British Challenger 2 tanks have been used by Ukrainian troops inside Russia
While the UK and Ukrainian governments remain tight-lipped about operational details, a source has indicated that British tanks have crossed into Russia as part of Ukraine’s Kursk offensive.
Ukrainian troops have reportedly used British Challenger 2 tanks in their offensive within Russia, according to Sky News.
This marks what is believed to be the first instance of British tanks, operated by Ukrainian forces, being used in combat on Russian soil.
The Ministry of Defence in London declined to provide operational details but confirmed to Sky News that there has been no change in policy. Ukraine’s armed forces also did not comment.
Under current government policy, the UK has confirmed that Ukraine is permitted to use British weapons on Russian territory. A source indicated that Challenger 2 tanks were indeed used during the Ukrainian incursion that began on 6 August.
Details regarding how and when the tanks were deployed in Russia’s Kursk region, as well as the number of tanks involved, remain unclear.
However, Ukraine’s formidable 82nd Air Assault Brigade has been operating the British Challenger 2 main battle tanks since last year.
Elements of this brigade are confirmed to be participating in the Kursk offensive.
The UK agreed to supply Ukraine with 14 Challenger 2 tanks in January 2023, a decision that led Germany and the US to provide their own tanks as well.
One of the British Challenger 2 tanks was destroyed during operations in Ukraine last September, marking the first time this tank had been lost in active combat.
The Challenger 2, which has been in service since 1994, weighs 62.5 tonnes and is equipped with a 120mm rifled gun and a 7.62mm chain gun.
According to UK government policy, any weapons provided to Ukraine by the UK must be used in accordance with international law. The military aid is intended to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian attacks.
The Times reported on Wednesday that Sir Ben Wallace, the former defence secretary, revealed that during his tenure, he authorized Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia using “whatever weapons [were] supplied to it,” with the exception of long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles.
He indicated that the same rules applied to Ukraine’s operation in Russia’s Kursk region, stating that if the attack targeted logistics and infrastructure supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it was “perfectly legitimate” for Ukraine to use British weapons.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed, “There has been no change in UK government policy. Under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Ukraine has a clear right to self-defence against Russia’s illegal attacks, which does not exclude operations inside Russia.
“We emphasize during the gifting process that the equipment must be used in compliance with international law.”
