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Challenger 2 vs M1A2 Abrams: how to tell them apart

Two main battle tanks that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.

Challenger 2, main battle tank from United Kingdom

Challenger 2

Main battle tank, United Kingdom. In service since 1998

What gives it away

Six road wheels, tall angular turret, gun with thermal sleeve and no muzzle brake.

Used by

United Kingdom, Oman, Ukraine

Photo: Morio, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
M1A2 Abrams, main battle tank from USA

M1A2 Abrams

Main battle tank, USA. In service since 1993

What gives it away

Seven road wheels, wide flat slab-sided turret with a separate commander's sight box on the roof; very hot gas-turbine exhaust at the rear.

Used by

USA, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Taiwan, Australia

Photo: Oregon National Guard from Salem, Oregon, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
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