The FV4030/4 Challenger 1 is a British main battle tank developed by Vickers Defence Systems. Its design was based on the Shir 2 project, which was intended for export to Iran. It retained the Shir's powerful 120 mm gun and solid armor protection. Additionally, the vehicle was equipped with Chobham composite armor, consisting of several different materials, which further enhanced its already robust protection. This armor gives the tank its distinctive appearance, with sloped plates on the front of the turret and the upper front hull. Designers improved mobility and cross-country performance by installing a new Rolls-Royce engine and hydropneumatic suspension. From 1985 to 1986, the Challenger Mk. 2 modification was produced, which included IR equipment for the gunner. A total of around 420 tanks were built. Most of the vehicles served in the British Army.

The Challenger 1's main combat operation was the 1990–1991 Gulf War, in which more than 300 Iraqi tanks were destroyed. The Challenger 1 was also used during peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the mid-1990s, and it remains in service with the Jordanian Army to this day. The British Army withdrew the tank from service in 2001, replacing it with the Challenger 2.

The Challenger Mk.2 was introduced in Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm". The Challenger 1 is well-suited for defensive positions. Its strong turret armor enables it to fire from cover while protecting its vulnerable hull and lower front plate. A first-generation thermal imaging sight and a laser rangefinder enable it to detect and engage targets at long range. However, its drawbacks include average mobility, slow on-the-spot turning, slow turret traverse, and an inability to effectively fire backwards due to the engine bulge.