Oxley from UK secures $1.7 Mn contract for New British army Challenger 3 MBT Tank Program.

On December 2023, the Oxley Group, which specialized in designing and manufacturing LED lighting systems for military and aerospace applications, fortified its market position by securing a £1.39 million contract (around $1.77 million) with Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL). This contract involves the supply of LED lighting for the British Army's modernized Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank.
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Oxley Group will provide internal cabin lighting, breach lighting, and task lighting for the Challenger 3 tanks. (Picture source: British MoD)

Under this contract, Oxley Group will provide internal cabin lighting, breach lighting, and task lighting for the Challenger 3 tanks, with production set to begin in 2025. This announcement follows Oxley's recent success in securing the contract for the LED lighting of the UK Ministry of Defence's Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) program, ensuring standardization of internal lighting across both platforms.

The entire design and manufacturing of the lighting systems will be carried out at Oxley's Ulverston site in Cumbria. This strategic facility employs a skilled team of 150 engineers, production technicians, and support staff. The contract plays a crucial role in supporting the company's future growth and preserving essential manufacturing skills in the UK, including the professional development of 14 apprentices currently training at Oxley.

RBSL (Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land) plans to upgrade 148 Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks. This ambitious program aims to make significant improvements to the vehicles and provide the British Army with a top-tier combat capability, entirely designed and manufactured in the UK. The modernized version, to be known as Challenger 3, will be equipped as a digital, network-enabled Main Battle Tank with state-of-the-art firepower, enhanced survivability, and world-class surveillance and target acquisition capabilities.

Under this new contract, the tanks will be fitted with 'best in class' LED lighting, showcasing Oxley's high-quality construction and impressive performance solutions that also meet the most stringent EMC and power standards. With decades of experience, Oxley specializes in manufacturing LED lighting that offers exceptional optical performance and advanced technical features, specifically tailored for military vehicle applications.

Darren Cavan, CEO of Oxley Group, expressed his pride, stating, "Securing this contract reinforces our global leadership position in providing high-performance lighting for military vehicles, building on our success with the MIV Boxer vehicle. This contract ensures long-term stability, protects jobs, and allows for further investment in technology and process improvements. We look forward to collaborating with the RSBL team as the program develops."

Colin McClean, Managing Director of RBSL, highlighted the partnership's significance, saying, "This contract, the latest in a series awarded to UK suppliers for the Challenger 3, ensures the program benefits from the best of British engineering and manufacturing while preserving valuable skills across the country. We are delighted to welcome Oxley Group to the Challenger team and look forward to a fruitful collaboration."

The Challenger 3 tank Program is set to achieve its Initial Operating Capability by 2027, with all 148 units expected to be operational by 2030. This 24-hour, all-weather tank is equipped with advanced features such as Day and Night Commanders Primary Sight and Gunners Primary Sight. It will be armed with a NATO 120mm smoothbore weapon L55A1, compatible with both NATO and enhanced ammunition. The tank also benefits from the Heavy Armour Automotive Improvement Project, which includes 3rd generation hydro gas suspension and notable engine enhancements. Furthermore, the Challenger 3 boasts superior turret protection on the front and sides, upgraded tactical communications, enhanced hull protection, and an increased electrical power system paired with a GA electronic architecture that offers growth potential.