The UK will deliver a total of 16 AS90 self-propelled artillery units to Ukraine, with part of the shipment already sent.
According to the UK Ministry of Defense, 10 of these units have already been delivered, and the remaining six will arrive in the coming weeks. The ministry emphasized that artillery plays a crucial role in providing cover for Ukrainian troops and eliminating key Russian targets.
In addition, the UK and Ukraine will create a joint unit between the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defense Secretary John Healey. This unit will combine expert capabilities and help implement a new comprehensive approach to supporting Ukraine.
The AS90 (AS-90 Braveheart) is a self-propelled artillery unit developed and manufactured in the UK. It was designed by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering (VSEL) in the 1980s and entered service with the British Army in 1993.
Key characteristics include:
- Caliber: 155 mm
- Barrel length: 39 calibers (later versions have a 52-caliber barrel for extended range)
- Weight: Approximately 45 tons
- Range: Up to 24.7 km with standard ammunition and up to 30 km with specialized rounds
- Fire control: A digital fire control system enabling rapid firing and quick repositioning
The AS90 is equipped with advanced armor, protecting the crew from shrapnel and small arms fire. It also features an automatic loading system, which increases the rate of fire, and can use various types of ammunition, including cluster, armor-piercing, and more.
Since the onset of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the AS90 has been included in the list of weapons supplied to Ukraine for defense against Russian aggression.
