A British Challenger 2 tank rolls over a hill during a live-training session at CFB Suffield in this May 2017 file photo. The U.K. Is transferring 14 of its tanks to Ukraine.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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Challenger 2 tanks, like those which trained at CFB Suffield, will be transferred to Ukraine as the first donation of heavy armour from a NATO country during the invasion by Russia, the British government has confirmed.
Kyiv is pressing for Western countries to provide tanks – including Leopard 2 models from Canada – as it bolsters its defences and strike capabilities with the war approaching its first anniversary next month and ahead of an expected spring offensive.
British Defence Minister Ben Wallace told the Commons on Tuesday that 14 of the Challenger 2 tanks – enough to form a squadron – would be transferred to Ukrainian government immediately as part of a military aid package.
A training program would likely consist of a month or more of intensive work between British and Ukrainian army personnel, and may likely take place in England, analysts told British Army communications outlet, Forces.net.
Canadian Defence Minister Anita Anand committed to sending 200 armoured personnel carriers on Wednesday, but debate revolves on forwarding some of the 100 or so Leopard 2 battle tanks operated by Canada.
The announcement comes before a conference of NATO defence ministers in Germany on Friday.
That host country has been debating whether to allow German-made Leopard 2 tanks in Poland and Finland be transferred by those nations to the Ukrainians.
Canada, as well, has about 200 Leopard 2 tanks,
According to the Guardian, Wallace told the Commons his government’s position has been made clear.
“There’s a debate in Germany at the moment about whether a tank is an offensive weapon or defensive weapon,” he said. “Well, depends on what you’re using it for. If you’re using it to defend your country, I would wager that it is a defensive weapon system.”
The Guardian also published details of an internal British military email to troops, stating, “Ukraine needs our tanks and guns now … (they will be put) to good use.”
The British aid package announced this week will also include eight prices of AS90 artillery with ammunition, and an unspecified number of other lighter armoured vehicles.
Challenger tanks were used in active deployments in Iraq, as well as Bosnia and Kosovo, and a training fleet was maintained at CFB Suffield until last year.
At that time the British Ministry of Defence announced it would upgrade about two thirds of its 227 Challenger 2s, at a cost of 750-million pounds, and mothball the remainder.
Most in-service tanks are on exercises in Eastern Europe to act as a deterrence measure.
