A Ukrainian Armed Forces tank hit a target with a shot fired from a record distance
A Ukrainian crew operating an Italian-made B1 Centauro wheeled tank struck Russian positions at a record range of 11,100 meters—equivalent to the length of more than 120 soccer fields. A direct hit from a covered position destroyed a building housing occupying forces.
This was reported by a gunner from the 78th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade, call sign “Khilya,” on Army TV, according to Business Insider. Firing from a concealed position means that the crew used the tank gun as artillery, firing from a hidden location at a target that was not directly visible.
For the strike, the defenders deployed an Italian B1 Centauro 8×8 wheeled tank destroyer, equipped with a 105-mm NATO-standard gun. A similar successful instance was recorded in 2022, when a Ukrainian T-64BV tank struck Russian armored vehicles from a distance of 10,600 meters. The practice of using tank guns as artillery has become widespread due to the significant saturation of the battlefield with reconnaissance and strike drones, including FPV drones and “Molniya” aircraft-type loitering munitions. The vehicle commander, with the call sign “Director,” explained that classic tank duels have become extremely dangerous, whereas operating from concealed positions ensures high accuracy and preserves equipment.
The combat vehicle shown by the military was additionally equipped with metal grilles and nets to protect against enemy kamikaze drones. Italian B1 Centauro armored vehicles, produced mainly in the 1990s, began to be mentioned in the context of deliveries to Ukraine in 2023, and by the end of 2025, there was official confirmation that they were in service with the 78th Airborne Brigade. Analysts note that the Centauro has design limitations for performing artillery tasks, as its gun’s elevation angle is only about 15 degrees, compared to 60–70 degrees in specialized self-propelled howitzers.
As a reminder, in November 2025, Ukraine received Italian B1 Centauro wheeled tanks manufactured by the CIO consortium—Consorzio Iveco OTO Melara—which includes the companies Iveco and OTO Melara.
Italy is preparing a twelfth package of military aid for Ukraine, which will focus on ammunition and missiles for the SAMP/T air defense systems.
