British Challenger tanks destroyed over 300 Iraqi tanks within two days during the 1991 Gulf War. This was the longest recorded tank-on–tank kill. But, commentators weren't convinced that such a kill could be possible. Some sources claimed that the kill could not be accomplished at a distance greater than 5,100 metres. Nevertheless, the kill was confirmed and the Challenger tank still holds the record for the longest tank-on-tank kill.
The Challenger tank, which was designed for use as a weapon-of-war, featured an advanced global position system (GPS), technology that enabled the tank see through dense smokescreens. It also had a thermal observation system and gunnery system, which allowed it to target and see in the dark. Jericho is a special depleted Uranium APFSDS L26A1 rifle that was used in Challenger tanks. These rounds were not used against T-72M, the guard of the Iraqi Republican Guard.
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards used the Challenger tank during the 1991 Gulf War. This tank was sent to Saudi Arabia for the liberation of Kuwait from Iraq. The British 1st Armoured Division launched the ground campaign on February 24, 1991. 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 was firing an armour-piercing, fin-stabilized, discarding sabot round which destroyed the tank. The tank's crew received a Military Cross for their actions. 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, the tank was used by the British Army. It had less power than the Challengers' engines, but it also had an advanced global position system. The tank also had a 120 mm rifled gun. The future upgrade of the tank with an unmanned Falcon Turret was planned. The tank was designed with reactive armor that helped protect the tank from enemy fire and gave the tank more mobility. The tank's gun was different from the modern MBTs that use smoothbore guns. The tank was expected in service until 2035.
Royal Jordanian Army currently uses the British Challenger tank. The Rolls-Royce CV12 diesel engine has twice the horsepower as the Chieftain. The tank comes equipped with the most recent Chobham armor, and is armed a 120mm rifled 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 deployed in numerous wars, including the Gulf War of 1991, the Falkland islands, and the ground war in Iraq in 1991. It also received a Distinguished Conduct Medal.