UK boosts Ukrainian defenses with 16 powerful AS90 howitzers
The government of the United Kingdom has decided to increase support for Ukraine. As a result, 16 AS90 self-propelled howitzers will be sent to the front, among other resources, even though initial declarations made a few weeks ago spoke of fewer of these artillery systems. Below, we outline their most essential features.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and representatives of the Ministry of Defense emphasized that within 100 days of taking office, they would deliver 12 AS90 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine. Ultimately, this pledge is part of a strategy to increase and accelerate equipment deliveries to Ukraine. The defending army can expect 16 such artillery systems. The British highlighted that this is one of the critical types of weapons essential to the defending army fighting the Russian invader.
More AS90s for Ukraine
"A total of 16 units are now on course to be delivered, with 10 already delivered and six more to follow in the coming weeks. Artillery has played a vital role in providing cover for Ukrainian troops and destroying key Russian targets," the British Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
The AS90 is a weapon that entered service in the British Army in 1992. Designers used a 155 mm caliber gun with a barrel length of 39 calibers, mounted in a manned turret installed on a tracked chassis. The range of the AS90 depends on the type of ammunition used.
Using standard ammunition, the range reaches approximately 16 miles, but with rocket-assisted projectiles, it can be increased to nearly 19 miles. It is also possible to conduct fire in MRSI mode (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact). This mode allows projectiles to leave the gun at different angles and thus reach the target simultaneously.
Valuable NATO artillery system
The British AS90 howitzer, mounted on a tracked chassis, weighs 42 tons. Soldiers who have used it emphasize that it allows for leaving the firing position in less than 60 seconds. It is also characterized by a good rate of fire—up to 6 rounds/min.
The entire structure is approximately 11 feet wide and nearly 33 feet long. It is equipped with a fuel tank with a capacity of 198 gallons, which translates to a range of just under 249 miles. The maximum speed the AS90 can reach is approximately 37 mph.
The AS90 is among NATO-standard artillery using 155 mm caliber ammunition, which has a more excellent range than the Soviet-era 152 mm artillery that Ukraine relied on when the war broke out. On the other hand, the AS90 has a shorter barrel than some other NATO solutions, so it is not a record holder in terms of range. For example, French CAESAR howitzers have a gun with a barrel length of up to 52 calibers, where the range with base ammunition exceeds 25 miles.
