| Leopard 2A6 | Challenger 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Germany | United Kingdom |
| In service | 2001 (2A6) | 1998 |
| Weight | 62.3 t | About 62.5 t (up to ~75 t with add-on armor) |
| Main gun | 120 mm L/55 smoothbore | 120 mm L30A1 rifled |
| Ammunition | One-piece | Separate projectile and charge |
| Engine | 1,500 hp V12 diesel | 1,200 hp Perkins CV12 diesel |
| Top speed | About 68–70 km/h | About 59 km/h |
| Crew | 4 | 4 |
| Built | About 3,600 (all Leopard 2s) | About 450 |
The gun: rifled vs smoothbore
The Challenger 2 is the last major Western tank with a rifled gun. Britain kept rifling because it suited its high-explosive squash-head (HESH) rounds, which are effective against buildings and light vehicles. But it meant British tanks could not share NATO's standard 120 mm smoothbore ammunition, and the UK's own armor-piercing ammunition fell behind. The Challenger 3 fixes this with a Rheinmetall 120 mm L55A1 smoothbore, the same gun family as the Leopard 2.
Protection
The Challenger 2's Chobham/Dorchester armor gave it a reputation as one of the best-protected tanks in the world. In the 2003 Iraq war, one survived being hit by more than a dozen RPGs and an anti-tank missile. Its add-on armor packages push weight toward 75 tonnes, making it heavier than any Leopard.
Mobility
With 1,200 hp against the Leopard's 1,500 hp, the Challenger 2 is noticeably slower and less agile, especially in its heaviest configuration.
In Ukraine
The UK sent 14 Challenger 2s to Ukraine in 2023, the first Western main battle tanks pledged. They arrived around the same time as the first Leopard 2A6s. The first Challenger 2 lost in combat was destroyed in September 2023. The small number and unique ammunition made them harder to support than the Leopards.
Challenger 3
The UK is converting 148 Challenger 2s to Challenger 3 standard, with a new turret, the Rheinmetall smoothbore gun, Trophy active protection and modern sights. Initial service is planned for the late 2020s. In capability it will be close to a Leopard 2A8.
Verdict
The Challenger 2 is extremely well armored but slower, heavier and built in small numbers with a non-standard gun. The Leopard 2 is more mobile and far more widely supported. The Challenger 3 narrows the gap by adopting the Leopard's gun.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Challenger 2 have a rifled gun?
Yes, the 120 mm L30A1. It is the last major Western tank with a rifled gun. The Challenger 3 switches to a Rheinmetall smoothbore.
Is the Challenger 2 better protected than the Leopard 2?
It has a strong reputation for protection, and with add-on armor it is heavier than any Leopard. But a modern Leopard 2A7V or 2A8 is also very well protected.
How many Challenger 2 did Ukraine get?
14, delivered in 2023.