AS-90 Artillery Systems to Enhance Ukrainian Army as Part of UK Aid.

On July 7, 2024, the United Kingdom underscored its support for Ukraine by unveiling a substantial military aid package, as announced by the newly appointed Defense Secretary, John Healey. This package includes a variety of military equipment, such as precision Brimstone missiles and ten AS-90 artillery systems, accompanied by crucial logistical support tools. The inclusion of AS-90s, noted for their rapid firing capability and extensive range, is aimed at significantly increasing the defensive capabilities of Ukraine.
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AS90 Self-Propelled Artillery artillery gun, seen here in the winter snow of Estonia in 2018 (Picture source: UK MoD)

The AS-90 ("Artillery System for the 1990s") is a British self-propelled artillery gun that has been in service since the early 1990s. Developed to replace older models of field guns in the British Army, the AS-90 was designed by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering. It was first produced and entered service in 1993, fulfilling a requirement for a modern and capable tracked artillery system.

The AS-90 is armed with a 155mm, 39-caliber gun, capable of firing standard NATO ammunition up to 24.7 kilometers using regular charges and up to 30 kilometers using base bleed rounds. It can also achieve a range of approximately 60 to 80 kilometers with rocket-assisted projectiles. The system features an automatic loading mechanism allowing a burst fire rate of three rounds in less than 10 seconds, and a sustained fire rate of six rounds per minute, making it highly effective during intensive combat operations.

As of now, there are 89 AS-90 units in service with the British Army, after numbers were reduced from the original 179 due to strategic cutbacks and restructuring within the defense force. The AS-90 remains a core component of the British Army’s artillery capability, valued for its reliability, mobility, and firepower, which allow it to provide effective fire support in various operational scenarios.

The announcement came during Mr. Healey's visit to Odessa, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov amidst the annual Ukrainian Navy Day celebrations—a pivotal moment underscoring British support.

Specifically, Ukraine will receive 250,000 rounds of 12.7 mm ammunition, 90 Brimstone missiles, 10 AS-90 artillery guns, 50 small military boats for river and coastal operations, 40 demining vehicles, and 61 bulldozers to assist in constructing defensive positions. Additional barrels and spare parts for previously supplied AS-90s are also included, enabling the firing of an additional 60,000 rounds of 155 mm shells.

Despite recent changes within the British government, John Healey emphasized the unwavering UK commitment to Ukraine. He highlighted the continuity of British support, affirming that the UK would stand with Ukraine as long as needed to counter Russian aggression and hold Russian President Vladimir Putin accountable for war crimes.

During his visit, Healey also stressed the importance of expediting the delivery of military aid promised in April, setting a 100-day deadline for fulfillment. The April package, described as the largest to date, included 400 vehicles, 1,600 air and anti-tank defense missiles, and 60 boats suited for maritime raids.

Moreover, the UK's commitment to bolstering Ukrainian naval forces has been enhanced through training and equipment that has weakened Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, thereby enabling the resumption of Ukraine's critical grain exports to pre-war levels. Ongoing international cooperation is also being fortified, with the UK leading coalitions focused on maritime capabilities and drones, the latter having already deployed thousands of drones to support Ukrainian operations.

Since the conflict in Ukraine began, the UK has been a principal provider of military support, delivering substantial shipments of arms and defensive equipment. This support has included modern battle tanks, long-range guided missiles, and extensive logistical backing, illustrating a coordinated strategy to strengthen Ukraine's capabilities against Russian aggression. The UK has also pioneered the training of over 42,000 Ukrainian troops, enhancing the skills and effectiveness of Ukraine's armed forces on the ground.

By consolidating and accelerating military aid to Ukraine, the UK reaffirms its critical role in supporting Ukraine's defense in an ongoing and complex conflict.