In the middle of Ukraine’s ongoing war effort, the United Kingdom still has not decided what to do with over a hundred Challenger 2 tanks that were left out of its modernization program, according to UK Defence Journal. While some of these tanks may eventually be donated, scrapped, stored, or used for training, no formal policy or timeline has been announced.
UK holds off on decision over Challenger 2 tanks not chosen for upgrade
UK Defence Journal says the country's Defense Minister Luke Pollard confirmed in a written parliamentary reply to Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty that the fate of 140 Challenger 2 tanks excluded from the Challenger 3 program remains unresolved. While 148 tanks were selected for upgrade into the Challenger 3 standard — which includes a new turret and a 120 mm smoothbore gun — the rest have been left in limbo.
Pollard said,
“A decision on what will happen to the Challenger 2 platforms not being used as part of the Challenger 3 programme has not yet been taken.”
According to UK Defence Journal, these tanks have been described variously as potential sources of spare parts, candidates for disposal, or platforms to be held in reserve. But with no formal policy, options such as long-term storage, transfer to allies, scrapping, or reallocation to training roles remain open.
Challenger 3 program faces delays and raises concerns
According to the Ukrainian publication Defense Express, the UK may continue operating its Challenger 2 fleet for an extended period due to uncertainty around the Challenger 3 program, which may turn into a prolonged development effort. The outlet points out that when the new tank variant was publicly presented last year, it was still missing critical systems, such as an active protection suite.
In addition, Challenger 3 is expected to weigh 10 tons more than its predecessor, possibly reaching a record 75 tons, the publication notes. While the engine is scheduled for modernization, the transmission reportedly won’t be significantly upgraded. That could pose operational challenges, especially since Challenger 2 tanks already faced mobility issues during their deployment in Ukraine.
Defense Express emphasizes that the Challenger 2 tanks still have potential value. While some might serve as donors for parts or face decommissioning, others could theoretically be sold or transferred — including to Ukraine.
