Challenger 2

The concept for this main battle tank originated as a private venture in 1986, representing a significant redesign of its direct predecessor. Following a Ministry of Defence order for a prototype in late 1988, a demonstrator vehicle contract was awarded with a 1990 delivery target. Production commenced in 1993, leading to its formal acceptance into service in 1998, with final deliveries concluding in 2002. This vehicle was developed as part of a programme to replace older Chieftain tanks and eventually superseded the Challenger 1 entirely in British service.

This third-generation main battle tank is operated by a crew of four: commander, gunner, loader-operator, and driver. Its primary armament is a 120mm rifled cannon, a notable distinction among many contemporary NATO tanks, allowing for the effective use of high-explosive squash head rounds in addition to armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding-sabot projectiles. This is complemented by coaxial and pintle-mounted 7.62mm machine guns. Protection is afforded by advanced composite armour on the turret and hull. Mobility is provided by a V12 diesel engine, offering substantial on-road range and a respectable maximum road speed, supported by a hydropneumatic suspension system. The tank features sophisticated fire control and sighting systems, including thermal imaging for both gunner and commander, a panoramic commander's sight with laser rangefinder, and night driving aids for the driver. Crew safety considerations influenced design aspects such as the use of electric turret and gun drives, and an integrated nuclear, biological, and chemical protection system. The vehicle's design incorporates features to reduce its radar signature and includes smoke generation capabilities. A boiling vessel is also included for crew sustenance.

Entering operational service in 1998, the tank first saw deployment in peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. Its combat debut occurred in March 2003 during the invasion of Iraq, where it was extensively utilized, notably around Basra, for fire support and engaging enemy armour. Vehicles deployed to Iraq received modifications for desert conditions. Beyond the British Army, the Royal Army of Oman also operates the type. In 2023, a number of these tanks were supplied to the Ukrainian Ground Forces, subsequently seeing action in the Russo-Ukrainian War where some vehicles received field modifications such as additional slat armour. The tank has also been a consistent part of NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence in Estonia and was deployed to Poland to support allied capabilities following equipment donations to Ukraine.

United Kingdom • Oman • Ukraine