Great Britain may supply Ukraine with Challenger 2 tanks – SkyNews

The United Kingdom may transfer about ten Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine. This amount is enough to equip a squadron.

Sky News writes about this with reference to its own sources.

It is reported that discussions on the tanks have been taking place for a few weeks. It is also emphasized that such a move would mark a significant step-up in Western support to Ukraine and could help prompt other allies to help Ukraine with armored vehicles.

However, no final decision has yet been made by Rishi Sunak’s government.

According to the media, the announcement of the transfer of new weaponry to Ukraine, including tanks, may take place after the Ramstein format conference on January 20.

So it can be a joint decision of all the allies in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.

One source suggested Britain might offer approximately ten Challenger 2 tanks, enough to equip a squadron.

The Sky News source said this in itself would not be a “game changer” but it would still be hugely significant because the move would breach a barrier to the transfer of heavy armored vehicles to Ukraine.

As previously reported, Poland may transfer up to ten Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Such a decision is considered in Warsaw as a way to stimulate allies to provide tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Finland also announced its readiness to participate in the transfer of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

However, in Germany, despite the statements of some politicians, they are not ready to transfer Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine at the moment. The spokesman for the German government stated that Berlin did not plan to transfer tanks to Ukraine.

As previously reported, France will send Ukraine AMX-10 RC wheeled tanks.

Challenger 2

The Challenger 2 is a third-generation British main battle tank in service with the armies of the United Kingdom and Oman. It was designed and built by the British company Vickers Defense Systems (now known as BAE Systems Land & Armaments).

The Challenger 2 is equipped with a 120-mm (4.7 in) 55-calibre long L30A1 tank gun, the successor to the L11 gun used on the Chieftain and Challenger 1. The gun is made from high strength electro-slag remelting (ESR) steel with a chromium alloy lining and, like earlier British 120 mm guns, it is insulated by a thermal sleeve. The tank is controlled by an all-electric control and stabilization system. The turret has a rotation time of 9 seconds through 360 degrees.

The tank is also armed with a L94A1 EX-34 7.62 mm chain gun mounted coaxially to the left of the main gun, and a 7.62 mm L37A2 (GPMG) machine gun.