Ukrainian Forces Deploy British-Donated Challenger 2 Tanks in First-Ever Offensive on Russian Soil.

According to recent reports, the British-donated Challenger 2 main battle tanks have been actively used by the Ukrainian army in offensive combat operations during military operations into Russia’s Kursk Oblast. This marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict, as it is the first confirmed use of these advanced tanks in an offensive operation on Russian soil. The Ukrainian 82nd Air Assault Brigade, the sole operator of the 14 Challenger 2 tanks donated by the United Kingdom last year, deployed the tanks on August 11, 2024, during the sixth day of the invasion.
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British-donated Challenger 2 tanks in service with the Ukrainian army.  (Picture source: Ukraine MoD)

The British Ministry of Defence confirmed on August 15, 2024, that British-supplied weapons, including the Challenger 2 tanks, can be used by Ukrainian forces in operations on Russian territory, although restrictions on the use of long-range Storm Shadow missiles remain. However, reports from the Russian Ministry of Defense have indicated that two of the Challenger 2 tanks were destroyed during the offensive, marking the first confirmed losses of these British-supplied tanks.

The Challenger 2 is one of the most advanced main battle tanks (MBTs) in the world, with a range of combat capabilities and technical features that set it apart from older Soviet-era tanks like the T-72 and T-84, which are still in service with the Ukrainian army.

One of the Challenger 2's key strengths is its exceptional armor protection. It is equipped with second-generation Chobham armor, also known as "Dorchester." This advanced composite armor provides superior protection against kinetic energy penetrators and shaped charge munitions. The armor's effectiveness is particularly notable against modern anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and other advanced weaponry, making the Challenger 2 one of the most resilient tanks on the battlefield.

The T-72 versions in service with the Ukrainian army feature a more basic composite armor that combines steel and ceramics. While this offers some protection against older anti-tank weapons, it does not match the advanced composite materials and modular armor of the Challenger 2. The T-84, an upgraded version of the T-80, has improved armor, including Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor (ERA), which provides better protection against ATGMs. However, both the T-72 and T-84 fall short of the Challenger 2 in terms of overall armor effectiveness, especially when facing the latest generation of munitions.

The Challenger 2's firepower is another significant advantage. It is armed with a 120mm L30A1 rifled gun, which is unique compared to the smoothbore guns found on most modern tanks. The rifled gun allows the Challenger 2 to fire a wide variety of ammunition types, including high-explosive squash head (HESH) rounds and armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds. This versatility, combined with the tank's advanced fire control system, including a laser rangefinder and thermal imaging sights, ensures precise targeting and engagement at long ranges, day or night. The Challenger 2's accuracy and effectiveness in combat are unmatched, particularly in challenging environments.

On the other hand, the T-72 and T-84 are equipped with a 125mm smoothbore gun, a standard feature for Soviet and Russian MBTs. While this gun can fire various ammunition types, including APFSDS, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, and ATGMs, it generally lacks the same level of accuracy and long-range precision as the Challenger 2's rifled gun. The T-72 and T-84 also do not have the same level of advanced fire control systems, which can limit their effectiveness in modern combat scenarios.

Overall, the Challenger 2 offers significant advantages over the T-72 and T-84 in terms of armor protection, firepower, and combat capabilities. Its advanced technology and design make it a formidable asset on the battlefield, providing Ukrainian forces with a powerful tool in their ongoing conflict.

The deployment of the Challenger 2 tanks by Ukraine highlights a significant escalation in the conflict. It demonstrates the Ukrainian military's growing capability to conduct offensive operations on Russian territory using Western-supplied advanced weaponry. Despite the loss of two tanks, the remaining Challenger 2s continue to support Ukraine's efforts to push into Russian-held areas, emphasizing the strategic importance of this British contribution to Ukraine's war effort.