[Coming Soon] Challenger 3 TD: The Art of Positional Warfare

The Big and Medium trophies contain the pinnacle of British MBTs, a master of positional defense and a sniper's strike.

Historical Note

The Challenger 3 project is a program for the deep modernization of the British Challenger 2 main battle tank. Work began on the initiative by the UK Ministry of Defence as part of the Life Extension Programme (LEP). The goal was to update the tank fleet to maintain its combat effectiveness until at least 2035. Key requirements included the installation of a modern fire control system, a digital architecture, and enhanced protection. To fulfill the contract, the Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) consortium was selected, which proposed a project based on a technology demonstrator previously showcased by Rheinmetall.

As a result, a modernization program to the Challenger 3 standard was developed. The main gun was replaced with a modern Rheinmetall 120 mm L55A1 smoothbore gun. A fully digital architecture was installed, along with modern sighting complexes with thermal channels. Communication and navigation systems were upgraded, and the composite armor protection was improved. Thus, the Challenger 3 became a radically modernized version of the Challenger 2, aimed at restoring its competitiveness among modern main battle tanks. The prototype was first shown to the public in 2025, and the modernization of the first batch is scheduled to be completed by 2027.

Challenger 3 TD (Rank XIII)

Brief Overview

Strengths: New 120 mm gun with modern NATO-standard ammunition (powerful APFSDS), improved turret protection.
Weaknesses: Mediocre acceleration and mobility for its rank, vulnerable hull.
Role in Battle: Best employed in defense, in urban environments, or as a sniper.

In battle

Entering the game is the Challenger 3 TD – a working prototype (technology demonstrator) of the latest British tank soon to enter service with the army. In War Thunder Mobile, top-tier British vehicles have always been renowned for their mastery of positional warfare, and the Challenger 3 TD is the evolution of this philosophy. This tank does not aim to be the first to capture a point. Its mission is to deliver the decisive shot at the crucial moment. Meet the new pinnacle of the British tech tree!

The new vehicle's main advantages are its powerful gun and excellent turret protection. The tank received the same gun as modern German Leopard 2s – the 120 mm L55 smoothbore. With it, the Challenger 3 TD gains access to the best NATO-standard ammunition. This includes the DM53 APFSDS round with exceptional penetration and a versatile high-explosive round with a time fuse (HE-TF), effective against light vehicles and targets behind cover.

The turret front has become a veritable fortress, confidently withstanding even the most powerful enemy shells. However, the classic weakness of British tanks remains: a vulnerable hull, along with mediocre acceleration and mobility for Rank XIII.

The Challenger 3 TD is not a brawler, but a sniper and a master of defense. It will excel at long ranges and in urban combat, where you can expose only the well-protected turret to fire. Take up positions on the second line, covering allies and controlling key avenues of approach. In cities, use terrain and cover to hide the hull, and methodically eliminate opponents. Your strength lies in the first accurate shot, which often proves to be the last one your enemy hears!

Premium version of the Challenger 3 TD (Rank XIII)

The Premium variant is an extra tank for your hangar! The premium tank maintains the same performance as the standard variant, though it comes in a unique camouflage. With this premium tank you’ll be able to enjoy faster Silver Lion and Research Point gains, and earn some Golden Eagles in your battles.

If you’re lucky enough to unlock both the premium and the standard variants, you will be able to use them both in the same battle!

Premium version of the vehicle:

As a jackpot or as a random reward when attempting to open the Big Trophy.
By reaching the top-10 in the relevant Leaderboard.
From the Collector's Trophy after adding the vehicle to this trophy type;
In Special Offers.

Standard version of the vehicle:

As a jackpot or as a random reward when attempting to open the Medium Trophy.
Order vehicles for Silver Lions after collecting 1,000 blueprints.

Ways to get blueprints:

From the Medium Trophy: 700 pcs in the guaranteed reward, or 10 to 100 pcs per attempt.
From the Big Trophy: 700 pcs in the guaranteed reward, or 80 to 200 pcs per attempt.
In the in-game store: purchase for Silver Lions a Folder with a number of blueprints (even after the season ends).
In special offers.

*Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still work in progress and may differ on release.

The Challenger 3 TD (Rank XIII) can be obtained in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) from Medium or Big Trophies in the Tank Campaign with the start of the new Season.