New tanks for the Ukraine: The Challenger 2 from Great Britain can do that
Created: 1/11/2023 2:44 p.m
By: Felix Busjaeger
Battle tanks for Ukraine: The British want to deliver ten Challenger 2.
But how good is the tank actually - and can it turn the tide of war?
London – Is the turning point in the Ukraine war now coming?
While the debate in Germany about supplying Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine is gaining momentum, the British government is apparently considering supplying ten Challenger 2 main battle tanks.
This was reported by the Sky News TV channel on Monday (January 9).
According to this, the possible delivery of tanks by the British should be used to ward off Russian attacks in the Ukraine war.
But to what extent can the Challenger 2 tank from Great Britain influence the course of the war?
War in Ukraine: British government around Rishi Sunak probably plans to deliver tanks
The government of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is also increasing the pressure on Berlin with the possible delivery of main battle tanks to Ukraine.
Unlike Germany, London now seems to be taking their foot off the brakes and wanting to significantly strengthen Ukraine's defence.
As
Der Spiegel
reports, Britain has “non-bindingly announced” the Challenger 2 tanks.
It would therefore take at least a few more weeks before the main battle tanks could be used: As it is also said, the decision should probably only be made official at the upcoming meeting of the Ramstein Group on January 20th in Rhineland-Palatinate.
The Challenger 2 main battle tank of the British Armed Forces (archive image).
© Holger Hollemann/dpa
As of Monday, there was no comment from the British Ministry of Defence.
Nevertheless, the possible delivery of tanks from Great Britain in Germany could give new impetus to the debate about the Leopard 2 main battle tank.
So far, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) had defended his course on arms deliveries to Ukraine.
"Germany is way ahead in supporting Ukraine," said Scholz on Monday at a campaign event in Berlin.
This applies not only to financial and humanitarian aid, but also to arms deliveries.
He will continue to act responsibly, he stressed.
Rishi Sunak's government is probably planning to deliver tanks to Ukraine: These tank classes exist
While the main battle tank Challenger 2 may be delivered to Ukraine by Rishi Sunak's government, other countries have so far only decided to deliver reconnaissance tanks or armored personnel carriers.
Germany also supported Volodymyr Zelenskyj's fight, for example with models of the Marder and Gepard type.
In addition, Berlin announced the delivery of the Patriot system to Poland in the fall of 2022.
The differences between the tank classes at a glance:
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Battle tanks:
This category lists vehicles that have powerful armaments and can go into direct confrontation.
Sometimes the so-called "dueling ability" of the tanks is also mentioned.
Examples of main battle tanks include the Leopard 2, M1 Abrams, Leclerc or the British Challenger 2.
Armored personnel carriers:
Armored personnel carriers can also be used on the front line and are usually used as support for main battle tanks.
Their main task is to transport infantrymen into battle.
German examples of this class are the types Puma or Marder.
Scout Tank:
This lightly armed class is primarily used for reconnaissance by various armies.
The models must have a high level of mobility, low noise levels and, in addition, excellent camouflage.
Sometimes armored scout cars are also included in this class, such as the German Fennek.
Armored transport:
This category also has light armament and is mainly used to transport infantry, casualties or ammunition.
Special Tanks:
Apart from tanks used for combat operations, the armies of the world use other models that usually fulfill special missions.
This category includes armored recovery vehicles, armored mine clearance vehicles and armored bridge-laying vehicles.
Great Britain wants to deliver main battle tanks: The Challenger 2 tank is so good
The Challenger 2 main battle tank has formed the backbone of the British armed forces since 1994 and is also used in Oman.
The vehicle was developed by BAE Systems Land Systems, a company that belongs to the Rheinmetall Group.
As the manufacturer writes, the Challenger 2 is a main battle tank that was developed for "high-intensity combat against mechanized opponents".
The main purpose is to fight armored targets.
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The Challenger 2 tank benefits from its 120 mm armament.
This is also suitable for fighting targets up to nine kilometers away.
The German Leopard 2 tank, on the other hand, can only be used effectively at ranges of up to four kilometers.
The Challenger 2 main battle tank was first used by the British armed forces during the Yugoslav conflict in the 1990s.
It was also used in the Iraq war.
Battle tanks for the Ukraine: That's how big the impact of the British Challenger 2 would be for the Ukraine war
Will the Challenger 2 main battle tank turn the tide in the Ukraine war?
It is likely that the British main battle tank could be superior to many Russian counterparts in battle.
Vladimir Putin's army primarily uses T-64 tanks.
Some of these are still from the Soviet Union, are significantly lighter and can effectively fight targets up to a distance of 5000 meters.
The army of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will receive significant reinforcements from the possible delivery of arms by the British.
However, ten possible Challenger 2 are not enough to field a full tank company.
In addition, the active front line in the Ukraine war is several hundred kilometers long.
The British Challenger 2 tanks can thus only be used selectively.
Nevertheless, the impetus given by Sunak's government could spread the debate about the possible delivery of weapons to Ukraine to other countries and, for example, advance the debate about the German Leopard 2.
However, it remains to be seen to what extent this can contribute to an end to the war in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, it is expected that Russia could force a turnaround in the war in April 2023.
