British Army continues to train Ukraine soldiers on AS90 Braveheart howitzers.

Recently, a group of highly-trained Ukrainian soldiers completed their intensive training on the advanced AS90 self-propelled howitzer, courtesy of the United Kingdom's unwavering support. As announced by the British Ministry of Defense on its Twitter account on July 30, 2023, the training aimed to equip Ukrainian troops with essential skills to operate artillery systems.
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Ukrainian artillery recruits come to the end of their training on British-made AS-90 155mm self-propelled howitzer. (Picture source British MoD)

At the beginning of 2023, the United Kingdom has already delivered a total of 30 AS90 Bravehaert self-propelled howitzers to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, marking a significant gesture of support. The delivery took place for strengthening Ukraine's artillery capabilities in its ongoing conflict with Russian forces. The Army Recognition editorial team had indeed announced on June 23, 2023, that the AS90 had been fully engaged in combat operations in Ukraine since then.

The AS90 is a British self-propelled 155mm artillery piece mounted on a tracked chassis vehicle, initially developed in the late 1980s and still in service with the British Army today. Equipped with a 155mm 39 caliber barrel, the AS90 can fire various types of shells, including high explosive, smoke, and illuminating rounds. Its compatibility with the high-precision guided projectile M982 Excalibur enhances its targeting capabilities and accuracy.

The AS90's firepower is complemented by its ammunition storage system, which carries 48 projectiles and charges in the turret. Of these, 31 are stored in the turret bustle in four magazine modules, each with a motor that positions the required projectile correctly. With standard ammunition and charges, the 39-caliber barrel achieves a range of 24,700 meters, while with an assisted projectile, a range of over 30,000 meters can be achieved. When equipped with a 52 caliber barrel, the AS90's area coverage reaches a maximum range of 30,000 meters with conventional projectiles and an impressive 40,000 meters with assisted projectiles.

Powered by a Cummins VTA903T diesel engine, the AS90 can reach speeds of up to 55 km/h, showcasing exceptional mobility and endurance with an operational range of 370 km.

While the AS90 outperforms its counterparts in terms of firepower and range, it is worth noting that Soviet-designed systems have their own advantages in terms of reliability, cost-effectiveness, and widespread use in various military forces around the world.

The training of Ukrainian troops on the advanced AS90 self-propelled howitzer by the British military represents a step in enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities. The collaboration between the United Kingdom and Ukraine in providing specialized training on this artillery system equips Ukrainian soldiers with important skills to operate and utilize the AS90's firepower, mobility, and precision effectively. This training not only strengthens the technical proficiency of Ukrainian forces but also fosters closer ties and cooperation between the two nations in the face of the ongoing conflict.