The British Army is considering how to dispose of its more than 70 surplus Challenger 2 tanks.

The UK Ministry of Defence has yet to make a final decision on the fate of Challenger 2 tanks that are not included in the upgrade to the Challenger 3 standard. This information was confirmed by UK Defence Secretary Luke Pollard in a report to Parliament, following inquiries about the nation's armored forces maintenance plans.

Scenarios for off-commission tank units

According to a report from the UK Defence Journal, London is considering several options for this surplus of vehicles. These options include: placing them in strategic reserves, selling them to international partners, using them as training targets, or transferring them as military aid. Notably, the possibility of supplying additional tanks to Ukraine has also been mentioned as a plausible scenario.

Of the total number of Challenger 2 tanks currently in service, the British Army only plans to modernize 148 to the Challenger 3 standard. This means that more than 70 tanks will be rendered redundant. However, the actual condition of these chassis is a matter of debate, with many reports indicating they are outdated and damaged after years of high-intensity operation.

Technical challenges on the new Challenger 3 standard

Reusing the Challenger 2's old chassis to develop the Challenger 3 revealed certain limitations. During prototype construction, engineers discovered that repairing and reinforcing damaged chassis could be more costly and complex than building a completely new one.

In addition, the Challenger 3 project is facing concerns about its weight and maneuverability:

• Record weight:The new version is expected to be about 10 tons heavier than its predecessor, bringing the total weight to 75 tons.
• Security system:The initial prototypes, introduced last year, still lacked some key systems such as the active protection system (APS).
• Dynamics:Although the engine was promised to be upgraded, the powertrain and transmission have yet to receive commensurate improvements to handle the new weight.

Lessons from the real battlefield

The question mark over the future of the Challenger 2 grew even larger when these tanks revealed weaknesses in their off-road capabilities during combat operations in Ukraine. Due to their heavy weight, British tanks often struggled to move across soft or muddy terrain, requiring complex logistics and rescue operations.

While awaiting the completion of the Challenger 3 project, the UK plans to continue operating its current Challenger 2 fleet. Some vehicles that will not be upgraded may be dismantled for parts to maintain the technical readiness of the remaining vehicles in service.