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. Some commentators were skeptical that such a kill could have been achieved. According to some sources, the kill was only possible at 5,100 meters. The kill was confirmed and Challenger still holds the record of longest tank-on–tank kill.
The Challenger tank was intended to be used as a weapon in war. It had an advanced global positioning systems (GPS), which enabled it to see through dense smokescreens and maneuver around them. 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 against T72M Tank, the Iraqi Republican Guard's guard tank.
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards made use of the Challenger tank as part of the land offensive in 1991 Gulf War. This tank was sent to Saudi Arabia for the liberation of Kuwait from Iraq. The ground campaign was launched by the British 1st Armoured Division on February 24, 1991. The tank finally reached the Basra Highway on the 27th of February 1991.
The tank was firing at an Iraqi major battle tank from a range exceeding 5,000 m. The Challenger was firing an armor piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot round that destroyed the tank. The tank's crew was awarded a Military Cross. The Challenger tank was also able to defeat two other Iraqi tanks during the same battle, making this the longest tank - on-tank kill ever recorded.
The Challenger 2 replaced the Challenger. The tank was used in the British Army from 1994 to 2002. The tank's engines were smaller than those of the Challengers but had a more advanced global positioning system. The tank also included a 120 mm rifled pistol. It was hoped that the tank would eventually be equipped with an unmanned Falcon-turret. The tank featured reactive armor which provided more mobility and protection against enemy fire. The tank's gun was a unique design, as opposed to the smoothbore guns used in other modern MBTs. It was expected that the tank would remain in service until 2035.
Royal Jordanian Army currently uses the British Challenger tank. The new Rolls-Royce CV12 engine, which provides twice as much power as the Chieftain tank, has been added to the design. The tank is equipped with the latest Chobham armor and is armed with a 120 mm rifled gun. It also features 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 was also awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal.