Ukrainian Air Assault Forces Command has published a video interview with a soldier talking about his experience operating one of the Western-type tanks in service with Ukraine's armed forces – the Challenger 2 main battle tank, supplied by the United Kingdom.
"This tank is a sniper rifle among all existing tanks," notes the driver whose name is not disclosed, as he recalls that the world record in accuracy was made on Challenger 2. The soldier points out the attack range and precision of the tank he operates and says the primary targets are enemy heavy equipment.
Read more: How Big is the Difference Between Western and Soviet Tanks and Why Its Not Just About Weight or Automatic Ammo Loading
"It is a type of vehicle that has to deploy at a remote distance and open fire only on enemy's vehicles. They are not intended against infantry with high-explosive fragmentation shells <...> No, these tanks were made to counter the Soviets and destroy their equipment. Dealing with the manpower is up to infantry and artillery."
The driver said he used to operate T-62, T-72, and T-80 but in his opinion, the Challenger 2 is much better than all of them. He mentions the crew safety provided by the British tank.
"I rode T-64, T-72, and T-80, too: you have only one try, once you get hit the chances are small, instantly the ammunition stock detonates and you go flying… In this tank, the ammunition is placed in such a way that it can withstand a few hits, and even if it gets pierced, it won't necessarily hit the ammunition and cause detonation," the serviceman says.
Also, Challenger 2 is more reliable than the Soviet tanks:
"When you are in a T-80 and don't know if you'll be able to fire at least one round because the loading mechanism could jam or some sensor won't work properly."
On a final note, the tanker says it would be great if Ukraine received a few more companies of such tanks. For a reminder, Great Britain has provided Ukraine with one company of 14 Challenger 2 MBTs so far.
Earlier Defense Express analyzed the unique features, capabilities, and specifications of the Challenger 2 tank and compared them to the other Western tanks in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the German Leopard 2 and the American Abrams.
Read more: Ukraine Will Get Challenger 1 Tanks From Great Britain: What Kind of Vehicle It Is and How Many Expected
