Click to see full-size image. Source: the British Ministry Of Defence official Twitter account (@DefenceHQ)
Ukrainian troops have begun training on Challenger 2 main battle tanks in the United Kingdom, less than a week after arriving there.
On February 4, the UK Ministry of Defence said on Twitter that the Ukrainians were quick to learn how to operate the Challenger 2.
“Tank crews from the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been quick to master the controls of the mighty Challenger 2 this week.
The UK is providing Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine to help them defend their homeland and retake territory,” the ministry said.
The ministry also shared photos showing the troops training with British military instructors on the Challenger 2 Driver Training Tank (DTT).
The vehicle is based on the Challenger 2 hull. The turret has been replaced with a fixed weighted superstructure to accommodate an instructor and up to four trainees. Weighting the superstructure replicates the weight of the standard Challenger 2 in operational service. 22 DTTs are in British service.
Click to see full-size image. Source: the British Ministry Of Defence official Twitter account (@DefenceHQ)
Click to see full-size image. Source: the British Ministry Of Defence official Twitter account (@DefenceHQ)
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on January 15 that the UK would send 14 of its Challenger 2 tanks to Kiev forces. When the Russian special military operation in Ukraine first started, London declined to supply such heavy weapons.
The Challenger 2, which could weigh as heavy as 75 tons when fully equipped, is armed with a L30A1 120 mm rifled gun, protected by a classified Chobham composite armor and powered by a Perkins CV12-6A V12 diesel engine with 1,200 bhp.
The UK’s decision to supply the Challenger 2 encouraged other Western countries to supply Ukraine with some of their most advanced main battle tanks. The United States pledged to provide 31 M1A2 Abrams, while Germany said it will deliver 14 Leopard 2s to Kiev forces.
These tanks are supposed to help Ukraine launch a large-scale offensive against the Russian military next Spring. However, there are doubts that a few dozen, or even hundreds of tanks will make a difference when confronted by Russian artillery, and anti-tank fire.
