A £2.5m subcontract has been awarded to MilDef to supply Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA) compliant Processors and Ethernet Switches for the British Army’s upgraded Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank (MBT). MilDef will manufacture the components at its UK facility in Cardiff, Wales. The company has invested heavily in the site by building an expanded manufacturing space and installing new testing apparatus, such as temperature chambers, as well as upgrading tools and other manufacturing equipment. Six new full-time roles have been created as a result of the contract award, 50 percent of which are apprentice technician roles, with several other roles being sustained at the company.
“MilDef is once again delighted to supply high-performance products together with RBSL into one of the UK MoD’s strategic vehicle programmes. This contract accelerates MilDef’s plans to grow its UK production team and our contribution to job creation in the UK. We are proud to be supporting RBSL, which is playing a key part in delivering the Land Industrial Strategy through its Challenger 3 programme,” says Björn Karlsson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) MilDef Group.
In total MilDef will deliver over 300 units over the lifetime of the Challenger 3 programme, with deliveries taking place between 2023– 2029. RBSL is a UK-based joint venture business between Rheinmetall and BAE Systems. RBSL has a long-standing relationship with the British Army having designed and delivered many of the Army’s existing combat vehicles under different business names, including the Challenger 2. RBSL continues to provide in-service support for British Army vehicle fleets and, in addition to the Challenger 3 programme, is one of the major manufacturers of the Boxer Armoured Fighting Vehicle under the UK MOD’s Mechanised Infantry Vehicle programme.
MilDef develops rugged IT products and special electronics for the defense sector. Started in 1997, the company has more than two decades of experience in delivering customized products for use in extreme environments. The headquarter is located in Sweden, where we also have engineering, production, product management, and other corporate functions. Local MilDef offices are located in USA, UK, Sweden, Norway and Finland. Combined with a strong partner network we deliver high-end products and services across the world. MilDef holds certifications for ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
