British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak informed Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky of his intention to supply Challenger 2 tanks to Kyiv, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
This is stated in a message issued on Saturday, January 14, by the office of the head of the British government following a telephone conversation with the President of Ukraine.
“The Prime Minister outlined the United Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its support for Ukraine, including through the supply of Challenger 2 tanks and additional artillery systems,” the statement said.
The exact number of tanks has not been reported; British media previously wrote that four Challenger 2 tanks would be transferred immediately, and eight more soon after that. It is worth noting that as of 2022, there were 227 Challenger 2 tanks in the British Army.
“The Prime Minister stressed that he, along with the entire British Government, will work hard with international partners to quickly provide the support that will allow Ukraine to consolidate its gains”, gain the upper hand in the conflict and “achieve lasting peace,” the communiqué said. It also noted that Sunak and Zelensky discussed the current state of the conflict, “agreed on the need to seize this moment to strengthen global military and diplomatic support for Ukraine,” and “welcomed other international commitments in this regard, including Poland’s commitment to provide a group of Leopard tanks,” the message notes.
The Challenger 2 tank is unique in several respects, which is not always beneficial. Firstly, this is the heaviest tank in the world, its weight is 62,5 tons - which affects maneuverability. Secondly, this is the only modern tank with a rifled gun (caliber 120 mm). And thirdly, this is the only tank in the world equipped with a system for preparing and heating food for the crew.
Production of Challenger 2 tanks was discontinued in 2009. In June 2014, the first stage of the new CR2 LEP modernization program was launched, which provides for extending the service life of these tanks until 2035. Only some of the tanks currently in service with the British Armed Forces are expected to be upgraded to the Challenger 2LEP level.
Как reported "PolitNavigator", British mercenaries have been eliminated in Soledar.