Military observer David Ax noted that in all campaigns in which Britain participated, this tank was supplied with additional armor, which is not supplied to Ukraine.
Challenger 2 tank. Photo: Shutterstock
The British Challenger 2 tank is too heavy, has no additional armor and requires more careful maintenance. This opinion was expressed by military observer David Ax in an article for Forbes magazine. He noted that in all campaigns in which Britain participated, this tank was supplied with additional armor, which is not currently supplied to Ukraine.
The expert attributes this to the fact that the extra weight of the armor will make the tank even less maneuverable on soft terrain. He also noted that due to the design of the gun, its ammunition is incompatible with other tanks, which forces the Ukrainians to maintain a separate logistics chain for the delivery of shells exclusively for this tank. In addition, the service life of the Challenger is three times less, compared to other tanks.
According to Axe, sending the Challenger 2 to Ukraine could be done to encourage other NATO countries to donate their own tanks, such as the Leopard 2, Strv 122 and Abrams M1.
In 2022-23, the UK provided military aid to Ukraine worth £2.3 billion ($2.9 billion at current rates) annually. Thus, in 2024, the amount of allocated funds will increase by 200 million pounds ($255 million). After the start of the Russian special military operation, London transferred to Kiev long-range Storm Shadow missiles, Challenger 2 tanks, AS90 self-propelled howitzers and M270 multiple launch missile systems.
The Russian Embassy in Britain said that stockpiles of various types of weapons indicate London’s open involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.
Tags: Forbes British tank Challenger suitable combat Ukraine
