International partners continue to provide Ukraine with important military assistance. Already in March, our state will receive a powerful and long-awaited military transport from the UK.
Today it is obvious that the help of our allies has a significant impact on the success of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Channel 24 informs. To better understand exactly how this happens, together with the courageous brand Kozatska Rada, we talk about the characteristics and capabilities of the equipment provided to us.
In the new issue of the special project “Weapons of Victory” – the British Challenger 2 tanks. Find out what its advantages and features are in the material.
Challenger 2: the main characteristics of the third generation tank
Challenger 2 is the development of the British company Vickers Defense Systems. In essence, it is a modernization of the Challenger 1, but there are so many differences between the models that only 3% of the parts can be interchangeable.
Third-generation tanks appeared in British service in 1995. Currently, there are 227 units of this equipment in the ranks of the United Kingdom. However, in London they decided to reduce the number to 148, which will be sent for modification as part of the work on the Challenger 3. According to preliminary data, the novelty should appear in service in 2027. In total, the British government allocated 1 billion pounds sterling for the corresponding agreement.
Tanks Challenger 2 / Photo by the British Ministry of Defense
Challenger 2 tanks are somewhat different from other NATO armored vehicles. The first difference is the armament – the L30A1 cannon with a caliber of 120 mm. Its ammunition capacity is 52 rounds, and the rate of fire is up to 10 rounds per minute. The gun is rifled and uses separate loading ammunition not unified with NATO. Therefore, separate weapons are needed for British tanks.
First of all, we are talking about HESH armor-piercing high-explosive shells, which allow you to quite effectively destroy enemy fortifications and light armored vehicles at a distance of up to 8 kilometers. By comparison: sub-caliber ammunition can inflict such damage at a distance of 3-5 kilometers. HASH can also disable enemy tanks, causing them serious damage. At the same time, during the detonation, the inside of the enemy tank is affected by its armor.
Tanks Challenger 2 / Photo by the British Ministry of Defense
Challenger 2 is equipped with corner and anti-aircraft machine guns with up to 4,000 rounds of ammunition, as well as smoke grenades.
In addition, this tank has the following characteristics:
- The weight of the tank is 64 tons, and with additional armor – 75 tons.
- Engine power – 1200 horsepower, specific power – 18.7 horsepower per ton (with additional armor – 16.0 horsepower per ton).
- The Challenger 2 accelerates to 59 km/h on the road and up to 40 km/h off-road.
- The total power reserve is up to 550 kilometers.
- The crew can be 4 people.
The cost of one such tank is about 4.2 million pounds.
Ukraine is the third operator of British tanks in the world
Despite its power, the British Challenger 2 is inferior to other third-generation tanks in some indicators. For example, specific power: the German Leopard 2 has a higher figure. Yes, and most NATO members have tanks and shells for them unified, which facilitates operation. The main reason for this disadvantage is the weight of the British tank and additional armor.
Therefore, the Challenger 2 did not become popular in the world and, apart from the UK, until 2023, only Oman was the tank operator, which bought 38 Challenger 2 from London. Thus, after receiving this armored vehicle, Ukraine will become the third British tank operator in the world.
Ukrainian tankers on exercises in the UK / Photo by the British Ministry of Defense
It is known that London will provide Ukraine with 14 Challenger 2 units. However, it can be assumed that in the future the UK may provide additional units. Thus, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK, Vadim Prystaiko, has already said that we will receive at least twice as much Challenger 2.
Combat use of the Challenger 2
British tanks were used in peacekeeping missions, but the first combat use began in 2003 during the war in Iraq. Then the UK sent 120 Challenger 2 tanks to the Middle East. Despite the fact that there were no direct clashes between the parties to the conflict, this armored vehicle served as fire support for the army of the United Kingdom.
Then the Challenger 2 proved to be very good, in particular, they demonstrated high maneuverability.
We can safely assume that such a tank will significantly strengthen the Ukrainian army, and its armor and maneuvering capabilities will be a good reinforcement for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Ukrainians are invincible and step by step they drive the occupiers out of their land! While the whole world is fond of us, the Cossack Rada accompanies victory. After all, the Cossack Rada is a brand with a Ukrainian character: unrestrained, like a weapon, courageous, like all our people.
