For the first time, Great Britain is considering the possibility of supplying Ukraine with Challenger 2 tanks.

This is reported by Sky News with reference to its own sources.

According to the publication, discussions have been going on for several weeks about the supply of "a certain number" of Challenger 2 battle tanks of the British Army to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"Such a move would mark a significant increase in Western support for Ukraine and could encourage other NATO allies, particularly Germany, to follow suit," the article says.

The UK government has not yet made a final decision.

However, if the decision is approved, Britain will become the first country to respond to Ukraine's calls to equip the armed forces with powerful Western tanks.

The source suggested that Britain could offer about 10 Challenger 2 tanks, enough to equip a tank company.

The interlocutor of the publication noted that, in general, the supply "will not change the rules of the game", but it will still be of great importance, since this step will overcome the barrier that has so far prevented the allies from supplying Western tanks to Ukraine due to fears that this will turn into an escalation.

The Ministry of Defense of Great Britain does not confirm or deny that it is considering the possibility of supplying tanks to Ukraine.

"To date, we have provided Ukraine with more than 200 pieces of armored vehicles, including Stormer vehicles armed with Starstreak missiles. We have also provided tens of thousands of personal protective equipment, including helmets and body armor, transportation and logistical support, anti-tank weapons, missiles and systems Air defense, winter and medical equipment," said the spokesperson of the department.

Colonel Hamish de Bretton Gordon, former commander of the 1st Royal Tank Regiment, said the supply of Western tanks could "tip the scales" on the battlefield in favor of Ukraine.

Last year, Great Britain sent 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Poland as part of an agreement to help Ukraine.

Instead, Warsaw sent its Soviet T-72 tanks to Kyiv.

What is known about the Challenger 2 tank

Challenger 2 tanks have been in service with the British Army since 1994.

One tank weighs 62.5 tons and is armed with a 120 mm rifled gun and a 7.62 mm chain gun.

These tanks were used during hostilities in Kosovo and Iraq.

Currently, the Challenger unit is in Estonia as part of the NATO mission in Eastern Europe to deter Russian aggression.

We will remind that France will transfer Bastion armored personnel carriers and AMX-10RC wheeled tanks to Ukraine. 

On January 6, the United States announced a record package of military aid for Ukraine.

The new package of military aid, in addition to Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, which the Armed Forces will receive for the first time, will include self-propelled howitzers, MRAPs and other armored personnel carriers, as well as additional equipment.

Germany will join the US in supplying Ukraine with Patriot systems.

In addition, Germany will transfer about 40 Marder BMPs and one Patriot air defense system to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2023.

Read also:

  • Ukraine news

  • War in Ukraine

  • News of Ukraine: video

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