Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Goldie on 25 January (HL4866),  whether they will now answer the question put; namely, whether the UK has the necessary (1) facilities, and (2) workforce, to increase the number of Challenger tank if required; and where they would be built.

Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land are the prime contractor for the currently agreed Challenger 3 upgrades and assembly will be completed in their Telford site.

In line with the Defence Secretary's statement on 16 January 2023, the number of Challenger 3 remains under review to ensure the Army's Main Battle Tank fleet is sufficient to meet Defence's needs.