Ukrainian soldiers praise British Challenger 2 tank as game changer against Russians

"Our experience with Soviet tanks was limited. However, when we traveled to the UK to train on these tanks, the difference was stark," said Viktor, one of the Challenger 2 tank operators.

Last year, the UK deployed 14 Challenger 2 tanks to the front line. The Ukrainians contend that when the British tanks were dispatched to bolster the advancing infantry, morale amongst soldiers improved instantly. Although its large size can make it less mobile and slower in challenging conditions compared to other tanks, its superior attributes offset these shortcomings.

The Challenger 2 is a third-generation British main battle tank. It has earned a reputation for being virtually indestructible. Indeed, there have been instances where it continued to operate even after being struck by several projectiles. It employs multi-layered Chobham/Dorchester armor, which proved effective during the Gulf War and afforded high protection for Ukrainian crews.

In September 2023, the British Ministry of Defense confirmed that the Russians had successfully destroyed one of these tanks. This marked the first and presumably the sole recorded instance of a Challenger 2 tank being obliterated in any conflict by an enemy camp.

The offensive prowess of the Challenger 2 tank is furnished by its L30A1 120 mm rifled gun. This is a defining feature of the British machine, given that smoothbore guns are more commonly fitted in other NATO tanks.

According to members of the 82nd Airborne Assault Brigade of Ukraine, apart from its durability, the Challenger 2's key strengths include its potent firepower and remarkable accuracy. They pointed out that "there was no trouble hitting enemy concrete bunkers from a distance of about 2.8 kilometers (rounded from 1.74 miles)."

Besides its primary weapon, the Challenger 2 has two 7.62 mm machine guns. Although the Challenger 2 tips the scales at over 60,000 kilograms (rounded from 132,277 pounds), its powerful 1200 horsepower engine allows it to reach speeds of up to about 55 km/h (rounded up from 34 mph).