Britain might provide alternative tanks if those despatched to Ukraine are destroyed in battle, the Defence Secretary steered yesterday.

Fourteen Challenger 2s might be despatched to the warzone to participate within the spring offensive towards Russian occupiers.

They may take their place on the frontline subsequent month and might be joined by lots of of tanks from Nato allies.

Ukrainian troops are at the moment being skilled in Britain to function and make important repairs to the Challenger 2s.

However ought to any be destroyed by the Russians, the UK might present replacements.

Fourteen Challenger 2s will be despatched to the warzone to take part in the spring offensive against Russian occupiers

Fourteen Challenger 2s might be despatched to the warzone to participate within the spring offensive towards Russian occupiers

On a go to to Bovington camp in Dorset the place the Ukrainians are receiving instruction, Ben Wallace mentioned: ‘Am I open to sending extra tanks to Ukraine? Sure, as a result of the important thing phrase is sustainability.

‘We can even be offering restoration automobiles and spare elements. When added to the German Leopard tanks, the Challengers will make a major affect.

‘We’ll proceed to offer the capabilities wanted to assist Ukraine for so long as it takes.’

He added: ‘President Putin’s State of the Nation speech on Tuesday demonstrated simply how harmful to our safety Russia has turn into. It’s massively inspiring to witness Ukrainian troopers being skilled on British tanks.

‘Their resilience and willpower to succeed for the liberation of their nation sends a strong message to Russia.’

The Ukrainians will spend six weeks practising on Challenger 2 important battle tanks earlier than their return to the warzone. One soldier – Sasha, 24, from Zaporizhia – mentioned the distinction between the Challengers and Russian-made tanks was ‘like sea and land’.

He instructed the Mail: ‘The Challengers are a lot smoother, the steering is healthier. It is a superb tank, 100 per cent higher than the T-64s and T-72s.

‘I’m over half means by my coaching. I can’t wait to get again. I get bored right here. I sit up for driving the Challenger 2 into battle towards the Russians.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace mentioned Putin’s State of the Nation speech on Tuesday demonstrated ‘simply how harmful to our safety Russia has turn into’

Britain's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace (pictured: left) met with Ukrainian solders who are training at Bovington Camp in Dorset -  a British Army military base

Britain’s Defence Secretary Ben Wallace (pictured: left) met with Ukrainian solders who’re coaching at Bovington Camp in Dorset –  a British Military army base

‘They’ve rubbish tanks, not updated or that efficient, however there are such a lot of of them, that’s the drawback.’

Mr Wallace mentioned he has been ‘reassured’ following discussions with the Prime Minister and the Chancellor that defence spending might be elevated as a part of the Price range.

However he stays locked in negotiations with the Treasury over a lot extra funds the Ministry of Defence will obtain. He added: ‘With what you need to obtain in defence you can not afford to have an even bigger urge for food than your abdomen.

‘The info converse for themselves. Lately the Armed Forces have been hollowed out. Let’s see what occurs within the Price range.’

He was joined on the camp by the pinnacle of the Military, Basic Sir Patrick Sanders, who not too long ago warned the UK’s army had been left ‘weaker’ on account of sending tools to Ukraine. 

In an article for the Spectator journal printed at this time, historian Andrew Roberts additionally issued a warning over Britain’s fading defence capabilities.

He wrote: ‘The British Military is now all the way down to too few operational heavy weapons to conduct a international struggle.

‘Different Nato nations are changing the tools they’re sending to Ukraine in methods we aren’t.

President Putin¿s State of the Nation speech on Tuesday demonstrated just how dangerous to our security Russia has become

President Putin’s State of the Nation speech on Tuesday demonstrated simply how harmful to our safety Russia has turn into

‘Subsequent month’s Price range can be the time to determine whether or not, a 12 months after the invasion of Ukraine, Rishi Sunak actually does intend to struggle the Second Chilly Warfare on a budget.’

On paper, the UK has 227 of Challenger 2 tanks, which entered service within the late Nineteen Nineties. In actuality the variety of tanks that are battle-ready is considered round 80 – nonetheless, the MOD is not going to launch the precise determine citing nationwide safety causes.

Of this quantity, 14 have already been dedicated to Ukraine, leaving round 140 Challengers which primarily exist as a way to present spare elements for these tanks required for operations and workouts.

‘Cannibalising’ the fleet is critical as a result of lots of the spare elements required for the ‘C2s’ are not manufactured and the businesses which made these elements not exist.