UK confirms final withdrawal of AS90 artillery as entire fleet transferred to Ukraine.

As reported by Army Technology on May 2, 2025, the British Army has officially withdrawn the AS90 Braveheart 155mm self-propelled howitzer from its inventory, concluding more than three decades of service for one of the UK’s most emblematic artillery platforms. This development comes as the United Kingdom completed the transfer of its remaining AS90 units to Ukraine, reinforcing Kyiv’s long-range firepower as the war against Russian forces intensifies.
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The AS90’s advantages include a fully enclosed armored chassis for crew protection, a semi-automatic loading system, and a high rate of fire of up to six rounds per minute. (Picture source: British MoD)

Initially intended to remain operational into the 2030s, the AS90’s retirement was unexpectedly accelerated in response to Ukraine’s urgent battlefield needs and the British Army’s transition towards newer, more capable artillery systems. In total, approximately 68 AS90s have been delivered in three tranches since 2023. The withdrawal of the AS90 does not leave a vacuum in the UK’s artillery capability. Instead, it marks the beginning of a transition period led by the Swedish-designed Archer system, which will serve as a bridge until the introduction of the RCH 155 under the UK’s Mobile Fires Platform program scheduled for deployment from 2029.

The AS90 (Artillery System for the 1990s) is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer developed by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering and introduced into British Army service in 1992. Designed to deliver precise, high-volume fire support for mechanized and armored formations, the AS90 became a cornerstone of British land artillery operations for over 30 years. It was heavily deployed during the 2003 Iraq War and played a prominent role in NATO exercises across Europe. Although its firing range of 25km with conventional ammunition placed it behind more modern systems in Western arsenals, its reliability and adaptability preserved its relevance well into the 2020s.

The last known operational deployment of the AS90 took place in Estonia during NATO live-fire exercises in May 2024, shortly before the final batch of units was withdrawn. Following earlier transfers of 32 systems in 2023, the UK delivered an additional 50 in 2024, bringing the confirmed total to 68. These units were gradually phased into service with Ukrainian brigades including the 58th Separate Mechanized Infantry Brigade, the 117th Heavy Mechanized Brigade, and the 151st Mechanized Brigade. Some were transferred in combat-ready condition, while others were intended to serve as spare parts donors to sustain operational availability.

The AS90’s advantages include a fully enclosed armored chassis for crew protection, a semi-automatic loading system, and a high rate of fire of up to six rounds per minute. However, its 25km range with standard rounds and limited automation increasingly fell short compared to newer systems like the Archer or France’s Caesar. Ukraine is expected to integrate the AS90 into its artillery network to reinforce medium-range fire support, particularly in positional warfare where accurate and sustained bombardment is crucial.

Designed to deliver precise, high-volume fire support for mechanized and armored formations, the AS90 became a cornerstone of British land artillery operations for over 30 years. (Picture source: British MoD)

From a strategic standpoint, the AS90 will bolster Ukraine’s artillery capabilities by complementing the mix of Soviet-era and Western systems already in service. Its 155mm caliber ensures ammunition compatibility with NATO logistics, and its deployment enhances Ukraine’s ability to conduct counter-battery fire, shape enemy movements, and reinforce defensive operations in contested zones such as the Donbas or southern frontlines.

With the AS90 fully retired, the UK has shifted toward a dual-track modernization path. As an interim solution, 14 Archer systems were procured from Sweden and integrated into the Royal Horse Artillery’s 1st Regiment. These wheeled 6×6 self-propelled guns feature a fully automated 155mm cannon, a 50km maximum range with extended-range shells, and a crew of just three to four personnel. They can deploy and fire within 20 seconds and relocate immediately, minimizing exposure to enemy counter-battery fire.

Looking ahead, the UK has partnered with Germany to develop the RCH 155, a modular artillery system based on the Boxer armored vehicle and featuring an uncrewed turret with a 155mm gun. Production will be split between the two countries, with the turret and gun built in Germany and the Boxer base assembled in the UK. The RCH 155 is expected to enter British service from 2029 and will eventually replace the Archer fleet, which is scheduled to leave service by 2030.

The retirement of the AS90 marks the end of a significant chapter in British artillery history and the beginning of a new era defined by automation, range, and rapid deployment. While the system has found a second life supporting Ukrainian defense, the UK’s shift toward advanced platforms ensures it remains capable of meeting evolving threats on future battlefields.