U.K. to Equip Ukraine with 16 AS90 155mm SP Artillery Guns

The United Kingdom has delivered 10 AS90 self-propelled artillery guns to Ukraine, with six more on the way, which are said to give Kyiv an edge in its war against Russia.

The 155mm AS90 guns have a higher rate of fire and greater range compared to other artillery pieces in Ukraine's arsenal.

The U.K. Government has recommitted to providing £3 billion per year in military support for Ukraine until at least 2030/31. It is also set to surpass its pledge of delivering 12 AS90 artillery guns within 100 days of taking office.

The AS90 is a 155mm self-propelled gun that equips three field regiments of the Royal Horse Artillery and the Royal Artillery. It is an effective weapon, and in trials, two AS90 guns were able to deliver a total payload of 261 kg onto a single target in less than 10 seconds.

An automated loading system enables the gun to fire a burst of three rounds in under 10 seconds. Alternatively, it can fire at an intense rate of six rounds per minute for three minutes or at a sustained rate of two rounds per minute.

The gun is equipped with a recoil and hydrogas suspension system, allowing the turret to traverse and fire through a full 360°.

In addition to the extra AS90s, the Government also announced the formation of a new joint Ministry of Defence and Foreign Office unit for Ukraine. It will be led by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey, with the aim of integrating expertise and creating a coordinated, Government-wide approach to Ukraine.