First combat loss for British Challenger 2 tank as it gets destroyed in Ukraine.
A British-made Challenger 2 tank destroyed in combat in Ukraine
Exciting footage has emerged showing the destruction of a British-made Challenger 2 tank in combat, marking the first time one of these formidable vehicles has been taken down. The Challenger 2, often hailed as one of the world’s best tanks, is the British equivalent of the American M1A2 Abrams tank. Its advanced armor, shrouded in secrecy, is said to make it the most well-protected tank on Earth, according to experts.
On Monday, the world witnessed the shocking aftermath of the tank’s demise through a video captured by a Ukrainian soldier passing by in a car. Later, Russian forces confirmed the wreckage to be that of a Challenger 2, using drone footage.
Conflicting accounts of the tank’s destruction
The exact circumstances surrounding the tank’s destruction remain unclear, with Russian and Western sources offering different explanations. A Western defense source revealed to the BBC that the tank was immobilized by a mine, which triggered a fire in the rear fuel compartment. While it lay incapacitated, a Lancet drone targeted it. Fortunately, all crew members survived.
However, many Russian sources dispute this account. Military analyst Dmitry Kornev believes that the damage was ”definitely” not caused by a mine. He suggests that the tank was ambushed and struck from above or the side by a helicopter or anti-tank-guided missile.
A blow to British military pride
Prior to this incident, the British military proudly boasted that no Challenger 2 had ever been lost to enemy fire since its introduction in 1994. Even as of now, the British Ministry of Defense website still makes this claim. However, the reality has now shattered this myth.
The Challenger 2 has a history of combat experience, having served in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Iraq. In fact, one Challenger 2 was tragically lost in Iraq in 2003 due to friendly fire from another Challenger 2.
Russian response and ongoing conflict
Russian media and officials wasted no time in celebrating the loss of the Challenger 2. Dmitry Polyanskiy, Russia’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, sarcastically congratulated their “former British partners” on social media, urging them to update their information on the supposedly “invincible” tank.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, after initially hesitating, announced in January that it would be sending 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine. However, these tanks have remained in reserve, as no combat footage featuring them has emerged yet.
It is worth noting that Ukraine has also suffered losses of its new German-made Leopard tanks during its summer counteroffensive in the Zaporizhzhia region. Although the country is still awaiting the delivery of promised American Abrams tanks, it is expected to receive them soon.
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