Editing Challenger 2 (section)

== Operational history ==
{{Blockquote|quote=[The tank was] well armoured but in an operational theatre it's not the case that you can have absolute protection. This was not in any way new technology&nbsp;– the device involved was the same type of shaped charge that we have seen used very regularly. No one has ever said Challenger tanks are impenetrable. We have always said that a big enough bomb will defeat any armour and any vehicle.|source=<small>MoD spokesman, speaking in regard to the Challenger 2</small><ref>{{cite news |title=Iraq bombing damages British tank | work = BBC News |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6583607.stm |date=23 April 2007 |access-date=23 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070424034103/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6583607.stm |archive-date=24 April 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref>}}
[[File:Kosovo Battle Group Deploys. 05-09-2000. MOD 45137687.jpg|thumb|Challenger 2 tanks deployed in Kosovo, September 2000]]

The first operational deployments of Challenger 2 tanks were to support [[United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina|peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina]] and [[Kosovo]].{{cn|date=August 2024}}

Challenger 2 was first used in combat in March 2003 during the [[invasion of Iraq]]. The 120 tanks of [[7th Armoured Brigade (United Kingdom)|7th Armoured Brigade]], part of [[1st (United Kingdom) Division|1st Armoured Division]], went into action around [[Basra]]. The type saw extensive use during the siege of the city, providing fire support to the British forces and knocking out Iraqi tanks, mainly [[T-54/55]]s.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

The tanks deployed to Iraq were "desertised" in an effort to avoid the difficulties that had been identified in Challenger 2 during [[Saif Sareea II|Exercise Saif Sareea II]] in [[Oman]] 18 months earlier. The addition of sand filters and other modifications through a series of Urgent Operational Requirements substantially improved the platform's [[operational availability]].{{cn|date=August 2024}}

[[File:Challenger 2 at speed, Oman, 25-09-2001. MOD 45140649.jpg|thumb|Challenger 2 in Oman during [[Saif Sareea II|Exercise Saif Sareea II]] in September 2001]]

[[File:A Challenger 2 crosses into Iraq. 21-03-2003 MOD 45142823.jpg|thumb|A Challenger 2 in Iraq, 2003]]
During the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]], the Challenger 2 tanks suffered no tank losses to Iraqi fire. In one encounter within an urban area, a Challenger 2 came under attack from irregular forces with machine guns and [[rocket propelled grenade]]s (RPGs). The driver's sight was damaged and while attempting to back away under the commander's directions, the other sights were damaged and the tank threw its tracks entering a ditch.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/2908679.stm |title=Dragoon guards survive ambush |publisher=BBC News |date=2 April 2003 |access-date= 16 January 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110417191537/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/2908679.stm |archive-date=17 April 2011 |url-status= live}}</ref> The crew survived, safe within the tank until it was recovered for repairs, the worst damage being to the sighting system. It was back in operation six hours later.{{cn|date=August 2024}}
* {{anchor|Basra 2003}}25 March 2003: A [[friendly fire]] ("blue-on-blue") incident in Basra in which one Challenger 2 of the Black Watch Battlegroup ([[2nd Royal Tank Regiment]]) mistakenly engaged another Challenger 2 of the [[Queen's Royal Lancers]] after detecting what was believed to be an enemy flanking manoeuvre on thermal equipment. The attacking tank's second HESH round hit the open commander's hatch lid of the QRL tank sending hot fragments into the turret, killing two crew members. The hit caused a fire that eventually ignited the stowed ammunition, destroying the tank. This was the first Challenger 2 to be destroyed on operations.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/C2384518-7EBA-4CFF-B127-E87871E41B51/0/boi_challenger2_25mar03.pdf |title= UK Ministry of Defence: Army Board of Inquiry Report |access-date= 16 January 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110608011154/http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/C2384518-7EBA-4CFF-B127-E87871E41B51/0/boi_challenger2_25mar03.pdf |archive-date=8 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title= Challenger 2 of the Queen's Royal Lancers destroyed by "friendly fire" from another Challenger – Basra 2003 |website=Reddit |date=16 July 2015 |format=photogram |url= https://www.reddit.com/r/DestroyedTanks/comments/3dgqoj/challenger_2_of_the_queens_royal_lancers/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Rory McCarthy |title=Friendly fire kills two UK tank crew |url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/mar/26/iraq.rorymccarthy1 |website= [[The Guardian]] |date=26 March 2003 |access-date=21 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522111212/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/mar/26/iraq.rorymccarthy1 |archive-date=22 May 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* August 2006: An RPG-29 capable of firing a [[tandem-charge]] penetrated the frontal lower underbelly armour of a Challenger 2 commanded by Captain Thomas Williams of The Queens's Royal Hussars south east of [[Amarah|al-Amarah]], southern Iraq. Its driver, Trooper Sean Chance, lost part of his foot in the blast; two more of the crew were slightly injured. Chance was able to reverse the vehicle {{convert|1.5|mi|km|abbr=on}} to the regimental aid post despite his injuries.<ref>{{cite web |first=Sean |last=Rayment |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1551418/MoD-kept-failure-of-best-tank-quiet.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |title=MoD kept failure of best tank quiet |date=12 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803190029/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1551418/MoD-kept-failure-of-best-tank-quiet.html |archive-date=3 August 2020 }}</ref> The incident was not made public until May 2007; in response to accusations that crews had been told the tank was impervious to the insurgents' weapons, the MoD said "We have never claimed that the Challenger 2 is impenetrable."<ref name= telegraph1551418>{{cite news |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1551418/MoD-kept-failure-of-best-tank-quiet.html |title=MoD kept failure of best tank quiet |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |first=Sean |last= Rayment |date=13 May 2007 |access-date= 12 May 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150704200640/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1551418/MoD-kept-failure-of-best-tank-quiet.html |archive-date=4 July 2015 |url-status= live}}</ref>
* 6 April 2007: In Basra, Iraq, a [[shaped charge]] from an [[improvised explosive device]] (IED) penetrated the underside of a tank resulting in the driver losing a leg and causing minor injuries to another soldier.<ref>{{cite web |first=Patrick |last=Foster |url= https://www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/article/improvised-bomb-hits-british-tank-5ctnfgvbzp9 |work=[[The Times]] |title= Improvised bomb hits British tank |date=23 April 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201031005243/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/improvised-bomb-hits-british-tank-5ctnfgvbzp9 |archive-date=31 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Caroline |last=Wyatt |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8291969.stm | work =BBC News |title= Injured troops battle bureaucracy |date=6 October 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091105065249/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8291969.stm |archive-date= 5 November 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Norton-Taylor |first=Richard |date=2007-04-23 |title=Roadside bomb pierces Challenger tank in Iraq |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/apr/24/iraq.world |access-date=2025-03-30 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

[[File:Challenger_2_FV4034_-_Megatron_(7527723404).jpg|thumb|A Challenger 2 with added explosive reactive armour panels, manufactured by [[Rafael Advanced Defense Systems]]<ref name= "ReferenceA"/> on display at [[The Tank Museum]]]]
To help prevent incidents of this nature, Challenger 2s have been upgraded with a new passive armour package, including the use of add-on armour manufactured by [[Rafael Advanced Defense Systems]] of Israel.<ref name= "ReferenceA">''British Next Generation Armour'', Tankograd British Special no. 9009, Dan Hay</ref> When deployed on operations the Challenger 2 is now normally upgraded to Theatre Entry Standard (TES), which includes a number of modifications including armour and weapon system upgrades.

Since 2017, the UK has regularly deployed Challenger 2 tanks, alongside [[Warrior IFV|Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles]], to [[Estonia]] as part of [[NATO Enhanced Forward Presence#United Kingdom|Operation Cabrit]]. The two squadrons of tanks currently deployed, form part of the British contribution to the [[NATO Enhanced Forward Presence]] multinational battlegroup in the Baltics.<ref>{{cite book |last1= Brooke-Holland |first1=Louisa |title= UK forces in Estonia |date=21 November 2022 |publisher=House of Commons Library |pages=1–10 |url= https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-9639/CBP-9639.pdf |access-date=15 January 2023 |format=Commons Library Research Briefing}}</ref>

[[File:QRH Challenger 2s in Estonia MOD 45167100.jpg|thumb|A Challenger 2 of the [[Queen's Royal Hussars]] on exercise in Estonia, November 2020]]

In July 2022, a squadron of 14 Challenger 2 tanks of the [[Queen's Royal Hussars]] were sent to [[Poland]] on an initial 6-month deployment. The squadron is to be integrated into a Polish battlegroup under Polish command. The move is designed to 'backfill' Polish capability after Polish [[T-72]] tanks were [[List of military aid to Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War|donated to Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Olver |first1=Rob |title= British Challenger 2 tanks stored at Sennelager head to Poland |url= https://www.forces.net/operations/germany/challenger-2-tanks-stored-sennelager-are-being-sent-poland |access-date=15 January 2023 | work = Forces |date=5 July 2022}}</ref>

On 21 June 2023, the Ukrainian army released a video purportedly showing the Challenger 2 in Ukraine. The tanks are assigned to the [[11th Separate Army Aviation]] although this may be a deception move.<ref>{{cite news |first= Roland |last=Oliphant |title= British British Challenger 2 tanks seen on Ukraine battlefield for first time | work=The Daily Telegraph |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/06/21/british-challenger-2-tanks-seen-on-ukraine-battlefield/ |access-date= 22 June 2023 |url-access= subscription |date=21 June 2023}}</ref> In September 2023, Ukrainian Air Assault Forces Command published a video interview with a Ukrainian Challenger 2 crew member who stated that the tank was a "sniper rifle among tanks" due to its accuracy.<ref name= "ukraineinterview">{{cite web |title= Challenger 2 is a "Sniper Rifle Among Tanks," Says Ukrainian Soldier About the British MBT and Compares with Soviet T-80 |url = https://en.defence-ua.com/news/challenger_2_is_a_sniper_rifle_among_tanks_says_ukrainian_soldier_about_the_british_mbt_and_compares_with_soviet_t_80-7821.html#:~:text=Challenger%202%20is%20a%20%22Sniper,Compares%20with%20Soviet%20T%2D80 |website=Defense Express |access-date=3 September 2023}}</ref> 

On 4 September 2023, a video emerged from Robotyne which showed the first combat loss of a Challenger 2 tank.<ref name="destroyedchallenger"/> A [[9M133 Kornet]] missile triggered a fire that apparently cooked off the Challenger 2's ammunition charges, and the resulting blast wrenched the Challenger 2's [[Jack-in-the-box effect|turret from its hull]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Axe |first=David |title=The Challenger 2 Tank Has A Lot Of Armor. The Ukrainians Added More. |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/09/24/the-challenger-2-tank-has-a-lot-of-armor-the-ukrainians-added-more/ |access-date=26 October 2023 |website=Forbes }}</ref>

[[File:Challenger 2 UA (2).jpg|thumb|Ukrainian Challenger 2. [[82nd Air Assault Brigade (Ukraine)|82nd Air Assault Brigade]], 2024]]
According to Ukrainian media in 10 March 2024: two more Challenger 2s had been damaged and repaired; only 7 of 14 remain in combat-ready condition. It is often necessary to repair turret parts and the aiming system; the low level of readiness is due to delays getting parts for routine repairs.<ref name="Unews">{{cite web|url=https://ukranews.com/en/news/990581-7-of-14-challenger-2-tanks-that-britain-handed-over-to-ukraine-remain-in-combat-ready-condition|title=7 of 14 Challenger 2 tanks that Britain handed over to Ukraine remain in combat-ready condition |date=10 March 2024}}</ref> One Ukrainian Challenger 2 crew member said that the tank's 1,200-horsepower engine is under-powered for a 71-ton vehicle, and they often get bogged down in soft soil and need towing by other Challengers or engineering vehicles. While a smoothbore 120&nbsp;mm L44 tank cannon has a useful life of up to 1,500 rounds, a rifled L30A1 wears out after only 500 rounds.<ref> {{Cite web |last=Axe |first=David |title=The British Challenger 2 Is The Wrong Tank For Ukraine |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/03/27/the-british-challenger-2-is-the-wrong-tank-for-ukraine/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>
In August 2024, British news media reported that Challenger 2 tanks were participating in Ukraine's [[August 2024 Kursk Oblast incursion|Kursk Oblast incursion]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.sky.com/story/british-challenger-2-tanks-thought-to-have-been-used-inside-russia-by-ukrainian-troops-sky-news-understands-13197260 |title=British Challenger 2 tanks have been used inside Russia by Ukrainian troops, Sky News understands |last=Haynes |first=Deborah |date=15 August 2024 |website=news.sky.com |publisher=Sky News UK |access-date=15 August 2024 }}</ref> During the incursion a Challenger 2 tank was destroyed by Russian forces using a [[ZALA Lancet|Lancet loitering munition]]; this would be the second confirmed loss of the tank during the war.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite news|title=Ex-British Challenger 2 Tanks Roll Into Kursk As Ukraine's Invasion of Russia Grinds Into Its 11th Day|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/08/16/ex-british-challenger-2-tanks-roll-into-kursk-as-ukraines-invasion-of-russia-grinds-into-its-11th-day/|access-date=2024-08-17|website=[[Forbes]]}}</ref> The third Challenger 2 tank was destroyed on 14 November 2024 after a Russian FPV drone struck the driver's position while the tank was parked in a tree line.<ref name="Unews" /><ref name="auto1" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forcesnews.com/russia/russia-claims-drone-has-hit-and-destroyed-british-supplied-challenger-2-tank|title=Russia claims drone has hit and destroyed British-supplied Challenger 2 tank|date=14 November 2024|website=www.forcesnews.com}}</ref><ref>https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2024/11/15/challenger-2-falls-to-fpv-drone-debunking-british-claims/</ref> A fourth Challenger 2 tank was destroyed south of [[Malaya Loknya]] during the incursion on 5 January 2025 after a Russian FPV drone struck the [[gun mantlet]].<ref name="auto4"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=UA map |url=https://map.ukrdailyupdate.com/?lat=51.297550&lng=35.217056&z=13&d=20093&c=1&l=0 |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=map.ukrdailyupdate.com}}</ref>