UK to speed up military kit deliveries for Ukraine with more AS90 artillery guns sent
Britain is sending more AS90 self-propelled artillery guns to support Ukraine's fight against Russia's illegal invasion, with the delivery of military support also being sped up.
The Government has recommitted to giving £3bn a year of military support for Ukraine until at least 2030/31.
It is also set to surpass its pledge of delivering 12 AS90 artillery guns within 100 days of taking office.
A total of 16 units are now on course to be delivered, with 10 already there and six more to follow in the coming weeks.
The AS90 is a 155mm self-propelled gun that equips three field regiments of the Royal Horse Artillery and the Royal Artillery.
It's an effective weapons, and in trials, two AS90 guns were able to deliver a total payload of 261kg onto a single target in less than 10 seconds.
An automated loading system enables the gun to fire with a burst rate of three rounds in fewer than 10 seconds.
Alternatively, it can fire at an intense rate of six rounds a minute for three minutes or a sustained rate of two rounds a minute.
The gun is equipped with a recoil and hydrogas suspension system, which allows the turret to traverse and fire through a full 360°.
Artillery plays a vital role in providing covering fire for Ukrainian troops and destroying key Russian targets.
In addition to the extra AS90s, the Government also announced the formation of a new joint MOD and Foreign Office unit for Ukraine.
It will be led by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey, the aim being to integrate expertise and create a joined-up Government-wide approach to Ukraine.
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