UK to bolster Ukraine support with new defence package including Brimstone missiles
Despite the change in government, the United Kingdom will remain among Ukraine's greatest allies and not only maintain but possibly even increase its support for this country. Another aid package has just been announced. What weapons will be included?
"There may have been a change in government, but the UK is united for Ukraine. As the new Defence Secretary, I will ensure that we reinvigorate Britain's support by stepping up supplies of vital military aid," said John Healey, the UK Secretary of Defence.
New aid package from the United Kingdom for Ukraine
The new support package was announced after a meeting between John Healey and the UK Minister of Defence and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. It was conveyed that more AS90 self-propelled artillery guns and spare parts for the units previously provided to Ukraine will be sent to the front.
Additionally, the defending army can expect a transfer of 12.7 mm calibre ammunition, 90 Brimstone anti-tank guided missiles, 50 small boats for river operations, and technical vehicles for mine clearance and fortification construction.
Reports by Ukrainian soldiers show that the AS-90 howitzers have proven to be very useful equipment. This relatively modern weaponry was adopted into the British Army's arsenal in 1992. A 155 mm calibre gun (with a 39-calibre barrel length) is used here, dedicated to standard NATO rounds. The effective range using standard rounds is about 25 kilometres, but with rocket-assisted projectiles, it can reach targets up to 30 kilometres away.
The AS-90 measures 10 metres in length and over 3 metres in width. The howitzer is powered by a Cummins VTA 903T-660 diesel engine with about 650 hp, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of about 60 km/h. A 5-person crew is required to operate the British machine, consisting of a commander, gunner, two loaders, and a driver.
More Storm Shadow missiles on the way to Ukraine
John Healey also confirmed that he instructed his officials to ensure that the military aid package promised in April to Ukraine is expedited and delivered in full within the next 100 days. This is important because it is the most significant British aid package for Ukraine in history, including long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles.
They are made with stealth technology and can reach speeds of about 0.9 Mach. They have approximately 450-kilogram BROACH (Bomb Royal Ordnance Augmented Charge) warheads. Thanks to Storm Shadow, Ukrainians have been able to inflict significant losses on the Russians; these British cruise missiles have been used for attacks on Crimea and Black Sea Fleet vessels.
