UK Secretly Donates Entire AS-90 Howitzer Fleet to Ukraine

Secret AS-90 Howitzer Delivery to Ukraine

• 💡 A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request revealed that the UK has secretly donated its entire fleet of 99 AS-90 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine.
• 🎯 This significant contribution was not publicly announced, highlighting a discreet but impactful transfer of military assets.

AS-90 Artillery System Capabilities

• 🚀 The AS-90, developed in the 1980s, is an armored, self-propelled howitzer designed to be superior to the American M109.
• 💥 It features a 155 mm main gun capable of firing standard rounds up to 15 miles and 52-caliber rounds up to 19 miles.
• ⚡ The system boasts multiple firing modes, including a burst mode of three rounds every 10 seconds and Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) technology, allowing it to fire multiple shells at different trajectories for simultaneous impact.
• 🛡️ With 17mm thick armor and a secondary 7.62mm machine gun, the AS-90 is also capable of withstanding hits.
• ✅ It has a proven track record, having been used in conflicts such as the Yugoslav Wars and the Iraq War, where it was praised for its phenomenal accuracy.

Strategic Importance for Ukraine

• 🧩 The AS-90 enhances Ukraine's diverse artillery arsenal, offering advantages in speed, durability, and performance on difficult terrain compared to other systems like the Msta, PzH 2000, and Caesar.
• 🤝 Its compatibility with NATO standard munitions further integrates it into Ukraine's Western-supplied equipment.
• 🎯 The AS-90's ability to quickly transition from travel to firing mode and reposition allows for hit-and-run tactics, minimizing exposure to enemy counter-attacks.
• 🛠️ In addition to the 99 operational AS-90s, Ukraine also received 37 units awaiting disposal, which can serve as a source of spare parts.

Additional UK Military Aid

• 📦 The UK has also delivered all 28 pledged M109 self-propelled howitzers, 54 L119 towed howitzers, and 168 Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) (CVR(T)) units to Ukraine.
• 🚀 Further support includes long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which have been used to strike high-value Russian targets like ammunition depots and command posts.
• 🌍 This comprehensive aid from the UK, alongside contributions from other allies, significantly bolsters Ukraine's military capabilities against Russia.