DEFENCE Secretary Ben Wallace urged more countries to send tanks to Ukraine as Trending In The News inspected the new fleet given by Britain.
A squadron of 14 Challenger 2s will be on the battlefield within weeks to help blast Putin’s evil regime.
Ben Wallace urged more countries to send tanks to Ukraine
A squadron of 14 Challenger 2s will be on the battlefield within weeks to help blast Putin’s evil regime
Sun man Andy Robinson climbed on top of the 62.5 tonne beast to kneel next to its rifled 120mm L30A1 main armament – which holds the distance record for destroying another tank.
It was on show among dozens of other armoured vehciles and thousands of missiles at Estonia’s biggest army base Tapa, near Tallinn.
Mr Wallace announced the UK’s latest support package ahead of signing an international declaration yesterday with his European counterparts.
He warned Russia: “If President Putin is banking on us getting bored this year, he is wrong.
“We will plan for this year, next year, the year after and beyond.
“We’re not going anywhere Mr Putin. We’re here for the long haul standing by Ukraine.
“You need to recalculate. You need to make a change and leave Ukraine.”
Asked about Germany’s reluctance to hand over their Leopard tanks, Mr Wallace added: “What we’re trying to do is build a critical mass of armour and ultimately we’ll get there in the end. Who it comes from is obviously open for discussion.
“Those countries with Leopards wishing to donate should follow the formal path of request and we’ll see what happens.”
The Challenger 2, which can do 37mph through its V12 engine, has a 97 per cent chance of a first time hit with its 47 rounds – and also carries a chain gun.
Major Mark Lambert, deployed with the King’s Royal Hussars on Operation Cabrit, said: “The Chobham armour is still world-beating. There is yet to be a tank destroyed or crew killed in enemy action while serving in a Challenger 2.
Ben Wallace said: ‘Those countries with Leopards wishing to donate should follow the formal path of request and we’ll see what happens’
Some 600 Brimstone missiles are among thousands of sophisticated rockets also being donated by the UK Government
“It was designed to fight Russian T series tanks in Eastern Europe and that’s what it’s going to do. It is better.”
The UK will provide four battery’s of eight AS90 self-propelled artillery guns as well as Bulldog and CVR(T) armoured vehicles too.
Some 600 Brimstone missiles are among thousands of sophisticated rockets also being donated by the UK Government.
It has pledged to match or exceed last year’s £2.3billion military aid package in 2023.
Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur, the first to sign yesterday’s international declaration wearing a Three Lions sweatshirt, predicted the “hardest battles are still ahead”.
He said: “My special gratitude goes to our close ally of the United Kingdom for leading this initiative with us.
“In these uncertain times, we have to show leadership. Donating many battle tanks is leadership at its best.”
