/clrF_-Il7zo Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200820213433/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clrF_-Il7zo&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clrF_-Il7zo |title=DVD 2018: BAE Systems' Challenger 2 demonstrator - Black Night |publisher=Jane's by IHS Markit |date=21 September 2018 |access-date=22 September 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="The Procurement Of HAAIP Main Engine Cooling Fans – Annex A"/> The HAAIP programme "will be made to existing in-service Challenger 2 tanks to increase their mobility and stability, both of which are critical to providing the foundation for the new turret and systems that will upgrade the vehicle to a Challenger 3."<ref name="amu">{{cite news |title=Challenger 2 vehicles prepared for an upgrade |url=https://www.army.mod.uk/news-and-events/news/2021/07/challenger-2-vehicles-prepared-for-an-upgrade/ |publisher=army.mod.uk |date=29 July 2021}}</ref>

HAAIP has already led to upgrades to the air filtration system, through the use of cleanable air filters with increased operating life, which were tested in [[Exercise Saif Sareea 3]] in October 2018.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |title=The Bulletin - Winter 2018/9 |access-date=21 August 2019 |url=https://www.baesystems.com/en/download-en/20190304155957/1434610861920.pdf}}</ref> The HAAIP programme, awarded to BAE Systems, was intended to apply a common engine and suspension standard to Challenger 2, the DTT, [[Challenger 1#CRAARV|CRARRV]], Titan and Trojan, improving reliability.<ref name="Armoured Fighting Vehicles:Written question - HL271">{{cite web |url=https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2020-01-09/HL271 |title=Armoured Fighting Vehicles:Written question - HL271 |publisher=UK Parliament |date=9 January 2020 |access-date=5 March 2020}}</ref> However the Minister of State for Defence announced in April 2022 that a common engine (build standard) will be applied to Challenger 2, Challenger 3 and CRARRV only after a new refrigerant is found for the CTCS (Crew Temperature Control System).<ref name="Challenger Tanks: Engines (Qs.2)">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2022-04-06.HL7764.h&s=speaker%3A25229#gHL7764.q0 |title=Challenger Tanks: Engines (Qs.2) |website=TheyWorkForYou |publisher=UK Parliament |date=22 April 2022 |access-date=24 April 2022}}</ref>

In terms of the powertrain, BAE Systems were evaluating whether to uprate the existing CV12 engine or swap this for alternative designs. The proposed CV12 upgrade by [[Caterpillar Inc.#Caterpillar Defense Products|Caterpillar Defense]] would fit electronically controlled common rail fuel injection and introduce engine health monitoring (HUMS). This would increase the maximum power output from 1,200{{spaces}}bhp (at 2,300&nbsp;rpm) to 1,500{{spaces}}bhp (at 2,400&nbsp;rpm), reduce battlefield smoke emissions, and improve fleet reliability and availability.<ref name="CV12 Military Engine">{{cite web |url=https://docs.tuyap.online/FDOCS/22431.pdf |title=CV12 Military Engine |publisher=Caterpillar |date=1 January 2018 |access-date=28 August 2020}}</ref><ref name="Caterpillar Defense Vehicle Engines and Future Plans (IAV 2019)">Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/VMvQxl1dEq0 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200820161508/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMvQxl1dEq0&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMvQxl1dEq0 |title=Caterpillar Defense Vehicle Engines and Future Plans (IAV 2019) |publisher=Jane's by IHS Markit |date=6 February 2019 |access-date=21 August 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Since this information was released (February 2019) no further information in the public domain has been released regarding fitting Common Rail Fuel Injection and HUMS. The engines and transmission units have themselves also been remanufactured in recent years, with parts and equipment also purchased to convert CV12-6A engines to CV12-8A build standard.<ref name="United Kingdom-Bristol: Repair and maintenance services of military vehicles, 2014/S 172-305466">{{cite web |url=https://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:305466-2014:TEXT:EN:HTML&src=0 |title=United Kingdom-Bristol: Repair and maintenance services of military vehicles, 2014/S 172-305466 |publisher=Tenders Electronic Daily, OJEU |date=9 September 2014 |access-date=5 March 2020}}</ref><ref name="United Kingdom-Telford: Repair and maintenance services of vehicle transmissions, 2018/S 138-316646">{{cite web |url=https://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:316646-2018:TEXT:EN:HTML&src=0 |title=United Kingdom-Telford: Repair and maintenance services of vehicle transmissions, 2018/S 138-316646 |publisher=Tenders Electronic Daily, OJEU |date=20 July 2018 |access-date=5 March 2020}}</ref><ref name="United Kingdom-Telford: Repair, maintenance and associated services of vehicles and related equipment, 2020/S 034-081842">{{cite web |url=https://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:81842-2020:TEXT:EN:HTML&src=0 |title=United Kingdom-Telford: Repair, maintenance and associated services of vehicles and related equipment, 2020/S 034-081842 |publisher=Tenders Electronic Daily, OJEU |date=9 September 2014 |access-date=26 June 2021}}</ref> Publications in support of tender procurement for HAAIP indicate that a new CV12-9A engine build standard will be used for the Challenger 2s upgraded to become Challenger 3s, and for CRARRV.<ref name="The Procurement Of HAAIP Main Engine Cooling Fans – Annex F">{{Cite web |url=https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/13bc2498-35ba-41bb-be4b-89b4780972e1 |title=Annex F – Government Furnished Information |website=UK MOD |date=13 August 2021 |access-date=18 April 2022}}/</ref>

Work to update the base Challenger 2 hull and automotive components, undertaken by DE&S, RBSL and Babcock, commenced in July 2021 in advance of these being converted to Challenger 3s. Equipment replaced during HAAIP will be checked for serviceability, repaired if required, and returned for re-use in the existing Challenger 2 fleet. The hulls will also undergo ultrasonic testing, weld repairs and repainting.<ref name="Work begins to prepare Challenger 2 vehicles for upgrade programme">{{cite web |url=https://des.mod.uk/challenger-2-vehicles-upgrade-programme |title=Work begins to prepare Challenger 2 vehicles for upgrade programme |publisher=UK Ministry of Defence |date=28 July 2021 |access-date=1 August 2021}}</ref>

The overall scope of HAAIP includes:
* Upgraded CV12-9A engines for Challenger 3 and CRARRV<ref name="The Procurement Of HAAIP Main Engine Cooling Fans – Annex F"/><ref name="des.mod.uk">{{Cite web |url=https://des.mod.uk/des-secures-contract-for-armys-challenger-3-tank/ |title=DE&S secures contract for Army's Challenger 3 tank |date=7 May 2021 |website=UK MOD, Defence Equipment & Support |access-date=26 June 2021}}</ref>
* Third Generation Hydrogas Suspension<ref name="Gen 3 HydroGas Project">{{cite web |url=https://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:15192-2020:TEXT:EN:HTML&src=0 |title=Gen 3 HydroGas Project |publisher=Tenders Electronic Daily - Supplement to the Official Journal of the EU |date=12 January 2020 |access-date=14 January 2020}}</ref><ref name="ted.europa.eu">{{cite web |url=https://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:333775-2020:TEXT:EN:HTML&src=0 |title=Repair and Conversion Hydrogas Gen 3 Suspension Parts |publisher=Tenders Electronic Daily - Supplement to the Official Journal of the EU |date=15 July 2020 |access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="The Procurement Of HAAIP Main Engine Cooling Fans – Annex A">{{Cite web |url=https://contracts.mod.uk |title=Project: 701547382 - Procurement of HAAIP Main Engine Cooling Fans – Annex A, Contract Notice Supporting Information Document |date=26 April 2021 |website=UK MOD, Defence Sourcing Portal |access-date=14 October 2021}}</ref>
* New Hydraulic Track Tensioners (HTT) with inline accumulators<ref name="The Procurement Of HAAIP Main Engine Cooling Fans – Annex A"/>
* Improved Electric Cold Start System (Intake Manifold Heater)<ref name="The Procurement Of HAAIP Main Engine Cooling Fans – Annex A"/>
* Unspecified new components fitted to improve the transmissions<ref name="Work begins to prepare Challenger 2 vehicles for upgrade programme"/>
* New Main Engine Air Intake Filters<ref name="auto"/>
* Improved Main Engine/Transmission Cooling; fitting new high efficiency radiators (596 sets) and fans (294 triple fan sets with mountings and drive systems). These new more modern assemblies will increase cooling capacity and reduce engine fuel cutback mode (where engine power is reduced if cooling capacity for the main engine and transmission is exceeded) through improved air flow efficiency.<ref name="The Procurement Of HAAIP Main Engine Cooling Fans – Annex A"/><ref name="des.mod.uk"/><ref name="The Procurement of HAAIP Main Engine Cooling Fans">{{cite web |url=https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/008952-2021?origin=SearchResults&p=1 |title=The Procurement of HAAIP Main Engine Cooling Fans |publisher=UK Government |date=26 April 2021 |access-date=26 June 2021}}</ref><ref name="The Procurement of HAAIP Main Engine Cooling Fans (Corrigendum)">{{cite web |url=https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019842-2021?origin=SearchResults&p=1 |title=The Procurement of HAAIP Main Engine Cooling Fans |publisher=UK Government |date=13 August 2021 |access-date=27 September 2021}}</ref><ref name="The procurement of HAAIP Main Engine Radiators">{{cite web |url=https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/012873-2021?origin=SearchResults&p=1 |title=The procurement of HAAIP Main Engine Radiators |publisher=UK Government |date=8 June 2021 |access-date=26 June 2021}}</ref> The contract for the new cooling fans has been awarded to AMETEK Airtechnology Group (the suppliers of the current design) and the contract for the new radiators awarded to Caterpillar.<ref name="AMETEK Airtechnology Group Awarded Engine Cooling Fans Contract for Challenger 2">{{cite web |url=https://www.ametek-airtechnology.com/newsevents/news/engine-cooling-fans-contract-for-challenger-2 |title=AMETEK Airtechnology Group Awarded Engine Cooling Fans Contract for Challenger 2 |date=24 January 2022 |access-date=20 February 2022}}</ref><ref name="Awarded contract, HAAIP Main Engine Radiators">{{cite web |url=https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/012772-2022 |title=Awarded contract, HAAIP Main Engine Radiators |date=17 May 2022 |access-date=18 May 2022}}</ref>

As of January 2022 six Challenger 2s were reported to have received the automotive upgrades prior to conversion to Challenger 3s.<ref name="IAV 2022: Challenger 3 upgrade underway">{{cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/iav-2022-challenger-3-upgrade-under-way |author1=Nicholas Fiorenza |title=IAV 2022: Challenger 3 upgrade under way |publisher=Janes |date=28 January 2022 |access-date=19 April 2022}}</ref>

=== CSP / LEP / Challenger 3 ===
[[File:Challenger 2-Megatron MOD 45161557.jpg|thumb|Challenger 2 TES "Megatron", the British Theatre Entry Standard reference vehicle, at Bovington fitted with a Mobile Camouflage System (MCS) in 2016]]
[[File:QRH Challenger 2s in Estonia MOD 45167094.jpg|thumb|QRH Challenger 2 fitted with dozer blade in Estonia, 2020]]
In 2005, the MoD recognised a need for a Capability Sustainment Programme (CSP) to extend the service life of the Challenger 2 into the mid-2030s and upgrade its mobility, lethality and survivability.<ref name="DIS2005">{{cite book |title=Defence Industrial Strategy: Defence White Paper |date=2005 |publisher=[[The Stationery Office]] |location=[[London]] |isbn=0-10-166972-0 |page=79 |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/272203/6697.pdf |access-date=29 March 2021}}</ref> The CSP was planned to be complete by 2020 and was to combine all the upgrades from CLIP, including the fitting of a 120&nbsp;mm smoothbore gun.<ref name="KRHRJ">{{cite book |title=The King's Royal Hussars: Regimental Journal 2007 |url=https://www.krh.org.uk/uploads/4/5/0/9/45090939/krh_2007.pdf |access-date=29 March 2021 |archive-date=25 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725154456/https://www.krh.org.uk/uploads/4/5/0/9/45090939/krh_2007.pdf }}</ref><ref name="CSDP">{{cite book |title=Case Studies in Defence Procurement and Logistics |date=2014 |page=236 |url=https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/bitstream/handle/10072/63083/97211_1.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y |access-date=29 March 2021}}</ref>

By 2014, the CSP programme had been replaced by the Life Extension Programme (LEP) which shared a similar scope of replacing obsolete components and extending the tank's service life from 2025 to 2035, however the 120&nbsp;mm smoothbore gun had seemingly been abandoned.<ref name="2014LEP">{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/40057/dvd-2014-uk-challenger-2-lep-numbers-may-drop |title=DVD 2014: UK Challenger 2 LEP numbers may drop |publisher=Janes.com |access-date=30 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030150006/http://www.janes.com/article/40057/dvd-2014-uk-challenger-2-lep-numbers-may-drop |archive-date=30 October 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://rusi.org/event/dynamic-security-threats-and-british-army |title=Dynamic Security Threats and the British Army - Presentation to RUSI by Sir Nick Carter CGS of the British Army |access-date=22 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329141808/https://rusi.org/event/dynamic-security-threats-and-british-army |archive-date=29 March 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Defence Equipment Plan 2017 |access-date=7 March 2018 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/677999/20180125-EP17_Final.pdf}}</ref>

In 2015, the British Army provided an insight into the scope of the LEP, dividing it into four key areas, namely:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.royaltankregiment.com/Uploads/Files/en-GB/RAC_Newsletter_Dec_2015.PDF |title=Archived copy of RTR December 2015 Newsletter |access-date=5 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105073703/http://www.royaltankregiment.com/Uploads/Files/en-GB/RAC_Newsletter_Dec_2015.PDF |archive-date=5 November 2016}}</ref>
* Surveillance and target acquisition: Upgrades to the commander's primary sight and gunner's primary sight, as well as the replacement of the thermal observation and gunnery sights (TOGS) with third-generation thermal imaging.
* Weapon control system: Upgrades to the fire control computer, fire control panel and gun processing unit.
* Mobility: Upgrades including third-generation hydrogas suspension, improved air filtration, CV-12 common rail fuel injection, transmission and cooling.
* Electronic architecture: Upgrades to the gunner's control handles, video distribution architecture, generic vehicle architecture compliant interfaces, increased onboard processing and improved human machine interface.

The MoD also began assessing [[active protection system]]s (APS) on the Challenger 2, including [[MUSS (countermeasure)|MUSS]] and Rheinmetall's ROSY Rapid Obscurant System.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/543458/20160801-Letter_to_Maj_Gen_Gaunt_from_CGS.pdf |title=Armour MBT 2025 programme: SRO appointment letter |publisher=UK Ministry of Defence |access-date=3 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919021931/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/543458/20160801-Letter_to_Maj_Gen_Gaunt_from_CGS.pdf |archive-date=19 September 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/active-protection-for-our-armed-forces |title=Active Protection for our Armed Forces |publisher=DSTL / UK Government |date=5 July 2016 |access-date=15 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730154359/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/active-protection-for-our-armed-forces |archive-date=30 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/75743/challenger-2-trialled-with-rosy-iron-fist-aps |title=Challenger 2 trialled with ROSY, Iron Fist APS |publisher=Jane's International Defence Review |date=16 November 2017 |access-date=15 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113125635/https://www.janes.com/article/75743/challenger-2-trialled-with-rosy-iron-fist-aps |archive-date=13 November 2018 }}</ref>

In August 2016, the MoD awarded assessment phase contracts to several companies for the Life Extension Programme. These included Team Challenger 2 (a consortium led by BAE Systems and including [[General Dynamics UK]]),<ref name="TeamCR2">{{cite web |title=BAE Systems' Team Challenger 2 awarded Assessment Phase for Life Extension Project |url=https://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/article/bae-systems--team-challenger--2-awarded-assessment-phase-for-life-extension-project |access-date=29 March 2021 |website=BAE Systems |date=22 December 2016}}</ref> [[CMI Defence]] and [[Ricardo plc]], [[Rheinmetall]] and [[Lockheed Martin UK]].<ref name="assessmentphase">{{cite news |title=UK Announces Life Extension Project |url=https://battle-updates.com/uk-mod-announces-challenger-2-life-extension-projectlep-by-julian-nettlefold/ |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=Battlespace |date=22 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="Final bids in for Challenger 2 LEP">{{cite web |url=https://janes.ihs.com/Janes/Display/1761650 |title=Several contenders line up for Challenger 2 life extension programme |publisher=IHS Jane's |date=11 August 2016 |access-date=14 November 2016}}</ref> In November, the MoD shortlisted two teams led by BAE Systems and Rheinmetall to compete for the LEP which was then estimated to be worth £650&nbsp;million ($802&nbsp;million).<ref name="Field Narrows for UK Battle Tank Modernization">{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/articles/field-narrows-for-uk-battle-tank-modernization |title=Field Narrows for UK Battle Tank Modernization |publisher=Defense News Andrew Chute |date=2 November 2016 |access-date=14 November 2016}}</ref><ref name="Challenger 2 LEP contracts due in December">{{cite web |url=https://janes.ihs.com/Janes/Display/1788580 |title=Challenger 2 LEP contracts due in December |publisher=IHS Jane's |date=14 November 2016 |access-date=14 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mod-awards-46m-to-start-challenger-2-tank-life-extension-project-competition |title=MOD awards £46M to start Challenger 2 Tank life extension project competition |publisher=gov.uk |access-date=22 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223065857/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mod-awards-46m-to-start-challenger-2-tank-life-extension-project-competition |archive-date=23 December 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2018, BAE Systems unveiled its proposed Challenger 2 LEP technology demonstrator, the "Black Night".<ref name="bk1">{{cite news |last1=Allison |first1=George |title=BAE unveils 'Black Night' – the first fully-upgraded Challenger 2 tank |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/bae-unveils-black-knight-the-first-fully-upgraded-challenger-2-tank/ |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=[[UK Defence Journal]] |date=8 October 2018}}</ref> The new improvements included a [[Safran]] PASEO commander's sight, [[Leonardo S.p.A.|Leonardo]] thermal imager for the gunner and Leonardo DNVS 4 night sight. The turret also received modifications to improve the speed of traverse and to provide greater space as well as regenerative braking to generate and store power. Other enhancements included a laser warning system and an active protection system.<ref name="bk1"/><ref>{{cite news |title=BAE Systems unveils Black Night Challenger 2 MBT for British Army |url=https://www.army-technology.com/news/bae-black-night-challenger-2-army/ |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=Army Technology |date=5 October 2018}}</ref> Months later, in January 2019, Rheinmetall unveiled its proposal which included the development of a completely new turret with fully digital electronic architecture, day and night sights for the commander and gunner, and a Rheinmetall L55 120{{spaces}}mm smoothbore gun. Whilst a more substantial upgrade than Black Night, the turret was developed on Rheinmetall's initiative and was not funded by the UK MoD, nor was it part of the MoD's LEP requirements.<ref name="Rheinmetall, BAE Systems launch joint venture for military vehicles.">{{Cite web |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2019/01/21/rheinmetall-bae-systems-launch-joint-venture-for-military-vehicles/ |title=Rheinmetall, BAE Systems launch joint venture for military vehicles |date=21 January 2019 |publisher=Defense News |access-date=25 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="BAE Systems sells control of vehicles arm to Rheinmetall.">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46946413 |title=BAE Systems sells control of vehicles arm to Rheinmetall |publisher=BBC News |date=21 January 2019 |access-date=25 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124073058/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46946413 |archive-date=24 January 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="IAV 2019: Rheinmetall unveils proposal for Challenger 2 LEP.">{{Cite web |url=https://janes.ihs.com/Janes/Display/FG_1520905-JDW |title=IAV 2019: Rheinmetall unveils proposal for Challenger 2 LEP |publisher=Jane's JDW |access-date=25 January 2019 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

In June 2019, BAE Systems and Rheinmetall formed a joint venture company, based in the UK, named [[Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land]] (RBSL).<ref name="RBSL Home">{{cite web |url=https://rbsl.com/ |title=RBSL website home page for navigation |publisher=RBSL |access-date=14 January 2021}}</ref> Despite the merger, the company was still expected to present two separate proposals for the LEP contract,<ref>{{cite news |title=Challenger 2 Upgrade Decision Will Not Be Made Until 2021 |url=https://www.forces.net/news/technology/challenger-2-upgrade-decision-will-not-be-made-until-2021 |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=Forces News |date=1 July 2019}}</ref> however, at [[DSEI]] 2019, RBSL instead opted to only showcase the Rheinmetall proposal.<ref>{{cite news |title=DSEI 2019: RBSL's Challenger 2 LEP contender comes out in the open |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/dsei-2019-rbsls-challenger-2-lep-contender-comes-out-in-the-open |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=Forces News |date=12 September 2019}}</ref>

In October 2020, the MoD argued against buying a new main battle tank from overseas instead of pursuing the Challenger 2 LEP, stating that an upgraded Challenger 2 would be "comparable – and in certain areas superior" to a Leopard 2 or Abrams.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/12523/pdf/ |title=Written evidence submitted by the Ministry of Defence HCDC Inquiry: Progress in delivering the British Army's armoured vehicle |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=6 October 2020 |website=committees.parliament.uk/ |publisher=House of Commons Defence Committee |access-date=30 October 2020 |quote=The Challenger 2 Life Extension Project will be the first significant upgrade since it entered service in 1998 ... it will be comparable ... in certain areas superior – to the latest version of Leopard 2 and Abrams.}}</ref>

On 22 March 2021, the MoD published its long-awaited [[command paper]], ''[[Defence in a Competitive Age]]'', which confirmed the British Army's plans to upgrade 148 Challenger 2 tanks and designate them [[Challenger 3]].<ref name="DIACAb">{{cite book |date=March 2021 |title=Defence in a Competitive Age |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/971859/_CP_411__-_Defence_in_a_competitive_age.pdf |access-date=22 March 2021 |publisher=Ministry of Defence |isbn=978-1-5286-2462-6}}</ref><ref name="FSTBA">{{cite news |title=Future Soldier: Transforming the British Army |url=https://www.army.mod.uk/media/11826/20210322-army-future_soldier-publication-final.pdf |access-date=28 March 2021 |website=Ministry of Defence |date=22 March 2021}}</ref> The MoD confirmed the contract with RBSL had been signed, valued at £800&nbsp;million (US$1&nbsp;billion), on 7 May 2021. Rheinmetall's more extensive upgrade proposal, including the new 120&nbsp;mm smoothbore gun, had been accepted. The [[initial operating capability]] for the upgraded tanks is expected by 2027, with full operation capability expected to be declared by 2030.<ref name=dnci>{{citation |url=https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/05/07/britain-awards-1-billion-contract-to-upgrade-challenger-2-tanks/ |title=Britain awards $1 billion contract to upgrade Challenger 2 tanks |work=[[Defense News]] |date=7 May 2021}}</ref>

=== Other in-service upgrades ===

On 15 December 2017, BAE Systems was awarded a contract to maintain the Challenger 2's thermal imaging system as part of a £15.4&nbsp;million interim solution separate to the LEP.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ted.europa.eu/TED/notice/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:500141-2017:TEXT:EN:HTML&WT.mc_id=RSS-Feed&WT.rss_f=Materials+and+Products&WT.rss_a=500141-2017&WT.rss_ev=a |title=Challenger 2 Thermal imaging sustainment project. Reference number: AVPISP/00113 |publisher=Official Journal of the EU |date=15 December 2017 |access-date=1 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306023338/http://ted.europa.eu/TED/notice/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:500141-2017:TEXT:EN:HTML&WT.mc_id=RSS-Feed&WT.rss_f=Materials+and+Products&WT.rss_a=500141-2017&WT.rss_ev=a |archive-date=6 March 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2019, it was announced that [[Thales Group|Thales]] would be supplying their Catherine Megapixel (MP) thermal imaging camera.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/article/91854/thales-uk-supplying-new-ti-camera-for-challenger-2-tanks |title=Thales UK supplying new TI camera for Challenger 2 tanks |publisher=Janes by IHS Markit |date=11 October 2019 |access-date=20 October 2019}}</ref>

[[File:CR2 82 slatarmor.webp|thumb|right|Challenger 2 tank in service with the Ukrainian [[82nd Air Assault Brigade (Ukraine)|82nd Air Assault Brigade]], with slat armor added on the hull sides and lower front plate.]]
In August 2023, photos appeared of Challenger 2s in Ukrainian service featuring [[Slat armor#Top-mounting|top-mounted slat armor]], similar to those found on Russian vehicles used in the conflict, primarily to protect from UAV attacks. The tank was also equipped with slat armor covering the hull flanks and lower frontal hull plate.<ref name=telegraph-20230816>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/08/16/ukraine-british-challenger-2-tank-modified-russian-drones/ |title=Ukraine modifies British Challenger 2 tanks to protect them from Russian drones |last1=Sheridan |first1=Danielle |last2=Vasilyeva |first2=Nataliya |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |url-access=limited |date=16 August 2023 |access-date=17 August 2023}}</ref>

On 21 January 2025, during DefenceIQ's International Armoured Vehicles exhibition and conference, the British Defense Ministry announced that it was trialing Challenger 2 tanks equipped with [[anti-drone cage]]s.<ref>https://www.army-technology.com/news/uk-trials-cope-cages-for-challenger-2-tanks/</ref><ref>https://thedefensepost.com/2025/01/29/british-army-challenger-cages/</ref>