The British MoD (Ministry of Defense) announced at the end of March 2023, that the second group of Ukrainian soldiers has completed its training on the use of the British AS90, a 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer. During the training, the soldiers carried out live firing exercises.
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Ukrainian soldiers conduct live firing exercises with the British AS90 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers in the United Kingdom training range. (Picture source British MoD)
The UK continues to demonstrate its unwavering support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia through an extensive training program involving over 1,000 UK military personnel. Taking place at various Ministry of Defense (MOD) sites across the North West, South West, and South East of the UK, this program includes training on the AS90 at a specialist facility under the supervision of the Royal School of Artillery and is led by officers and soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Artillery.
Following Russia's invasion in February 2022, the UK has become the second largest military donor to Ukraine, pledging £2.3 billion in 2022 alone. Notably, the UK is the first country to donate Western main battle tanks, gifting a squadron of Challenger 2 tanks along with armored recovery and repair vehicles. Additionally, the UK has provided a battery of eight AS90 guns at "high readiness" and two more batteries at "varying states of readiness."
Ukrainian volunteer recruits have undergone comprehensive training in the operation and maintenance of the AS90 system. The group of Ukrainian artillery soldiers encompasses a diverse range of experience, from seasoned artillery professionals to those with little or no military background.
The AS90 is a British 155mm self-propelled howitzer designed for rapid and precise artillery support. Developed in the 1990s, this tracked vehicle is equipped with advanced targeting and navigation systems, allowing for accurate and effective fire support in various combat scenarios. Designed and manufactured by BAE Systems, the AS90 weapon system is built on a tracked chassis, enabling it to maneuver across diverse terrains and offer effective fire support in various combat situations.
Operated by a crew of five, the AS90 boasts a firing range of up to 30 kilometers with standard ammunition and can reach a rate of fire of up to three rounds per minute. The AS90 has been deployed by the British Army in various conflicts and remains a crucial component of its artillery capabilities.
The AS90 is equipped with a 155mm L31 gun, providing powerful and accurate artillery support. With standard high-explosive ammunition, the AS90 can achieve a range of up to 30 km. When using extended-range ammunition, the range can be increased to approximately 60 km. It can fire three rounds per minute in burst mode and maintain a sustained fire rate of one round every two minutes. The vehicle can carry up to 48 rounds of various types of 155mm ammunition, including high-explosive, smoke, illumination, and precision-guided rounds.
