Great Britain's military overhaul. What Ukraine could gain from decommissioned tech

There's a growing conversation in Ukraine about the military equipment set to be decommissioned by Great Britain by 2030. A list has emerged featuring numerous systems thought to be beneficial for strengthening the Ukrainian army. Here's a closer look at the weaponry involved.

Great Britain is acknowledged as a leading military power globally, notably for its navy and air force. However, when it comes to ground equipment, London faces notable challenges. The efforts to acquire newer armaments from overseas and develop domestic projects like the Challenger 3 tank indicate that by 2030, numerous currently operational systems will be retired from the British army.

According to the Ukrainian portal, Militarnyj, a British Ministry of Defence representative, outlined the weapons scheduled to be decommissioned by 2030 during a recent parliamentary session. This information comes from an official source rather than speculation.

Over the next few years, Great Britain plans to retire multiple Challenger 2 tanks, AS90 self-propelled artillery systems, Warrior infantry fighting vehicles, BV206 and Wolfhound armored transporters, Mastiff Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles, and Jackal and Ridgeback reconnaissance vehicles. Furthermore, the remaining Stormer HVM air defence systems, L118 105 mm guns, and Puma transport helicopters will also be withdrawn from service.

Great Britain, a major ally of Ukraine, has already supplied substantial equipment to the front lines. The Ukrainian forces, engaged in combat against Russia, are acquainted with some of these systems.

The dispatch of numerous Challenger 2 tanks has resonated the most. It's worth noting that this British third-generation main battle tank, introduced in 1994, is renowned for its robust, multi-layered Chobham/Dorchester armour, making it exceptionally safe. The Challenger 2 is equipped with two 7.62 mm calibre machine guns and a 120 mm calibre rifled L30A1 cannon, earning high praise from Ukrainian soldiers for its superiority over Soviet-era tanks.

In Ukraine, the Stormer HVM air defence systems have proven effective. These self-propelled units can engage targets up to nearly 7 kilometres away and at altitudes of up to around 5 kilometres. The AS90 self-propelled artillery systems, firing 155 mm calibre shells, have demonstrated their value by reaching targets nearly 25 kilometres away at a firing rate of 6 rounds per minute and the ability to perform in MRSI (multiple round simultaneous impacts) mode.

Last year, "The Times" reported that the British government discreetly disposed of over 40 Challenger 2 tanks between 2010 and 2014, believing that conventional warfare in Europe was a thing of the past. The entire operation reportedly cost around four million pounds. For several reasons, a repeat of this scenario is unlikely this time.