(VIDEO) Two “British Pride” Challenger 2 Tanks Destroyed by Russian Forces in Kursk

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — On August 15th, a video obtained via the Telegram messaging app showed that Ukraine had deployed British-supplied Challenger 2 tanks in its incursion into Russia’s Kursk region.

However, Russian military observers claimed that just days after being deployed to support Ukraine’s offensive in Kursk, the tank was destroyed by a “Lancet” suicide drone strike.

The Challenger 2 tank operated by Ukrainian forces was reportedly destroyed in the Sudzha area of the Kursk region, located more than 600km from Russia’s capital, Moscow.

The “Lancet” drone strike allegedly caused the tank’s ammunition compartment to explode, completely destroying the British-made tank.

Footage of the Challenger 2 tank being struck by the “Lancet” drone has circulated on Russian social media.

 Russian military observers further claimed that this was the second incident in Kursk where a British-made Challenger 2 tank, which is often regarded as one of the best tanks in the world, was destroyed in battle inside Russia.

The first incident was allegedly caused by a Russian KA-52 helicopter firing a Vikhr missile that destroyed the initial Challenger 2 tank in the volatile Kursk region.

There are also claims that, a few days before the Challenger 2 was destroyed by the “Lancet” drone, a U.S.-supplied M1A1 Abrams tank met a similar fate in Kursk due to another “Lancet” strike.

Since the conflict in Ukraine began in February 2022, the “Lancet” suicide drone, developed by ZALA Aero, has successfully destroyed various Ukrainian military assets and equipment.

Media reports have also highlighted that the Russian-made “Lancet” drone is one of the most feared weapons among Ukrainian troops.

In Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, social media footage has shown that the “Lancet” drone has destroyed more than a dozen armored vehicles and tanks belonging to Ukrainian forces.

The UK, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, supplied 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Kyiv in 2023, but reports claim that two of these prized tanks have already been destroyed by Russian forces.

All 14 Challenger 2 tanks are believed to be operated by Ukraine’s 82nd Air Assault Brigade, an elite unit that operates many of the weapons donated by Western countries.

There are also reports suggesting that, due to concerns over the reputation of the Challenger 2 tank being tarnished if more tanks are destroyed by Russian forces, Britain has ordered Ukraine to withdraw the tanks from the battlefield.

However, the tank’s destruction in Kursk confirms that the 69-ton Challenger 2 operated by Ukrainian forces is being actively used in combat.

Last year, British newspapers claimed that the UK government had devised a plan to remove the Challenger 2 tanks from Ukraine if they faced the possibility of being destroyed or captured by Russian forces.

 

Both Britain and Ukraine are said to have planned a strategy to “rescue” the Challenger tanks from Russian forces.

The most concerning issue for Britain is the tank’s armor, which is considered a closely guarded secret.

The Challenger tank is equipped with advanced composite armor made from materials such as uranium, ceramic, and iron.

Britain’s concern about the “secrets” that Russia might uncover if the Challenger tank is captured is similar to the situation faced by the United States when it sent Abrams tanks to Ukraine.

The U.S. reportedly took steps to “strip” sensitive components from the M1A1 Abrams tanks before sending them to Ukraine to face Russian forces.

Washington did this to prevent these sensitive components from falling into Russian hands if the M1A1 Abrams tanks were captured in the conflict in Ukraine. — DSA