British Future Soldier concept is likely to be revised following the Russian attack on Ukraine. While the UK provides military support to Ukraine, it transforms its concept. The need for tanks on the battlefield proves to the British Defence Ministry that tanks are not less important than before.
The Future Soldier concept is the British Army’s most significant transformation in more than 20 years. The soldiers with technologically enhanced equipment will give the British Army an advantage on the battlefield.
Beyond 2030, upgraded, digitised, and networked armoured vehicles will provide the critical link to the ‘autonomous’ future of armoured capability via human and machine teaming.
According to the Ministry’s plans, this advancement will improve the Army’s ability to compete on a global scale by allowing for a consistent presence in engagement with allies and partners, as well as the formation of a modern force capable of dealing with current and future threats. The Future Soldier initiative represents the British Army’s most significant transformation over two decades.
According to the British Army:
“The battles there have continued to demonstrate that armoured vehicles, although not without risk, underwrite mobility, survivability, and lethality in the close battles of modern warfare, contributing to combat credibility and deterrence. No existing capability can match the tactical utility or strategic influence of armoured forces.”
The Army’s existing Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks will be upgraded to Challenger 3. This will be a modernised Main Battle Tank that will be one of the most protected and, with increased firepower, capable of dealing with current and emerging threats until at least 2040. The tank will also serve in NATO armoured forces.
