British Challenger 2 tanks have been deployed in Ukraine’s daring cross-border raid into Russia, marking the first time these tanks have been used on Russian soil. This deployment, confirmed by British news outlets, represents the largest foreign incursion on Russian territory since World War II. The UK military source confirmed that these tanks were part of Kyiv’s offensive in the Kursk region, led by the 82nd Air Assault Brigade, equipped with these tanks. While the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) maintains that Ukraine has the right to use UK-supplied weapons in self-defense, even within Russian territory, the use of Storm Shadow missiles remains restricted to Ukrainian territory and Crimea.
Footage released by Moscow’s defence ministry purportedly shows a Challenger 2 tank being struck by a Russian kamikaze drone near the Ukrainian-occupied town of Sudzha. However, Western analysts have questioned the authenticity of this heavily edited footage, suggesting that the tank may not have been destroyed as claimed by Russian sources.
The Challenger 2, designed and built by Vickers Defence Systems (now BAE Systems), has been a mainstay of British armored forces since its introduction in 1994. Developed as a successor to the Challenger 1, it has seen action in various conflicts, including Bosnia, Kosovo, and Iraq, earning a reputation for its durability and firepower. Currently, four armored regiments across the UK operate 56 Challenger 2 tanks each, highlighting their significance within the British Army’s operational capabilities.
Despite its long history, the Challenger 2’s unique design and specialized equipment have presented challenges in its deployment within the Ukrainian conflict. These include harsh terrain and logistical hurdles. The tanks have been sparingly used by Ukrainian forces due to their specific design and operational limitations. Out of the 14 Challenger 2 tanks donated by Britain, only a handful are reportedly still operational, with one being destroyed during fighting around Robotyne in southern Ukraine last summer.
The Challenger 2 tanks, weighing 71 tonnes, are equipped with a 1,200-horsepower engine that has been criticized for being underpowered. This has led to instances where the tanks have become bogged down in Ukraine’s soft soil. A Ukrainian Challenger 2 crew member, speaking to UK’s The Sun, described the tank as a “sniper rifle among tanks” due to its accuracy. However, the tank’s rifled L30 120-millimeter cannon presents logistical challenges, as its ammunition is incompatible with other Western tank guns.
Furthermore, the L30A1 cannon wears out after 500 rounds, significantly less than the 1,500-round lifespan of smoothbore cannons on other Western tanks. This limitation has led the 82nd Brigade to use the tanks primarily as mobile howitzers, keeping them miles behind the front line to avoid the risk of them getting mired in combat zones, as reported by Forbes. As of March 2024, Ukrainian media reported that only seven of the original 14 Challenger 2 tanks remain in combat-ready condition. The tanks frequently require repairs, particularly to turret parts and the aiming system, with delays in obtaining parts contributing to the low level of readiness.
The use of Challenger 2 tanks in Ukraine’s cross-border operations has raised concerns about a potential escalation of tensions between Russia and the West. The deployment of these tanks is seen as part of a broader strategy by Kyiv to reinforce success on the battlefield. Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former British tank commander, told The Telegraph, “It’s a ‘mark’ piece of kit and has a psychological hold over the Russians. The demonstration of combined arms maneuver is the first time in this war and very impressive. It must have taken months of training in secret, which is amazing on this ‘transparent’ battlefield.”
Despite their symbolic and tactical significance, the Challenger 2 tanks face operational challenges that limit their effectiveness. The lack of mobility, inadequate protection in some areas, and the unique logistics required for their maintenance and ammunition supply make them a double-edged sword in the Ukrainian arsenal.
