Military Power

The British FV4034 Challenger 2 is the main battle tank currently in service with the United Kingdom. Built by the British company Alvis Vickers (now BAE Systems Land and Armaments). The manufacturer claims that it is the world's most reliable main battle tank. Challenger 2 is a complete redesign from Challenger 1, the MBT from which it was developed. Fewer than 5% of components are interchangeable, and the interior is reportedly totally different.

Challenger 2 entered service with the British Army in June 1998 and the last of the 386 tanks was delivered in April 2002. Challenger 2 has seen operational service in Bosnia and Kosovo. British Army Challenger 2 tanks were also deployed on active service in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Challenger 2E, the latest development model, has been designed for the export market and is suitable for harsh environmental and climactic conditions. The 2E has been extensively trialled in Greece, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.



In July 2004, the UK Ministry of Defense announced plans for a reduction of seven Challenger 2 armored squadrons (about 100 tanks) by March 2007 and the change of role of one Challenger 2 regiment to an armored reconnaissance regiment. I do not know if they successfully did so or not. Does anyone else know?

The design of the Challeger 2 turret incorporated several of the signicant features developed by Vickers for its Mk.7 MBT (a Vickers turret on a Leopard 2 chassis). The main features are an entirely new fire control system based on a Ballistic Control System developed by Computing Devices Company (Canada) for the U.S. Army's M1A1 MBT. This second generation computer incorporates dual 32-bit processors with a MIL STD1553B databus and has sufficient growth potential to accept Battlefield Information Control System (BICS) functions and navigation aids (a GPS satnav system).

(The British Army-a pocket handbook 2002-2003)

Goliath wrote: Challenger 2 entered service with the British Army in June 1998 and the last of the 386 tanks was delivered in April 2002

In addition there are some 22 Challenger Driver Training Tanks and 80 Challenger Repair and Recovery Vehicles (CRARV) in service with the British Army.



Currently Challenger 2 equips five Armoured Regiments (previously six-One,Queen's Royal Lancers, having recently converted to a Formation Reconnaissance Force organization).

The Regiments so equipped being :

Scots Dragoon Guards
Queen's Royal Hussars
Royal Dragoon Guards
2nd Royal Tank Regiment
Kings Royal Hussars

Each Regiment has a total of 58 Challenger 2 and 5 CRARVs in four Armoured Squadrons.