Challenger and Leopard tanks come with potential pitfalls for Ukraine
Speaking at the Davos summit on 18 January, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his country is ‘strategically interlocked’ with the US, France and others when it comes to decisions about weapons to Ukraine. (Photo: UK MoD Crown Copyright)
British and German main battle tank models could make a difference to Ukraine's combat capabilities if provided in sufficient numbers, but training on and integration of the vehicles may cause headaches for Kyiv.
On 16 January, the UK confirmed it will send 14 Challenger 2 main battle tanks (MBTs) to help Ukraine's fight back against Russia’s invasion.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the UK would allow Ukrainian soldiers to start training with the British tanks immediately.
Although the 14 Challengers could provide a useful boost to the Ukrainian ground forces' capabilities, one objective of pledging the MBTs is to spur action from other allies to do the same, most notably Germany.
Wallace told the House of Commons he would urge his counterparts in Berlin to at least give permission for Poland, Finland and other European countries to
Access this article and other Decisive Edge Newsletter news content with a free basic account
Create account
You will also get one free Premium News article each week
Already have an account? Log in
More from Decisive Edge Newsletter
-
![Prototype quantum navigation sensor tested on Royal Navy experiments ship]()
Prototype quantum navigation sensor tested on Royal Navy experiments ship
A prototype quantum sensor for future navigation – developed by Imperial College London – has been tested onboard the UK RN's research ship XV Patrick Blackett.
-
![Royal Navy embarks on assessment phase to arm Type 31 frigates with Mk 41 VLS]()
Royal Navy embarks on assessment phase to arm Type 31 frigates with Mk 41 VLS
This week, the UK Royal Navy confirmed that it intends to equip the future Type 31 frigates with the Mk41 VLS.
-
![Royal Air Force pilots to train in Italy to address UK aircrew pipeline issues]()
Royal Air Force pilots to train in Italy to address UK aircrew pipeline issues
In a bid to mitigate disruption to fast jet training, the Royal Air Force will begin using the International Flight Training School in Italy.
-
![Sukhoi Su-35 fighters for Iran to arrive imminently amid controversy over jet's combat success]()
Sukhoi Su-35 fighters for Iran to arrive imminently amid controversy over jet's combat success
Iran is poised to receive Sukhoi Su-35 fighters as part of its modernisation efforts while reports claim substantial losses of Russian fighters in the conflict with Ukraine.
-
![Training begins in earnest for Indian C295 transport aircraft crews]()
Training begins in earnest for Indian C295 transport aircraft crews
Airbus has already begun training the first batch of flight crews for the Indian Air Force's C295 fleet and will also supply a CAE simulator under the contract.
-
![Can Boeing's Super Hornet pull off a surprise victory in the Indian Navy's fighter jet competition?]()
Can Boeing's Super Hornet pull off a surprise victory in the Indian Navy's fighter jet competition?
As India's economy continues to face challenges, the stakes are high for Boeing and Dassault in the Indian Navy's fighter jet competition as industry still awaits a decision.
