The British army is facing a major crisis regarding the operational readiness of its armored and artillery forces. As a consequence of long-term budget cuts, supply chain problems and the bankruptcy of equipment service companies, the number of efficient units has decreased dramatically.
In fresh days There have been alarming reports suggestinge that British land forces can only have 20–25 full operational Challenger 2 primary tanks.
The collapse of the British tank fleet
In the 1990s, the British Army purchased 400 Challenger 2 tanks. However, their number gradually declined – in 2023 there remained 227 units, of which only 157 were able to carry out operational activities. Additionally, Britain decided to donate 14 tanks to Ukraine, which further depleted resources. According to fresh reports, the real number of efficient machines that could immediately go into combat is now only 20–25.
Such a dramatic decline is due to respective factors: insufficient investment in maintenance and modernisation, spare parts shortages and the liquidation of many suppliers operating military equipment. Additionally, the British Army plans to upgrade 148 Challenger 2 tanks to the fresh Challenger 3 version, meaning that even less units will be available for usage during the transition period.
Artillery Problems: AS90 in Fragrance
Similar difficulties apply to British artillery forces. In the 1990s 179 self-propelled AS90s were purchased, but in 2023 only 89 remained in service. The UK has decided to hand over 30 copies to Ukraine, meaning that national artillery capabilities have been severely weakened. In addition, there are maintenance problems and spare parts shortages, and many another AS90s are not suitable for use.
The British government, alternatively of investing in upgrading its haubic possessions, decided to acquisition 14 Swedish cannonhaubic Archer 155 mm. This decision is controversial as it highlights the weakness of the British defence manufacture compared to another NATO countries specified as Sweden.
What's next with the British army?
A situation in which Britain has little efficient tanks than any recently adopted NATO states, specified as Sweden, raises serious doubts about its combat capabilities. All the more amazing is the fact that Prime Minister Keir Starmer suggested the anticipation of British participation in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine – this thought was widely considered unrealistic in the context of the current state of the army.
Without crucial investment and thorough reform, the British army will stay in a state of crisis, incapable to fulfil its obligations to NATO and global allies. Further savings may lead to an even greater weakening of the armed forces, putting their readiness to act in an emergency.
