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UK to speed up self-propelled howitzer deliveries to Ukraine

The British government says it will exceed its commitment to supply Kyiv with 12 AS90 artillery guns within 100 days of taking office, with 16 units now set for delivery.

byYuri Zoria

26/09/2024

2 minute read

uk speed up self-propelled howitzer deliveries ukraine ukrainian soldiers learn fire british as90 155mm mobile artillery system part training 2023

Ukrainian soldiers learn to fire from a British AS90, a 155mm mobile artillery system, as part of their training in the UK in 2023. Photo: NATO

UK to speed up self-propelled howitzer deliveries to Ukraine

The UK government has announced a series of measures to accelerate and enhance its military support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s illegal invasion. According to a press release from the UK Ministry of Defense on 26 September, the government is set to surpass its commitment to deliver 12 AS90 artillery guns within 100 days of taking office, with a total of 16 units now on course to be delivered.

Despite a drone-dominated combat environment, artillery remain crucial in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. In 2023, the UK donated 20 battle-ready AS90s and 12 non-functional spares to Ukraine. Ukrainian forces noted the AS90’s superior range and accuracy over Soviet-era systems. In July 2024, the new UK government initially pledged 10 more AS90s and maintenance support. As of July 2024, 12 AS90s were confirmed lost (7 destroyed, 5 damaged), as per Oryx Blog.

The British Defense Ministry says that ten AS90 artillery guns have already been delivered to Ukraine, with six more expected to follow in the coming weeks.

In addition to the accelerated artillery deliveries, the UK has recommitted to providing £3 billion ($4,026 billion) a year in military support for Ukraine until 2030/31, pledging to maintain this level of aid for “as long as it takes.”

The British government also announced the creation of a new joint Ministry of Defense (MOD) and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Ukraine unit. This unit, to be led by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defense Secretary John Healey, aims to integrate expertise and drive a new whole-of-government approach to Ukraine.

On the same day, Britain announced new sanctions, targeting Russian liquefied-natural-gas tankers.

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