Ukraine upgrading UK-made Challenger 2’s with Mad Max-style armour to defend against Putin’s kamikaze drones

UKRAINIAN forces are set to launch modified British Challenger 2 tanks into battle for the first time.

The battle tanks were spotted near the front line rigged with Mad Max-style armour and new tactical markings as they are expected to join the battle.

On the sides of the Challenger 2, bar armour has been installed, thought to provide protection against rocket grenades.

New tactical paint symbols can help Ukrainian forces identify friendly troops.

Rare pictures and clips of the tanks taken in central Zaporzhzhia also show the souped-up tanks with a extra armour over its turrets to protect from suicide drones.

The pimped out tanks have been deployed alongside one of Ukraine's most "powerful units" - the 2000-soldier strong 82nd Air Assault Brigade.

Russian tanks were previously seen with similar armour of their turrets - which were dubbed "cope cages" after they proved ineffective against powerful Ukrainian weapons such as Western-made Javelins.

The Challenger 2 tanks are produced in the United Kingdom, costing an astounding £4.1million each.

The tanks can carry up to 1,800 litres of diesel, giving them an average 341 miles range at a speed of 37mph.

If needed, additional fuel can be sprayed on the hot engine to produce a smoke screen, providing cover in battle.

The 120mm cannon can be armed with armour piercing shells that fly towards the enemy at 4,250mph.

It can also be armed with high explosive bunker busting shells that can blow up light enemy vehicles or entrenched positions.

On each side are five smoke grenade dischargers, with can be fired as a smoke screen to the front, protecting against laser beam-riding missiles.

It also has a chain gun spitting out 7.62mm rounds to rip through soft-skinned vehicles such as trucks, or dismounted infantry.

Earlier this year, The Sun was given an exclusive tour of the Challenger 2 in Estonia.

Major Nick Bridges told us: "Much like a boxer in the ring, the Challenger 2 can take hits and continue to fight, whereas other tanks around the world might be knocked out after one round.

"The Challenger 2 was designed to meet the requirements of fighting the Warsaw Pact, based on the British Army's presence in Germany, so it's requirements are designed to meet a more defensive stance.

"Hence why it's not as fast as a Leopard tank, but it has a lot of additional armour."

The recent souped-up tanks are the latest weapon added to Zelenskyy's arsenal.

Yesterday, a video revealed the incredible moment an experimental naval kamikaze drone blew up Vladimir Putin's beloved Crimea bridge.

The tyrant's precious £3billion crossing linking Russia and the annexed peninsula were rocked by massive explosions as motorists made their way across on July 17.

Almost a month on, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) has claimed responsibility for the attack that, according to Moscow, killed two.