Ukrainian Soldiers Call British Challenger 2 A "Sniper Rifle Among Tanks"

The British Challenger tank has gained a reputation among Ukrainian soldiers as the armored-version of a sniper rifle due to its precise accuracy at extreme distances. 

This gives it a distinct advantage over Russian tanks, even the relatively modern T-90. As a result, the Ukrainians would like to have more of them. JL 

Jonathan Moynihan reports in Forces.net:

British Challenger 2s have been described as a "sniper rifle among tanks" by a Ukrainian crewman who highlighted their superb accuracy among other attributes.  "Its advantage is that it has a long range, it is very precise; it's a machine designed to operate at a long distance and target only machinery." The Ukrainian soldier went on to say: "When you're driving a T-80you'r, e not sure if you'll make even one shot because the loading mechanism might malfunction or some sensor won't work. You're just basically scaring the Russians with the sound of the engine."

British Challenger 2s have been described as a "sniper rifle among tanks" by a Ukrainian crewman who highlighted their superb accuracy among their other attributes.

The UK has given 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine to help defeat the Russian invasion.

In a video released by Ukraine's Ministry of Defence, the Ukrainian soldier said: "I'll tell you that this tank is like a sniper rifle among tanks, among all tanks in general.

"It undoubtedly set a world record when it hit a T-55 [main battle tank] from a distance of more than five kilometres."

He was referring to the reported furthest tank-on-tank kill by a British Challenger 1, the earlier version of the Challenger, in Iraq in 1991.

• Ukrainian tank drivers say 'formidable' Challenger 2s can change course of Ukraine war 
• Royal Tank Regiment instructors on the reality of training Ukrainian soldiers 
• Challenger 2: The British tank that's never been destroyed by the enemy

"A sniper rifle among tanks" - A Ukrainian tanker shares impressions of using a British Challenger 2 tank in battle. - "We could use a few more companies in Ukraine... russian tanks would be too scared to come out." pic.twitter.com/18tcMMIRuj

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 3, 2023

The post by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence on X, formerly Twitter, said the soldier was sharing his "impressions of using a British Challenger 2 tank in battle". However, it remains unclear whether the tanks have actually been used by Ukraine on the frontline.

Kyiv is believed to be holding its Challenger 2s in reserve ahead of an expected armoured thrust in the south of the country.

Challenger 2 'very precise'

The Ukrainian soldier went on to say: "When you're driving a T-80 and you're not sure if you'll make even one shot because the loading mechanism might malfunction or some sensor won't work. I mean you're just basically scaring the Russians with the sound of the engine, so it's a slightly different feeling.

"Its advantage is that it has a long range, it is very precise; it's a machine designed to operate at a long distance and target only machinery.

"With these tanks, anyone who sees them is like, 'wow, what is this?'."

Watch: Challenger 2 instructors on reality of training Ukrainian soldiers.

The soldier said he had previously operated Soviet-era T-64, T-72 and T-80 tanks, and said in comparison the Challenger 2 could withstand several hits.

"Even if it penetrates, it's unlikely to hit the ammunition and cause it to detonate," he explained.

The soldier added if Ukraine could get a "few more" companies of Challenger 2s then Russian tank crews "would be afraid to come out, very afraid".

"If used correctly, it will be just... bring death and horror for them, that’s all," he warned.

The 62.5-tonne tank has been used by the UK on operations in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq in the past.

Ukrainian troops have been undergoing training on Challenger 2 tanks in the UK ahead of returning to Ukraine to fight against Russian forces.