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
-
![NATO progresses effort to replace E-3A AWACS fleet]()
NATO progresses effort to replace E-3A AWACS fleet
NATO’s E-3A AWACS fleet has been scheduled for retirement from 2035. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has been leading the Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (AFSC) project to develop new options for future surveillance and control capabilities, based on future technology and requirements.
-
![What is happening with the Greek corvette competition?]()
What is happening with the Greek corvette competition?
The Hellenic Navy has been in the process of replacing its nine remaining Elli-class (Kortaener/S-type) frigates with two new acquisition programmes for frigates and corvettes. The US offer of second-hand US Navy (USN) Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) as potential corvette replacement, however, has given the Greek government pause for thought.
-
![AUKUS members seek solutions to integrate their ground capabilities]()
AUKUS members seek solutions to integrate their ground capabilities
The three countries plan to explore technologies to strengthen their collaboration in various land-related areas including artificial intelligence, autonomy, cyber, EW, hypersonic, quantum computing and logistics.
-
![Netherlands selects Barracuda submarine as Australia looks on]()
Netherlands selects Barracuda submarine as Australia looks on
With the Netherlands selecting the Barracuda design for its new Orka-class submarines, it will give Australia a chance to see what it could have had after it cancelled its conventional submarine (SSK) project based on Barracuda, opting instead for a nuclear-powered submarine (SSN).
-
![US Air Force to cut $2 billion of investments in aircraft in FY2025]()
US Air Force to cut $2 billion of investments in aircraft in FY2025
The reduction will impact several procurements and improvement programmes involving airlift, combat, tactical and strategic aircraft, as well as helicopters.
-
![RAF fighter pilot training situation is “unacceptable” for UK taxpayer, says industry official]()
RAF fighter pilot training situation is “unacceptable” for UK taxpayer, says industry official
While the head of the Royal Air Force admits the ongoing issues with the service's ability to train its fighter pilots, no concrete plans were put in place to resolve the problem. What steps could the RAF take to ensure the readiness of its pilot force for future challenges?
