British Challenger tanks defeated over 300 Iraqi tank in just two days during 1991 Gulf War. This was the longest kill of a tank on a tank ever recorded. Some commentators were skeptical that such a kill could have been achieved. Some sources claimed that the kill could not be accomplished at a distance greater than 5,100 metres. The kill was nonetheless confirmed, and the Challenger tanks still hold the record for longest tank–on-tank kill.
The Challenger tank was designed to be used as a weapon of war, and it had advanced global positioning system (GPS) technology that helped the tank to see and move through dense smokescreens. The tank also featured a thermal observation and gunnery system that helped the tank see and target in the dark. Specially conceived depleted Uranium APFSDS L26A1 ammunitions were also used by Challenger tanks. They are known as Jericho. These rounds were not used against T-72M, the guard of the Iraqi Republican Guard.
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards utilized the Challenger tank in the 1991 Gulf War. The tank was used to liberate Kuwait from Iraq during the 1991 Gulf War campaign. On February 24, 1991, the British 1st Armoured Division launched a ground campaign. The tank finally reached the Basra Highway on the 27th of February 1991.
The tank was firing at an Iraqi main battle tank from a range of over 5,000 meters. The Challenger fired an armor-piercing gun that could destroy the tank's armor-stabilized discarding barrel. The crew of the tank received a Military Cross in recognition of their actions. The Challenger tank also took out two other Iraqi tanks in the same battle, making it the longest tank-on-tank kill in history.
Later, the Challenger 2 was created. From 1994 to2002, the tank was part of the British Army. Its engines were less powerful than the Challengers, but it had an advanced global positioning system. The tank was also equipped with a 120mm rifled guns. Future upgrades to the tank were planned with an unmanned Falcon tower. The tank's reactive armor was used to protect it from enemy fire and give it more mobility. The tank's gun is a different design than the smoothbore guns in modern MBTs. The tank was expected in service until 2035.
Royal Jordanian Army is currently using the British Challenger tank. The tank has been redesigned with a new Rolls-Royce CV12 motor that produces twice the power of the Chieftain. The tank has the latest Chobham armor. It also comes with a 120mm gun. The tank also includes jam-resistant K-2RB mobile radios. The tank has been equipped with Nozh reactive elements as well as a SN-4215 GN-4215 satellite navigation system.
The Challenger was used in many wars including the 1991 Gulf War and the Falkland Islands. It also participated in the 1991 ground war against Iraq. It also received a Distinguished Conduct Medal.