The UK will send 30 AS-90 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine along with Challenger 2 tanks
On 14 January, the UK officially confirmed that it would send Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine. Along with them, the Armed Forces will receive self-propelled artillery units.
Here's What We Know
In yesterday's press release, only "additional artillery systems" were mentioned. Now a clarification has been made on the government website. Ukraine will receive 30 self-propelled AS-90 howitzers of 155 mm caliber. The official details will be announced tomorrow, January 16, by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
The British government's website indicates that the provision of the Challenger 2 and AS-90 to Ukraine is the beginning of a change in the nature of British military support. The scale of support in 2023 is expected to exceed the amount of military assistance in 2022.
As for the AS-90 itself, it is a 155mm armored howitzer developed by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering (a division of BAE Systems). The artillery system can hit targets at a distance of up to 25 km. The combat vehicle is equipped with 660 horsepower diesel engine, which allows highway speeds up to 55 km/h.
Source: GOV.UK
