Kathrine Frich
No more than half the amount of Challengers Ukraine received are still operational.
No more than half the amount of Challengers Ukraine received are still operational.
Challenger 2: From “Invincible” to Stuck in the Mud
Once hailed as one of the most durable tanks in the world, the British-made Challenger 2 has struggled on Ukraine’s battlefields, not against enemy fire, but against the terrain.
Designed for Protection, Not Mud
Introduced in 1994, the Challenger 2 was built with multi-layered Chobham/Dorchester armour, offering exceptional crew protection.
Armed with a 120 mm L30A1 rifled gun, it combines firepower with survivability, but at over 60 tons, its weight limits mobility in soft or muddy ground.
Ukrainian Crews Report Mobility Issues
“The British tank has been praised for its accuracy and crew protection, but these strengths must be balanced by criticism of other aspects,” wrote retired British Army lieutenant colonel Stuart Crawford.
“On Ukrainian battlefields… the tank’s weight can cause it to get bogged down in soft ground.”
Small Numbers, Big Losses
Ukraine received just 14 Challenger 2s.
After accounting for those destroyed or damaged by Russian forces, no more than half may still be operational, limiting their impact on the battlefield.
Britain’s Different Tank Path
While many European nations have turned to American Abrams or German Leopard tanks, the UK is upgrading to the Challenger 3.
The new model promises impressive capabilities, but only 148 are on order.
Not Enough for Modern Warfare
Crawford argues Britain’s planned Challenger 3 fleet is far too small.
“If there’s one lesson from Ukraine, it’s that you need mass, a lot of stuff, if you will, and the Challenger 3 order doesn’t fit the realities of modern tank warfare.”
