Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine - UK Defence Sec Ben Wallace makes statement to Parliament 16.I.2023

Long awaited, the first shipment of Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) to Ukraine from a NATO ally was announced to Parliament at Westminster on 16 January 2023 by UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. Here is the full 10 minute statement.

Wallace tells us at 1:30 that Russia is now using convicts to labour at making weapons.

At 3:30 he boasts of the joint chaired Danish-UK International Fund for Ukraine, into which contribute Sweden Norway Iceland Lithuania and the Netherlands.

No less than 1600 Russian MBTs were destroyed or else how incapacitated by Ukraine. (4:00)

At 4:30 Wallace tells us that a squadron of Challenger 2 MBTs will be sent to Ukraine, along with recovery and maintenance vehicles, along with eight AS-90 self-propelled artillery guns.

I was surprised when Wallace mentioned the FV432 Bulldog tracked AFV, which can transport 10 troops to battle.

He went on to speak of minefield clearing and bridging capabilities and dozens of UAV artillery spotters, as well as 100,000 artillery rounds, GMLRS missiles, Starstreak missiles, spare parts for 100 tanks and IFVs.

(6:25) if 2022 was about Ukraine resisting Russia, 2023 will be about Ukraine expelling Russia.

By the way, along with the airmail delivery, the British Army will be getting more Challenger 3 tanks, additional to the 148 already promised, because it's a dangerous neighbourhood. (7:00)

Along with the Challenger 3 announcement, the entire Mobile Fires programme will now be advanced. Whereas it had been scheduled to be delivered some time in the 2030s, the schedule will see them delivered starting in four years.

By the way, he is negotiating with suppliers for more artillery. (7:25)

Wallace hopes that this announcement will hasten the decision of the German government to free the Leopards. (7:40)

In case you missed it, Wallace recaps why we're doing this at 7:55.

A quick note on the Ramstein meeting later this week. (8:15)

By the way, the UK intends to train 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers this year. Canada Denmark Sweden Lithuania Netherlands New Zealand have already joined the training programme. Wallace announced that Australia was soon to join the crew.

Nice work Ben, you hit it for six.