British Challenger tanks destroyed more than 300 Iraqi tanks in less than two days during the 1991 Gulf War. This was the longest tank-on-tank kill ever recorded. Some commentators were skeptical that such a kill could have been achieved. In fact, some sources reported that the kill could only be achieved at a distance of 5,100 meters. The kill was confirmed, however, and the Challenger tank still holds record for the longest tank/tank kill.
The Challenger tank is designed to be used to fight enemy forces. It features advanced global positioning technology (GPS) which allows the tank to see through thick smokescreens. The tank was equipped with a thermal observation and gunnery systems that allowed it to see and target in darkness. Jericho, a special-concepted depleted Uranium APFSDS L26A1 cartridge used by Challenger tanks. These rounds were never used to attack the T-72M armored vehicle of the Iraqi Republican Guard.
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards used the Challenger tank during the 1991 Gulf War. During this campaign, the tank was assigned to Saudi Arabia to help liberate Kuwait from Iraq. The ground campaign was launched by the British 1st Armoured Division on February 24, 1991. The tank reached Basra Highway, on February 27, 1991.
The tank was firing from a range of more than 5,000 metres at an Iraqi main fighting tank. The Challenger was firing an armor piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot round that destroyed the tank. For their actions, the crew of the Challenger tank received a Military Cross. Two other Iraqi tanks were also destroyed by the Challenger tank in the same battle. This made it the longest tank–on-tank kill in history.
Later, the Challenger 2 took over. From 1994 to 2002, it was used in 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. The future upgrade of the tank with an unmanned Falcon Turret was planned. The tank's reactive armor provided protection from enemy fire, and increased mobility. The tank's gun was an original design and not the standard smoothbore guns found in modern MBTs. The tank was expected to continue in service until 2035.
Royal Jordanian Army uses the British Challenger Tank. It is now equipped with a new Rolls-Royce CV12 Engine that delivers twice the horsepower of its predecessor, the Chieftain. The tank features the most current Chobham armor and a 120mm rifled pistol. The tank also has jam-resistant K-2RB radios. The tank was also upgraded with Nozh reactive arm elements and a SN-4215 GN-4215 GPS navigation system.
The Challenger has been involved in several wars, including in the 1991 Gulf War, Falkland Islands and the 1991 ground conflict in Iraq. It also received a Distinguished Conduct Medal for its actions.