The United Kingdom has completed the use of AS-90 self-propelled artillery systems in its own army, having transferred all available units to Ukraine. This is reported by the Army Technology publication, BTA reports.
According to a document from the British Ministry of Defense, by 2023 the British army had 57 AS-90 units, but by February 2024 this number had been reduced to 39 systems due to their transfer to Ukraine.
In September 2024, the UK government announced new plans to supply even more AS-90 self-propelled artillery systems than previously indicated. According to these new provisions, in December 2024 AS-90 artillery systems are beginning to enter service with the 58th separate motorized rifle brigade, and in the first quarter of 2025 they were assigned to the 117th separate heavy mechanized brigade and the 151st mechanized brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
To date, the UK government has transferred a total of 68 AS-90 artillery systems, distributed in three tranches - the first in 2023, followed by two consecutive ones in April and September 2024.
The transfer of artillery systems is carried out both in combat readiness and for use as donors for the repair of the most serviceable parts. According to officially confirmed data, additional systems were transferred in April 2024, bringing the total number to 50 units, including 32 that were sent in 2023. In September of the same year, it was announced that 16 more systems would be sent, bringing the total confirmed transfer of 34 self-propelled guns since February 2024.
Despite the number, the AS-90 systems are being delivered not only in combat readiness, but also with the aim of being used as repair parts for other serviceable guns.
Military and political commentator Alexander Kovalenko revealed the benefits of the powerful howitzers for Ukraine. He noted that the range of the AS-90 self-propelled guns is between 30 and 40 km, depending on the ammunition used.