UK to ship Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine “instantly”

British Challenger 2 tank Europa Press

Britain thus turns into the primary Western energy to produce kyiv with front-line battle tanks, a landmark second within the historical past of navy assist to Ukraine regardless of fears inside NATO that Russia could take into account the choice as an escalation of warfare.

In a cellphone name on Saturday, Sunak confirmed the intention to “intensify British help for Ukraine, together with by supplying Challenger 2 tanks and extra artillery techniques.”

Always sturdy help of the UK is now impenetrable and prepared for challenges. In a dialog with the Prime Minister, @RishiSunak, I thanked for the selections that won’t solely strengthen us on the battlefield, but additionally ship the suitable sign to different companions.

— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 14, 2023

The prime minister and President Zelensky “welcomed” different worldwide commitments on this regard, together with Poland’s provide to supply a Leopard tank firm.

Although the Downing Street assertion doesn’t specify the precise variety of tanks, authorities sources had beforehand knowledgeable ‘The Sun’ tabloid that there was an intention to ship at the very least 4 tanks “instantly” and “eight extra within the close to future”. .

Before the beginning of the warfare, Ukraine had 2,550 tanks, based on GlobalData 2021, essentially the most subtle of them is the (MBT) T-64 mannequin, of which it had 720 items.