British challenger 2 tanks in Ukrainian ambush capture 20 soldiers
Ukrainians have shown the first evidence of the involvement of British Challenger 2 tanks in an operation conducted in the Kursk region. They also revealed that these vehicles, known for their impressive features, were used in an ambush that resulted in the capture of more than 20 enemy soldiers.
The 82nd Air Assault Brigade published the video material, considered one of the most elite units in the Ukrainian army. Reports of its participation in the operation in the Kursk region emerged in the early days. However, until now, there has been no confirmation that Challenger 2 tanks were being used.
Challenger 2 in the Kursk region in Russia
Challenger 2 tanks are rarely subjects of frontline reports, making their appearance in the Kursk region even more surprising. The United Kingdom has supplied Ukraine with only 14 of these machines. According to the creators of the Oryx blog, which documents equipment losses on both sides in the Ukrainian conflict, two have been eliminated by the Russians.
This is a third-generation British main battle tank, distinguished primarily by its Chobham/Dorchester multi-layer armor. When the Challenger 2 entered service in 1994, it had a reputation for being the toughest tank in the world. It performed well in battles during the Second Gulf War. Before the war in Ukraine, no such tank had ever been destroyed in armed conflict.
Western equipment in the Ukrainian offensive
The Challenger 2 tank's main armament is the 120 mm L30A1 rifled gun. Additionally, the crew has two 7.62 mm machine guns. The engine has a power of 1200 hp, allowing for a maximum speed of about 35 mph. The Challenger 2 is over 39 feet long and weighs over 66 tons.
As revealed in a brief statement issued by the 82nd Air Assault Brigade, the Challenger 2 tanks and Stryker armored personnel carriers participated in the ambush, resulting in the capture of more than 20 enemy soldiers, and many others were eliminated.
The 82nd Air Assault Brigade is also using other equipment in the ongoing offensive in the Kursk region, including HMMWV multi-purpose vehicles and Stryker M1132 vehicles, which are specialized variants of the Stryker armored personnel carrier.
Other Ukrainian brigades operating in the area also have access to Western equipment. In the Kursk region, German Marder infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and Polish Oncilla armored personnel carriers are among other equipment seen.
