First appearance in Ukraine
2023.05.23
Challenger destroyed by ATGM
2024.09.05
A video shows the destruction of a Challenger 2 east of Robotyne. The tank is said to have hit a mine and being abandoned by their crew, before being hit by an ATGM in the side. The impact resulted in a denotation of the ammunition, and detached the turret and the commanders culpa from the tank.
Operation
2024.03.09
In the 82nd Air Assault Brigade's operations, Challenger 2 tanks are deployed in pairs during missions. To enhance their effectiveness against drone threats, one of the vehicles in each pair is equipped with an electronic warfare (EW) system specifically designed for countering drones.Sun Article
Challenger destroyed in Kursk
2024.08.11 - 51.42091°N 35.20308°E
A tank that can be identified to be a Challenger 2 was spotted moving in Kursk at 51.44502°N 35.21903°E down south to 51.42091°N 35.20308°E.Afterwards a Lancet drone appears to be striking it, resulting in a catastrophic ammunition fire.
This incident is a confirmed a K-kill, with three crew members surviving, though one was seriously injured, and another sadly did not survive.
The tank was abandoned by the surviving crew, left burning on the battlefield. Reports suggest that the operator's hatch was open, allowing a drone to fly directly into it, bypassing all armor and entering the turret. Despite this, the majority of the turret crew managed to survive.
Casualties
The incident resulted in one fatality and one serious injury among the crew. Those close to the crew are still seeking firsthand accounts to clarify the details, as media reports remain speculative.
Challenger targeted by KA-52
2024.08.14
As Ukraine continues to advance in Kursk with this Challenger 2, a KA-52 attempted to intercept the tank. Luckily for the crew, the missile fell short.Challenger damaged in combat
2024.08.15
According to a comment from a British Challenger 2 operator who trained this crew and remains in contact with them, the tank was struck multiple times, including hits to the commander's cupola and the turret cheek. Notably, the tank's turret roof spaced plate above the bustle was also damaged. Despite these hits, the damage to the turret cheek and the bustle had minimal impact on the tank's operational capabilities.
Casualties
Tragically, one crew member lost their life in this incident. The fatal blow came from a drone strike that hit the rear of the commander's cupola. The angle at which the drone struck allowed it to bypass the tank's armor, causing severe damage that the periscope could not withstand. Additionally, another crew member was seriously injured as a result of this attack.
Challenger 2 hit by an FPV drone on the upper front plate
2024.11.13
As Ukraine continues to advance in Kursk with this Challenger 2, a KA-52 attempted to intercept the tank. Luckily for the crew, the missile fell short.Interview Challenger
2024.11.21
ArmyInform- Tank Features: The Challenger II tank, nicknamed "Baby" by the crew, is a massive and highly advanced machine weighing 65 tons, with exceptional firepower and precision due to its rifled 120mm gun and advanced fire control system.
- Precision Shooting: The tank's fire control system incorporates a meteorological sensor that adjusts for wind, humidity, and other factors, making it highly accurate at distances up to 10 km, outperforming other tanks like the Abrams and Soviet-era T-series in precision.
- Technology Integration: A sophisticated onboard computer allows simultaneous targeting of multiple enemies, enabling quick switching between targets at different distances with laser measurement.
- Safety and Durability: The tank's robust design protects the crew even under direct hits. It once survived a missile strike from Russian helicopters, sustaining damage but allowing the crew to escape safely.
- Combat Resilience: During a mission, the tank withstood multiple attacks, including a cumulative projectile hit and damage to its tracks and fuel tank, yet managed to travel to safety and return to service after repairs.
- A Priority Target: Western tanks, including the Challenger II, are prime targets for the enemy. This requires constant maneuvering and proactive maintenance, though the tank's engine could benefit from more power for high-intensity operations.
- Operational Challenges: Crews face high-intensity combat, especially on the Kursk front, which is more challenging than other areas due to the enemy's increased attacks and adaptive strategies.
- Team Coordination and Motivation: Crews rely on teamwork and inter-unit collaboration to achieve mission success. Despite fears of failure, their motivation comes from the tangible impact of their actions, protecting homes and stopping the enemy's advance.
