In early 2023, the United Kingdom announced its decision to supply Ukraine with 14 Challenger 2 main battle tanks, becoming the first country to commit tanks as part of defense assistance. The vehicles were delivered later that year, and their combat use in Ukraine was documented in combat operations.
Today, these tanks (excluding combat losses) remain in service after more than two years of operational use. Army TV spoke with one of the crews to learn about their combat experience with the Challenger 2 in the Defense Forces of Ukraine.
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"It's really like a sniper rifle. It allows you to strike enemy targets at long distances. You don't need to get too close; you can fire calmly from cover and then pull back," said the tank commander, call sign Hera. He noted that the crew's longest confirmed hit was against an enemy infantry fighting vehicle at a range of 5,300 meters.
This engagement took place on the Kursk axis, where, according to Hera, the Challenger tanks proved effective in combat. "We moved in quickly; the maneuverability was good. The only major issue is drones — they don't let us work freely. Otherwise, the tanks performed well." He also emphasized that the Challenger 2 withstood multiple FPV drone strikes.
Compared with Soviet-designed tanks, the Challenger 2 offers far better situational awareness. "Operating the tank in combat without having to stick your head out of the hatch is much easier," the crew said, also noting the turret's fast traverse.
Notably, the crew did not use the Challenger 2 for indirect fire. The tank employs separate-loading ammunition, but according to the gunner, this does not significantly reduce the rate of fire, which also depends on the operator's skill. "Maybe it takes a couple of seconds longer, but it’s safer — the projectiles are stored on one side, the charges on the other." The crew's maximum achieved rate of fire was 8 rounds per minute.
"It's an excellent machine. As for the engine, no complaints — neither about the auxiliary nor the main one. The tank performs reliably. The only drawback is on soft soil, where it tends to struggle a bit," the driver said.
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