Challenger 2
UK1994 - Present
The Challenger 2 is the British Army's main battle tank, renowned for its exceptional armor protection and accurate rifled gun. It remains the only NATO tank using a rifled main gun.
Primary Specifications
Main gun
120mm rifled
Rifled barrel for HESH ammunition
Engine
1200 HP
Perkins diesel powerplant
Weight
69 tonnes
Heaviest Western MBT in service
Speed
59 km/h
Slower due to heavy armor
Range
450 km
Standard operational range
Crew
4
Traditional crew configuration
Quick Summary
What's different?
L30A1 120mm rifled gun (unique in NATO), second-generation Chobham/Dorchester armor, HESH round capability
Why it matters?
Provides the British Army with proven, highly survivable armored capability that has never lost a crewmember to enemy fire in combat
Real-World Impact
1
Operation Telic (Iraq 2003)
Challenger 2 tanks proved highly survivable, with one tank sustaining 70 RPG hits and a MILAN missile strike while remaining operational.
2
Ukraine Deployment (2024)
UK provided 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine, marking the first Western heavy tank donation and seeing combat in the Kursk Oblast incursion in 2024.
3
Op HERRICK (Afghanistan)
Deployed in a fire support role, the Challenger 2's accurate rifled gun proved effective for precision engagement at extended ranges.
4
Exercise SAIF SAREEA (Oman)
Regular joint exercises with the Royal Army of Oman, the only export customer, validates desert warfare capabilities.
Additional Features
Armor
Dorchester
Other key features
UK service MBT; proven platform
FAQs
1. Why does it have a rifled gun?
The British Army values the ability to fire HESH (High Explosive Squash Head) rounds, which are more effective against buildings and light vehicles. Rifling provides better accuracy for these rounds.2. How thick is the armor?
3. What is the Challenger 3 upgrade?
4. How heavy is it?
5. Can it be destroyed?
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