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BAE Systems is to lead a consortium with key players in the defence industry to bid for the life-extension project for the Ministry of Defence’s Challenger 2 tank.
As well as BAE, ‘Team Challenger 2’ comprises six other companies: General Dynamics Land Systems-UK, General Dynamics Mission Systems-International, Leonardo-Finmeccanica (formerly Selex ES), Moog, Qinetiq and Safran Electronics (formerly Sagem).
The £600 million project to give the Challenger 2 (CR2) a significant technology upgrade was first announced in the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, and aims to extend the battle tank’s life to 2035.
BAE designed and built the original CR2, and has continued to support the vehicle since it came into service in 1998.
The plans for the upgrade include a thermal-imaging system to provide 24-hour surveillance, new control subsystems for improved weapons accuracy and new electronics. The ‘futureproof’ design would allow a new commander’s crew station to be installed and give the vehicle new interfaces, reconfigurable displays and controls.
BAE said: “Team Challenger 2 has an intimate knowledge of CR2. We have a clear understand-ing of the requirements and obsolescence issues and the key skills and expertise needed. Our team presents the lowest-cost, lowest-risk solution for the British Army.”
Belgian weapons manufacturer CMI Defence and Ricardo have also formed a partnership and will bid for the project.
An invitation to tender is due to close next month, with two assessment-phase contracts to be placed later this year.
The assessment phase will last two years before a final bidder is selected for the design and manufacture phase.