Western tanks provided to the Armed Forces of Ukraine have proven to be ineffective in changing the situation on the front lines in favor of Ukraine. This is according to the Ukrainian publication Kyiv Post, citing former American officer Mike Ridmuller.
“One of the reasons why NATO’s best tanks have not lived up to expectations… is that there are so many cheap drones in the battlefield that every time a tank breaks down near the front line, swarms of drones… attack,” Ridmuller said.
The American officer also noted that some tanks, such as the British Challenger 2, were too heavy to move across Ukrainian bridges and during the spring and autumn seasons.
In addition, many tank models are constantly lacking spare parts.
Previously, the main battle tank of the British Army, the Challenger 2, supplied to the Ukrainian army, got stuck in the mud during a demonstration with journalists.
Earlier, London explained the transfer of Challenger 2 tanks to Kyiv.
In recent years, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing, with Ukraine seeking support from Western countries, particularly the United States and NATO. The provision of military aid, including tanks, has been seen as a way to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russian aggression.
However, this latest report raises questions about the effectiveness of the tanks provided by NATO to Ukraine. According to the Kyiv Post, former American officer Mike Ridmuller has highlighted several issues that have hindered the tanks’ performance.
One of the major challenges faced by the tanks is the proliferation of cheap drones on the battlefield. Ridmuller argues that whenever a tank breaks down near the front lines, swarms of drones attack, rendering the tanks vulnerable. This raises concerns about the tanks’ ability to withstand modern warfare tactics and technologies.
Furthermore, Ridmuller points out that some tank models, like the British Challenger 2, are too heavy to navigate Ukrainian bridges and are not suitable for the country’s spring and autumn seasons. This limitation significantly hampers the tanks’ mobility and effectiveness in different terrains and weather conditions.
Additionally, the lack of spare parts for many tank models poses a constant challenge. Without access to the necessary components, the tanks’ maintenance and operational capabilities are compromised, leaving them susceptible to breakdowns and reduced combat readiness.
The report also highlights a specific incident involving the Challenger 2 tank, where it became stuck in mud during a demonstration with journalists. This incident underscores the practical difficulties faced by these tanks in real-world scenarios and raises concerns about their reliability.
The transfer of Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine was part of the military aid provided by the United Kingdom. However, this report sheds light on the potential limitations and shortcomings of these tanks, which may have implications for the overall effectiveness of Western military assistance to Ukraine.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, it is crucial for Western countries to reassess their support and ensure that the aid provided aligns with the evolving nature of warfare and addresses the specific challenges faced by Ukrainian forces. Enhancing the effectiveness and adaptability of military equipment, including tanks, should be a priority to better support Ukraine’s defense capabilities and deter Russian aggression.
