Challenger 2 vs T-72
The Challenger 2 and the T-72 are both Main Battle Tanks, manufactured by Vickers Defense Systems and Malyshev HMB Plant respectively. The Challenger 2 weighs 75.0 tons vs 44.5 tons for the T-72. Top speed is 59 km/h for the Challenger 2 vs 60 km/h for the T-72. Operational range is 550 km for the Challenger 2 vs 500 km for the T-72. The Challenger 2 is armed with a L30A1 120 mm rifled gun, while the T-72 carries a 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun. The Challenger 2 has been produced in 447 units vs 25,000 for the T-72. Unit cost is $5.32M for the Challenger 2 vs $2M for the T-72. The T-72 entered service 25 years before the Challenger 2 (1973 vs 1998).
| British main battle tank, entering service in 1998, with 447 units manufactured by Vickers Defence Systems. | |
| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Category | Main Battle Tank |
| Type | Heavy Main Battle Tank |
| Manufacturer | Vickers Defense Systems |
| Number produced | 447 units |
| Estimated unit price | $5.3 million |
| Ex-USSR main battle tank, entering service in 1973, with approximately 25,000 units built. | |
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Main Battle Tank |
| Type | Medium Main Battle Tank |
| Manufacturer | Malyshev HMB Plant |
| Number produced | 25,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $2 million |
| Combat weight | 75.0 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 59 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 550 km â—‰ |
| Length | 13.50 m â—‰ |
| Width | 4.20 m â—‰ |
| Height | 2.49 m â—‰ |
| Crew | 4 (commander, gunner, loader–operator, driver) |
| Engine | Perkins CV-12 Condor 12-Cylinder Diesel Engine with 1200 hp |
| Main armament | L30A1 120 mm rifled gun |
| Secondary weapon | 7.62 mm coaxial L94A1 chain gun |
| Combat weight | 44.5 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 60 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 500 km â—‰ |
| Length | 9.73 m â—‰ |
| Width | 3.59 m â—‰ |
| Height | 2.23 m â—‰ |
| Crew | 3 (commander, gunner, driver) |
| Engine | V-92S2F (T-72B3 & T-72B3M) 1,130 hp (840 kW) |
| Main armament | 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun |
| Secondary weapon | 7.62 mm PKT coax. machine gun |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Challenger 2 or T-72?
The T-72 is faster with a maximum road speed of 60 km/h compared to the Challenger 2's 59 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the Challenger 2 or T-72?
The Challenger 2 has a longer operational range at 550 km compared to the T-72's 500 km.
Which is heavier, the Challenger 2 or T-72?
The Challenger 2 is heavier at 75.0 tons combat weight compared to the T-72's 44.5 tons.
Which is larger, the Challenger 2 or T-72?
The Challenger 2 is longer at 13.50 meters compared to the T-72's 9.73 meters.
How many crew members do the Challenger 2 and T-72 require?
The Challenger 2 requires a larger crew of 4 (commander, gunner, loader–operator, driver) compared to the T-72's 3 (commander, gunner, driver) crew members.
Which is more expensive, the Challenger 2 or T-72?
The Challenger 2 is more expensive at approximately $5.3 million per unit compared to the T-72 at $2.0 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Challenger 2 or T-72?
The T-72 has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 447 units of the Challenger 2.
What are the main armaments of the Challenger 2 and T-72?
The Challenger 2 is armed with L30A1 120 mm rifled gun while the T-72 carries 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun as its main armament.