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The AS-90 ("Artillery System for the 1990s"), known officially as Gun Equipment 155 mm L131, is an armoured self-propelled howitzer formerly used by the British Army and subsequently donated for use by the Ukrainian Army.[2]

Key Information

It can fire standard charges up to 24.7 km (15.3 mi) using 39-calibre long barrel and 30 km (19 mi) with 52-calibre long barrel.[3] The maximum rate of fire is 3 rounds in 10 seconds (burst); 6 per minute for 3 minutes (intense); and 2 per minute for 60 minutes (sustained).[citation needed]

History

[edit]
Crew member with AS-90 shell

AS-90 started in the mid-1980s as a private venture on the gamble that the tri-national SP70 would fail. When this did occur, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued a cardinal point specification on one page for a new 155 mm self-propelled gun. The MoD was also required to consider the US "Paladin", an upgraded M109 howitzer.

AS-90 was designed and built by the armaments division of Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering (VSEL). Between 1992 and 1995, VSEL supplied 179 vehicles at a cost of £300 million ($480 million). The AS-90 was first deployed by the British Army in 1993.[4] The AS-90s were acquired to re-equip six of the eight self-propelled field artillery regiments (each of 24 guns) in the I (BR) Corps, replacing the 105 mm FV433 Abbot and older M109 155 mm Self Propelled Gun and FH70 towed howitzer. In 1999, VSEL became a part of BAE Systems.

In 1999, Marconi Electronic Systems was contracted to upgrade British Army AS-90s to include a 52 calibre gun in order to increase the range of the artillery.[5] Critical to the programme was a bi-modular charge system from Somchem of South Africa (selected after extensive trials of ammunition from many suppliers), which offered greatly reduced barrel wear. However, this ammunition failed to meet the requirement for insensitive munitions and the project was terminated.[6]

The MoD undertook studies in 2006–09 to "up-gun" the Royal Navy's main shipboard gun armament, the 4.5 inch Mark 8 naval gun, to accept 155 mm ammunition from the AS-90.[7] This would have introduced a common gun calibre for the British Army and Royal Navy, helping with ammunition logistics, and encouraging joint Army-Navy development of extended-range and precision-guided shells.[8] The development of this gun for the Royal Navy was stopped due to budget cuts in the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2010.

In 2008 and 2009, a capability enhancement programme primarily upgraded AS-90's electronic system.[citation needed]

In 2008, there were 134 AS-90 in service further reduced to 117 by 2015.[9] By April 2016, there were 89 AS-90 in active service. This was how it remained until the beginning of Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.[10]

The initial expected out-of-service date for the AS-90 had been 2030,[11] but this was later delayed to 2032 with a replacement planned to enter service in 2029.[12] The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 changed these plans.[2]

On 24 April 2022, the Daily Express reported that AS-90s and 45,000 artillery rounds would be sent to Ukraine[13] but that was subsequently denied by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.[14] On 14 January 2023, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that Britain would send 30 AS-90 to Ukraine, amongst other supplies (including 14 Challenger 2 tanks), for use in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War.[15]

To fill the gap in British Army artillery left by the donation, the UK government announced they were buying 14 Archer Artillery Systems in March 2023. The deal was negotiated in just eight weeks as part of the Urgent Operational Requirement procurement process; the first vehicles were planned to be fully operational by April 2024. The purchase was meant to fill a hole in capabilities until a new system would be decided upon as part of the Mobile Fires Platform programme, where Archer was a competitor.[16] On April 23, 2024 the UK government announced that the AS-90 would be replaced by the RCH 155.[17]

In 2025 it was reported in defence news websites that all British AS-90 had been donated to Ukraine and the British Army had ended its usage of AS-90.[2][18]

Design

[edit]
Inside AS-90 on Exercise Steel Sabre, 2015

In 1963 certain NATO nations, including the UK, agreed to a "Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding" for a 155 mm 39 calibre ordnance and a baseline projectile with the shape used for the US M549 rocket-assisted shell. The AS-90 uses a conforming 39 calibre barrel which fires the L15 unassisted projectile out to a range of 24.7 km (15.3 mi). However, this was a new design of ordnance using a split sliding block breech with Crossley obturation,[19] instead of the more usual screw breech, to permit bagged charges (no metal cartridge cases). The breech mechanism has a primer magazine holding 18 primers. The standard ammunition is that designed for FH-70 (L15 HE and associated propelling charges) although in training the less effective but cheaper M107 with Green and White propelling charges is used.[citation needed]

It is fitted with an auxiliary power unit to eliminate the need to run the main engine to keep the batteries charged while stationary; electrical servos drive the automated elevation, traverse, magazine, shell transfer arm and loader as well as power for electronics and communications.[citation needed]

The vehicle is fitted with an autonomous navigation and gun laying dynamic reference unit (DRU) mounted on the trunnion. All main turret functions are controlled by a Turret Control Computer (TCC) with control and display units for the No 1 (Detachment Commander), No 2 (loader) and No 3 (layer). The combination of the DRU, TCC and powered laying controls provide autolaying. Every gun is fitted with a radar Muzzle Velocity Measuring Device. Reversionary mode laying uses deflection laying via the direct fire sight.[citation needed]

The gun can be brought into action fully closed down; the barrel can be clamped and unclamped from within the vehicle. In-to and out-of action times are less than one minute.[citation needed]

The gun is compatible with the extended-range guided projectile M982 Excalibur.[3]

Combat history

[edit]
AS90s deployed in Iraq

The AS90 was deployed in Bosnia and Kosovo in the 1990s to support NATO peacekeeping efforts during the Yugoslav Wars.[20] 32 AS90s were also deployed during the 2003 Iraq War.[21] Speaking of their capability, Commander of the British land component, General Brims, commented that "the phenomenal accuracy of it, [was] way beyond anything that one might have expected".[22] AS90s were used to shell Iraqi mortar positions during the Battle of Basra, one of the opening battles of the conflict.[23] In October 2023, Defence Minister Adam Ingram stated it had a 92% availability rate during the war.[24]

Ukraine

[edit]

A total of 20 battle-ready AS-90s and 12 non-functional spares were donated to Ukraine by the UK in 2023 during the Russian invasion of Ukraine,[25] with first combat usage in June 2023.[3] According to Ukrainian forces, the AS-90 outperformed their existing Soviet-era artillery systems, such as the 2S1 Gvozdika and 2S3 Akatsiya, in both range and accuracy.[26] In July 2024, the UK Ministry of Defence announced a new package of support for Ukraine including 10 AS90s and support for previously gifted ones.[27][28] In May 2025 it was reported that the UK's entire AS-90 fleet of 68 vehicles had been donated to Ukraine and thus the British Army had ended its usage of AS-90.[2][29]

As of July 2025, Oryx blog recorded Ukrainian losses at 19 units (13 destroyed and 6 damaged).[30]

Specifications

[edit]
AS-90 on Salisbury Plain
  • Crew: 5, on board when moving (driver plus 4 gun detachment), full gun detachment 10 including driver, 4 detachment members in the turret.
  • Length: 9.07 m
  • Width: 3.3 m
  • Height: 3.0 m
  • Armour: 17 mm (maximum, steel)
  • Weight: 45 tons[vague]
  • Calibre: 155 mm
  • Range: 24.7 km (15.3 mi) (39 cal) standard charges, 30 km (19 mi) (52 cal) 52-calibre long barrel
  • Rate of fire: 3 rounds in 10 seconds (burst), 6 rounds per minute for 3 minutes (intense), 2 rounds per minute for 60 minutes (sustained)
  • Secondary armament: 7.62 mm L7 GPMG
  • Ammunition carried: 48 projectiles and charges (31 turret and 17 hull), 1000 MG rounds
  • Main engine: Cummins VTA903T 660 bhp 90 degree V8, 4 stroke, liquid cooled, turbo diesel
  • Max speed: 55 km/h (34 mph) (Road)
  • Vehicle range: 370 km (230 mi) (Road)
  • Ground clearance: 0.41 m; Gradient: 60°; Vertical obstacle: 0.75 m; Trench crossing: 2.8 m; Fording depth: 1.5 m

Variants

[edit]
AHS Krab

AS-90D

Modified for desert use. Thermal protection for crew and extra cooling for engine and machinery. Tracks adapted for reduced wear in sandy conditions.

AS-90 Braveheart

AS-90 fitted with 52-calibre main gun. The project was terminated due to non-compliant propellant charges.[citation needed]

AHS Krab – (Armatohaubica Krab, Cannon-howitzer crab)

Licensed Braveheart turret on a South Korean K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer chassis, with Polish Azalia BMS. Designed and integrated in Poland, by Huta Stalowa Wola and WB Electronics. Two Krab prototypes were built in 2001, and successfully completed all required evaluations and state acceptance trials. Initial serial production started in 2008, with eight units delivered to the Polish Land Forces for testing on a locally built chassis.[31] In 2014 production of the Krab chassis was forwarded to Samsung Techwin, which agreed to provide 120 units, replacing the Polish-built UPG chassis in series production vehicles.[32]

Operators

[edit]

Current operators

[edit]

Former operators

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

AS-90

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The AS-90, officially designated Gun Equipment 155 mm L131, is a tracked self-propelled developed for the to deliver support with NATO-standard 155 mm ammunition. It mounts a 39-calibre L/39 barrel on a modified Warrior infantry fighting vehicle chassis, enabling a maximum range of 30 km with conventional rounds and up to 40 km with extended-range projectiles, while supporting high-rate burst fire of six rounds in 10 seconds. Designed in the and selected in , the system entered service in , replacing the obsolescent M109 self-propelled gun and FV433 Abbot in five regiments of the Royal Artillery and . Equipped with digital fire-control systems for rapid targeting and automated loading, the AS-90 provided mobile, armoured firepower during operations including the 1991 and subsequent exercises, though its fleet has faced maintenance challenges due to age and limited upgrades. In 2023, the UK donated up to 72 AS-90s to to bolster its artillery capabilities against Russian forces, prompting the procurement of Swedish Archer wheeled howitzers as replacements to restore British operational readiness ahead of schedule. The system's crew of five operates from protected compartments, with secondary armaments including a 7.62 mm for .

Development

Origins and Requirements

In the 1980s, the British Army identified the need to modernize its self-propelled artillery capabilities, as the FV433 Abbot (a 105mm system introduced in 1965 with a maximum range of about 17 km and limited rate of fire) and the M109 howitzer (a 155mm system with an effective range of approximately 18 km using standard ammunition) no longer met the demands of contemporary armored warfare. These platforms lacked the firepower projection required for rapid, indirect fire support in NATO's forward defense strategies against potential Warsaw Pact incursions, where artillery needed to deliver precise, high-volume barrages to disrupt enemy advances while minimizing exposure. The replacement program emphasized alignment with NATO's on 155mm to ensure and access to allied munitions stockpiles, alongside improvements in range (targeting at least 24.7 km with unassisted projectiles), burst (3 rounds in under 10 seconds), and sustained output (2 rounds per minute). These specifications derived from operational analyses prioritizing artillery's role in enabling armored maneuvers through over-the-horizon targeting and quick repositioning to evade , informed by exercises simulating high-intensity European theaters. The 155mm L/39 gun was selected following empirical ballistic trials that confirmed its balance of velocity, chamber pressure tolerance, and compatibility with extended-range munitions like base-bleed rounds, achieving up to 30 km without compromising barrel life or crew safety—advantages over longer-barrel alternatives that risked excessive on the chosen . This choice built on lessons from the cancelled multinational SP70 program (a UK-Germany-Italy collaboration for a similar 155mm system), which highlighted the need for a domestically tailored solution focused on enhanced and rather than joint compromises.

Procurement and Production

The AS-90 procurement stemmed from a competitive process in the late , with the design selected for the British Army's new system in 1989. Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Limited (VSEL) received a for 179 units at a total cost of £300 million, intended to equip six field regiments while replacing older systems like the M109 and FV433 Abbot. The contract incorporated subsystems from , including gun barrels and breeches produced at facilities like , though primary vehicle assembly occurred at VSEL's site. Production commenced in 1992 following successful prototype evaluations from 1986 to 1987, which validated key performance metrics such as a burst fire rate of three rounds in 10 seconds—superior to predecessors—and overall system reliability under field conditions. Deliveries to the began that year, with full completion by 1995, yielding exactly 179 vehicles without additional orders or significant variants during initial manufacturing. The program experienced an estimated £33 million overrun despite the fixed-price structure, attributed to complexities in integrating advanced fire control and automotive components, though these were resolved without delaying the timeline. No major production halts occurred, and empirical testing during trials confirmed the system's ability to achieve a maximum up to six rounds per minute in short bursts, informing confidence in the fleet's operational readiness upon handover. Post-production, the fleet underwent routine acceptance processes, with all units accepted by 1995.

Entry into Service

The AS-90 self-propelled began entering service with the in 1993, following the completion of production contracts for 179 units initiated in the early 1990s. The first deliveries equipped regiments of the and , replacing legacy systems such as the M109, , and towed FH-70 guns to modernize close support for armored formations. Specifically, the received its initial AS-90s in September 1993, with batteries A, B, and E transitioning from 105mm light guns to the new 155mm platform, marking the formation of the first fully equipped units. This rollout targeted six of the eight self-propelled regiments in I (BR) , enhancing artillery responsiveness through tracked mobility suited to NATO's doctrine. Crew training and unit integration emphasized rapid fire rates and automated loading, with initial exercises validating the system's operational tempo in simulated combat scenarios. By late , the first regiments achieved operational readiness, enabling participation in joint maneuvers that tested battery-level coordination with forward observers. Early adoption success stemmed from the AS-90's alignment with existing doctrine, minimizing retraining disruptions while leveraging the chassis commonality with other British tracked vehicles for sustainment. The platform's design facilitated high system uptime during these trials, attributable to robust engineering that reduced mechanical failures compared to predecessors like the . A key enabler of seamless integration was the AS-90's adherence to standardization for 155mm ordnance and , as outlined in multilateral agreements among the , , , , and . This compatibility permitted shared logistics for propellant charges, projectiles, and fuzes with allied systems such as the US M109 or German PzH 2000, reducing vulnerabilities in multinational operations. Such , rooted in post-Cold War alliance requirements, supported empirical evaluations showing efficient resupply during exercises, where ammunition commonality lowered dependency on bespoke British stocks. Overall, these factors contributed to the AS-90's swift fielding, with five regiments operational by the mid-1990s, bolstering the Army's punch without protracted teething issues.

Design and Capabilities

Armament and Fire Control System

The AS-90 is armed with a 155 mm L/39 designed to fire standard 155 mm ammunition, including high-explosive fragmentation, smoke, illumination, and precision-guided rounds. The gun employs a vertical sliding block breech mechanism paired with a semi-automatic loader, enabling a burst fire rate of three rounds in under ten seconds and an intense rate of six rounds per minute for durations up to three minutes, followed by a sustained rate of two rounds per minute. Maximum range with standard ammunition reaches 24.7 km, extending to 30 km using base-bleed or rocket-assisted projectiles, with potential upgrades to an L/52 barrel configuration achieving 30 km standard and 40 km extended ranges in the variant. The supports multiple rounds simultaneous impact (MRSI) firing, allowing several projectiles to strike a target sequentially within seconds to minimize evasion time. The incorporates digital computers and electro-hydraulic for automated targeting, position via inertial/GPS integration, and first-round fire capability without prior registration. This setup facilitates rapid response and integration with battery command systems for coordinated fire missions. The AS-90 demonstrates compatibility with GPS-guided munitions like the , which has undergone firing trials from the platform to enable precision strikes with under 10 meters under optimal conditions.

Chassis, Mobility, and Protection

The AS-90 employs a tracked with an all-welded armored hull, designed for enhanced cross-country mobility compared to wheeled systems. Its tracks distribute weight over a larger surface area, achieving a ground of approximately 0.8 kg/cm², which facilitates traversal of soft and uneven where wheeled often falter due to higher localized and reduced traction. This choice causally contributes to operational by minimizing immobilization risks in dynamic environments. Mobility is powered by a Cummins VTA903T turbocharged V8 diesel engine producing 660 horsepower at 2,800 rpm, enabling a maximum road speed of 53 km/h and off-road speeds up to 35 km/h. The hydropneumatic suspension system supports these capabilities across varied terrains, with an operational range of 420 km on internal fuel reserves. Protection features include hull armor up to 17 mm thick, providing resistance against small arms fire and shell fragments but not against heavier anti-tank threats. The vehicle incorporates NBC filtration systems for against chemical, biological, and radiological agents, along with a mine-resistant V-shaped underbelly to deflect blast effects from improvised explosive devices. This configuration aligns with basic Level 3 equivalence for fragment , prioritizing mobility over heavy armor in line with doctrine.

Crew Accommodations and Ergonomics

![Crew inside AS-90][float-right] The AS-90 is operated by a five-person comprising a , gunner (layer), loader, assistant, and . This configuration positions the and gunner in the turret for fire control, the loader and assistant in the handling area, and the driver forward in the hull. A key ergonomic feature is the semi-automated loading system, featuring a powered rammer and tray mechanism that transfers 155 mm projectiles from the bustle magazine to the breech, minimizing manual handling and physical strain on the loader and assistant. Compared to the M109's fully manual loading, which demands greater crew exertion and larger teams, the AS-90's automation enables sustained firing rates of up to six rounds per minute for brief intense barrages while reducing fatigue and manpower requirements. The internal layout optimizes crew movement and access to controls, with the turret design facilitating efficient ammunition flow from storage racks to the loader's position. Visibility is enhanced by periscopes and cupola-mounted optics for the , supporting rapid without exposing crew to external hazards. These elements collectively contribute to higher operational tempo in field exercises by streamlining workflows and limiting ergonomic stressors.

Operational History

Service in the British Army

The AS-90 first entered operational use with the during peacekeeping missions in the . In 1996, as part of the (IFOR) in Bosnia following the Dayton Accords, AS-90s provided heavy artillery deterrence and support to stabilize the region after the . Deployments continued into in 1999, where the system bolstered NATO's (KFOR) operations amid ethnic tensions and post-conflict security efforts. During the under Operation Telic, AS-90s formed a key component of , deploying with armoured brigades to enable advances against Iraqi forces. In the Battle of Basra, , primarily AS-90s, fired over 9,000 155mm rounds to suppress enemy positions and facilitate urban clearance operations while adhering to restricted fire protocols to minimize civilian risks. The howitzers also engaged in roles against Iraqi armor, demonstrating adaptability beyond indirect support. Post-Iraq, AS-90s sustained roles in training, readiness exercises, and NATO commitments, equipping field artillery regiments of the Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Artillery for rapid response capabilities. From the 2010s, fiscal constraints and escalating maintenance costs prompted a phased reduction in fleet size, with units increasingly placed in storage or used for spares. The system was fully retired by May 2025, concluding 33 years of service amid transitions to newer artillery platforms.

Deployment in the Russo-Ukrainian War

In January 2023, the United Kingdom announced the donation of 30 AS-90 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine as part of broader military aid amid the ongoing conflict. This initial pledge was followed by further commitments, including an additional 32 units confirmed for transfer later that year. Deliveries accelerated in 2024, with the UK government exceeding its promise of 12 howitzers within 100 days of assuming office by providing 16 units, including 10 additional systems in September. By May 2025, the UK had completed the transfer of its entire remaining AS-90 fleet, effectively retiring the system from British service to bolster Ukrainian artillery capabilities. Ukrainian personnel received specialized on the AS-90 in the starting in early 2023, with multiple cohorts completing hands-on courses in operation, , and fire control. A second batch of trainees finalized their program in April 2023, enabling rapid familiarization with the system's 155 mm L/39 gun and automated loading mechanisms. This facilitated the integration of donated units into Ukrainian mechanized brigades without significant delays. The AS-90 systems were deployed to active fronts, including the axis, shortly after training concluded, with units assigned to formations such as the 117th Mechanized Brigade. In initial field use, the howitzers demonstrated operational reliability, traversing approximately 3,000 km and expending over 1,500 rounds without major mechanical failures. This phase marked the swift incorporation of Western-standard artillery into Ukraine's defensive operations against Russian advances.

Combat Performance

Achievements and Empirical Effectiveness

The AS-90 self-propelled has demonstrated superior firepower and range compared to Soviet-era systems like the D-30 towed gun and , which are limited to approximately 15 km effective range, while the AS-90 achieves up to 24.7 km with standard ammunition and potentially 30 km with extended-range variants, effectively doubling engagement distances in Ukrainian operations. Ukrainian units report that this extended reach, combined with the AS-90's advanced integrating GPS and automated targeting, enables precise strikes that outperform legacy Soviet in both accuracy and volume of fire, with rates up to six rounds per minute in burst mode. In counter-battery roles, the AS-90 has contributed to disrupting Russian advances by delivering rapid, targeted salvos against enemy and , leveraging its mobility to reposition after firing sequences and maintain operational tempo under contested conditions. Ukrainian crews have highlighted the system's "surgical" precision in real-time engagements, attributing this to integrated digital fire direction that reduces response times and enhances hit probabilities over less sophisticated Soviet counterparts. Empirical survivability data underscores the AS-90's design advantages, with one Ukrainian crew enduring six separate Russian drone and strikes through deep entrenchment—up to 2 meters—and post-fire displacement tactics, contrasting with the vulnerabilities of more static Soviet systems exposed to similar threats. This resilience, paired with the chassis's low profile and reactive armor compatibility, has allowed sustained operations in high-threat environments, amplifying overall battlefield effectiveness.

Limitations, Losses, and Criticisms

The AS-90's protracted service life has imposed significant maintenance burdens on the , with ageing components driving up operational costs and complicating spare parts procurement as suppliers phase out support for 1980s-era designs. By early 2025, only 39 of the planned 89 AS-90s remained operational in service, exacerbated by donations to and systemic underfunding that prioritized short-term savings over fleet sustainment. The Ministry of Defence's retirement of legacy systems, including the AS-90, is projected to yield £150 million in savings over two years and up to £500 million over five, reflecting a strategic shift amid delays in replacements like the Mobile Fires Platform. These factors, rather than inherent design flaws, precipitated the full transfer of the fleet to by May 2025, leaving the without self-propelled 155 mm capability. In Ukrainian service, AS-90s have faced attrition from Russian loitering munitions, drones, and mines, underscoring vulnerabilities inherent to unarmored top surfaces and limited active on legacy platforms. Oryx visually confirmed at least seven AS-90s destroyed and five damaged as of October 2025, primarily through drone strikes that exploit the system's exposure during reloading or repositioning. Such losses, while not disproportionate to peer systems like the M109, highlight causal risks from modern precision threats outpacing the AS-90's 1990s-era countermeasures, including basic but no integral electronic warfare suites. Critics have pointed to the AS-90's electronics and fire control systems as outdated relative to contemporaries like the , which features automated loading and advanced digital integration for faster . However, empirical reports from Ukrainian crews emphasize the AS-90's superior reliability and lower compared to the PzH 2000, which has suffered frequent breakdowns and spare parts shortages despite its technical edge. This feedback aligns with causal observations that the AS-90's manual processes, while labor-intensive, reduce failure points in high-intensity environments where automated peers prove fragile under sustained use. Logistical strains, including integration with diverse stocks, have further compounded operational critiques, though the system's NATO-standard 155 mm compatibility mitigates some gaps.

Technical Specifications

General Characteristics

The AS-90 self-propelled operates with a of five personnel. The vehicle's weight is 45 tonnes. It measures 9.07 metres in length with the gun forward, 3.5 metres in width, and 2.49 metres in height, with a ground clearance of 0.4 metres.

Armament and Ammunition Capacity

The AS-90 is equipped with a primary armament consisting of a 155 mm L/39 designated as the L31 , mounted in a fully traversable turret. The supports up to +70° and depression to -5°, enabling flexible positioning for missions. The vehicle carries 48 rounds of 155 mm in an automated loader system, comprising projectiles and separate charges stored across the turret (typically 31 rounds) and hull (17 rounds), which sustains operations without immediate resupply. This capacity includes a mix of standard NATO-compatible types such as high-explosive (HE) for fragmentation and blast effects, smoke for screening, illumination for target designation, and precision-guided munitions like the for enhanced accuracy. For self-defense, a secondary 7.62 mm (GPMG), such as the L7 or MAG variant, is mounted on the turret roof, with 1,000 rounds stored aboard, including 100 ready-to-fire. This configuration prioritizes crew protection against close threats while maintaining focus on the primary role.

Mobility and Performance Data

The AS-90 is equipped with a VTA903T turbocharged V8 delivering 660 brake horsepower, coupled to an with four forward and two reverse gears. This powertrain provides a maximum road speed of 53 km/h and an operational range of 420 km on roads. The vehicle's hydro-pneumatic suspension system, featuring six dual-tired road wheels and four return rollers per side with the drive sprocket at the rear, enhances cross-country performance and stability over uneven terrain. This configuration supports rapid repositioning, enabling effective tactical mobility for support in dynamic battlefield conditions. In terms of firing performance, the AS-90's automated loading mechanism achieves a burst rate of three rounds in ten seconds, an intense rate of six rounds per minute sustained for three minutes, and a maximum sustained rate of two rounds per minute for sixty minutes. These capabilities, combined with the mobility features, allow the system to deliver concentrated fire before relocating to avoid counter-battery response.

Variants and Upgrades

Base AS-90 Variant

The AS-90 base variant, officially designated Gun Equipment 155 mm L131, represents the standard production model of the self-propelled developed by (later ) and introduced into service in 1992. This configuration evolved from the cancelled SP70 international program in the late , prioritizing a 155 mm L/39 calibre gun for NATO-standard fire support with a maximum range of approximately 24.7 km using conventional ammunition. The system was designed for rapid deployment, capable of delivering three rounds in under 10 seconds in burst mode during trials. The base model's chassis consists of a tracked hull with six double road wheels per side, powered by a Perkins CV12-5A diesel engine producing around 660 hp, enabling cross-country mobility suitable for divisional artillery roles. The all-welded steel armored hull and turret accommodate a crew of five, with ammunition storage totaling 48 complete 155 mm rounds—31 in motorized turret magazines and 17 in the hull—facilitating sustained fire without frequent resupply. The original fire control system incorporated automatic gun laying and navigation features, allowing integration with battery command posts for indirect fire missions, though it underwent digital enhancements in the early 2000s without altering the core mechanical or structural design. Production totaled 179 units for the between 1992 and 1995, with no significant sub-variants developed for the base model; export proposals to nations such as were considered but ultimately not realized, leaving the configuration unchanged from its initial specification.

Modernization Programs

In the late , the pursued limited capability enhancements for the AS-90, focusing primarily on electronic systems to improve fire control and integration with modern command networks, though these did not extend to major structural overhauls. A further proposed upgrade, designated AS90 , aimed to replace the original 39-calibre barrel with a 52-calibre version to achieve extended range up to 40 km with rocket-assisted projectiles, alongside improved automation for faster loading; however, this initiative saw only partial implementation on select units and was not pursued fleet-wide due to escalating costs and shifting priorities toward full replacement. Prior to transferring the entire AS-90 fleet to in 2025, the conducted ad-hoc refurbishments on donated systems, including the provision of new 155 mm barrels to address wear from prolonged service and ensure operational readiness in high-intensity combat. These measures involved basic maintenance, adjustments for compatibility with NATO-standard targeting, and minimal electronic tweaks, but lacked comprehensive systemic upgrades such as armor or systems, reflecting resource constraints and the platforms' impending . Further modernization efforts were ultimately deemed uneconomical compared to acquiring new platforms, as sustaining the AS-90's aging chassis and proved cost-prohibitive amid demands for precision-guided munitions integration and wheeled mobility; the opted instead for interim adoption of the Archer system by 2024 and long-term procurement of the Boxer-based , which offers superior , range exceeding 40 km, and reduced logistical footprint without the legacy 's maintenance burdens.

Operators

Current Operators

Ukraine operates the AS-90 self-propelled as its sole current user following the complete transfer of the United Kingdom's remaining fleet, finalized in May 2025. The deliveries encompassed approximately 68 units across multiple batches beginning in 2023, enabling integration into active frontline roles. These systems have been assigned to Ukrainian mechanized brigades, notably the 116th Mechanized Brigade, where they function as key assets supporting ground operations against Russian forces. Ukrainian reports confirm their deployment in , including initial firing missions shortly after arrival. The AS-90's 155 mm L/39 gun provides extended-range , with adaptations for compatibility with NATO-standard ammunition stocks.

Former Operators

The British Army was the sole operator of the AS-90 self-propelled howitzer, acquiring 179 units between 1992 and 1995 for service in its Royal Artillery regiments. Divestment began in 2023 with the donation of 32 systems to Ukraine to bolster its artillery capabilities during the Russo-Ukrainian War, representing about one-sixth of the fleet at the time. Additional transfers followed, culminating in the handover of the entire remaining fleet by May 2025, which marked the full retirement of the AS-90 from British service. The retirement aligned with broader modernization efforts, including the interim acquisition of Archer wheeled howitzers in 2024 to address immediate capability gaps and the planned introduction of the wheeled system from 2029 onward, amid high sustainment costs for the aging AS-90 platform.

References

  1. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/as90.htm
  2. https://www.army-guide.com/eng/product434.html
  3. https://weaponsystems.net/system/154-AS90
  4. https://www.defenseadvancement.com/projects/as90-artillery-system/
  5. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/british-army-announces-new-artillery-deal-with-sweden
  6. https://www.army.mod.uk/learn-and-explore/equipment/artillery-and-air-defence/
  7. https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.php?armor_id=160
  8. https://www.army-technology.com/projects/as90/
  9. https://forum.warthunder.com/t/as90/69750
  10. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/royal-ordnance.htm
  11. https://armoredwarfare.com/en/news/general/development-as90
  12. https://british-army-units1945on.co.uk/royal-artillery/1st-regiment-rha.html
  13. https://www.royalartillerymuseum.com/our-collection/as90-self-propelled-howitzer
  14. http://www.army-guide.com/eng/product434.html
  15. https://www.army.mod.uk/learn-and-explore/equipment/artillery-and-air-defence/as90/
  16. https://www.australiandefence.com.au/43D2C950-F807-11DD-8DFE0050568C22C9
  17. https://mezha.media/en/2022/04/25/british-howitzers-as-90-another-acs-compatible-with-high-precision-projectiles-m982-excalibur/
  18. https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2023/01/16/uk-delivers-30-as90-braveheart-155mm-tracked-self-propelled-howitzers-to-ukraine/
  19. https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=2017-08-8-382
  20. https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=1590
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc-7mylPXUo
  22. https://aoav.org.uk/2015/tale-two-cities-battle-basra-2003/
  23. https://www.military.com/video/operations-and-strategy/air-strikes/as90-vs-t72/810392590001
  24. https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/the-13-vehicle-types-to-be-retired-by-the-army-by-2030/
  25. https://www.army-technology.com/news/revealed-british-army-no-longer-operates-as90-artillery/
  26. https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a44715210/ukraines-as-90-howitzers/
  27. https://thedefensepost.com/2024/09/30/uk-as90-howitzers-ukraine/
  28. https://united24media.com/latest-news/uk-sends-entire-as-90-howitzer-fleet-to-ukraine-retiring-the-iconic-artillery-system-8112
  29. https://thedefensepost.com/2023/04/10/ukraine-as90-howitzer-training-england/
  30. https://www.army-technology.com/news/ukraine-troops-trained-on-as90-braveheart-self-propelled-howitzer/
  31. https://militarnyi.com/en/news/the-117th-mechanized-brigade-was-armed-with-as-90-self-propelled-artillery-systems/
  32. https://militarnyi.com/en/articles/artillery-system-90-as-90-royal-155mm-asset-in-ukraine/
  33. https://www.armyrecognition.com/focus-analysis-conflicts/army/conflicts-in-the-world/russia-ukraine-war-2022/ukraine-s-as90-howitzers-doanted-by-uk-outshine-old-soviet-made-artillery-in-accuracy-and-range
  34. https://militarnyi.com/en/news/british-as-90-self-propelled-artillery-systems-entered-service-with-the-151st-mechanized-brigade-of-the-armed-forces-of-ukraine/
  35. https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/good-work-guys-surgical-british-guns-rattle-russia-v5rphtnsj
  36. https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/07/22/the-luckiest-artillery-gunners-in-the-ukrainian-army-may-have-survived-six-russian-attacks/
  37. https://www.19fortyfive.com/2025/03/the-british-army-has-a-tank-shortage-it-never-saw-coming/
  38. https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britains-defence-cuts-outlined-and-explained/
  39. https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-ukrainian.html
  40. https://www.quora.com/How-does-German-PzH-2000-compare-to-British-AS-90-Howitzer
  41. https://www.reddit.com/r/UkraineRussiaReport/comments/1fegs6d/ua_pov_many_ukrainian_panzerhaubitze_2000_are/
  42. https://en.defence-ua.com/news/krab_or_pzh_2000_ukrainian_gunners_weigh_the_strengths_and_weaknesses_of_both_howitzers-16007.html
  43. https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-artillery-arsenal-creates-logistical-maintenance-problems-2023-7
  44. https://www.weaponsystems.net/system/154-AS90
  45. https://armyrecognition.com/military-products/army/artillery-vehicles-and-weapons/self-propelled-howitzers/as90-braveheart-155mm
  46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUbr6BnqDno
  47. https://militarnyi.com/en/news/as-90-great-britain-to-deliver-155-mm-tracked-self-propelled-guns-to-the-armed-forces-of-ukraine/
  48. https://militarnyi.com/en/news/the-uk-to-provide-ukraine-with-new-barrels-for-as-90s/
  49. https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/as90_selfpropelled_guns_decommissioned_from_british_army_now_turning_up_in_ukrainian_batteries-14398.html
  50. https://thedefensepost.com/2023/02/28/uk-as90-artillery-replacement/
  51. https://www.overtdefense.com/2023/03/17/uk-selects-baes-archer-as-interim-as90-artillery-replacement/
  52. https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/uk-confirms-final-withdrawal-of-as90-artillery-as-entire-fleet-transferred-to-ukraine
  53. https://militarnyi.com/en/news/britain-has-handed-over-all-as-90-self-propelled-artillery-systems-to-ukraine/
  54. https://x.com/DefenceU/status/1817495725153857703
  55. https://www.uawire.org/uk-transfers-all-as-90-self-propelled-artillery-systems-to-ukraine-s-armed-forces
  56. https://www.army-technology.com/features/analysis-uk-artillery-capability-gap-looms-amid-new-as90-donations-to-ukraine/
  57. https://www.army-technology.com/features/how-many-rch-155-artillery-systems-will-the-british-army-acquire/
  58. https://www.technology.org/2025/08/21/interesting-development-the-as-90-is-being-retired/
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