Challenger 2: The British tank that's never been destroyed by the enemy

British Challenger 2 main battle tanks are heading to Ukraine to help its forces in their defence against Russia's invasion.

In January, the UK announced it would send 14 Challenger 2 tanks to help oust the Kremlin's invaders from Ukraine.

Russia will be fighting an undefeated platform – not once has the Challenger 2 been destroyed at the hands of an enemy.

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The tank has a glistening service record in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq.

Ukrainian crews this month completed training on Challenger 2 tanks in the UK and returned home to continue their fight against Russia's invasion.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the Ukrainian soldiers "return to their homeland better equipped, but to no less danger".

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) said that the training has been completed after UK military officials spent several weeks instructing Ukrainian personnel how to operate and fight with the tanks.

Mr Wallace, who visited the Ukrainian troops during their training at Bovington Camp in Dorset in February, said: "It is truly inspiring to witness the determination of Ukrainian soldiers having completed their training on British Challenger 2 tanks on British soil."

Here is what the tank will bring to Ukraine's arsenal.

Armour

Chobham (RPG-resistant).

Main Armament             

120mm rifled gun

Secondary Armament   

Boeing 7.62mm Chain gun and additional GPMG (general-purpose machine gun)

Engine

V12 26.1 litre diesel engine.

Max speed

37 miles per hour.

Length                               

13.5 metres with gun forward.

Range                                

340 miles (160 off-road).

Crew                                   

Four (Commander, Gunner, Driver, Loader)

One hundred and forty-eight Challenger 2s are currently being upgraded to 'Challenger 3s' – with the remaining 79 vehicles from the fleet set for retirement.

The MOD described the Challenger 2 vehicles as a "step change in capability" for Ukraine's armed forces, saying the machines would offer them some of the most modern and sophisticated gunnery systems in the world.

The Ukrainian troops return home with the Western tanks in time for a reported spring counter-offensive by Kyiv that is said to be in the works.