Self-Propelled Howitzer
AS-90
The AS-90 is a British 155 mm self-propelled howitzer built by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering, now BAE Systems, in British Army service since 1993. About 179 were built, and the UK donated examples to Ukraine in 2023–24.
United Kingdom|Vickers Shipbuilding & Engineering / BAE SystemsOverview
The AS-90, which stands for Artillery System for the 1990s, was developed by VSEL at Barrow-in-Furness and Elswick. It entered British Army service in 1993, replacing the FV433 Abbot and M109, and about 179 were built. The gun is a 155 mm L/39 with a range of 24.7 km conventionally and 30 km rocket-assisted, a three-round burst in ten seconds and a sustained rate of about two rounds a minute. The vehicle weighs 45 t, has a crew of five and a 660 hp Cummins engine.
The AS-90 saw action in Iraq in 2003 and the Balkans, and in Ukraine in 2023–24 following a UK donation. An L/52 gun upgrade, the AS-90D, was proposed. The UK is retiring the type and plans to buy the KNDS RCH 155 jointly with Germany, with the Archer also in the mix. Operators are the UK and Ukraine, and no Arab state uses it. Its rivals include the M109A7, PzH 2000, K9 Thunder, Archer and Caesar.
Key Specifications
Variants
The AS-90 is the original British 155 mm L/39 self-propelled howitzer.
The AS-90D is the proposed upgrade with a longer L/52 barrel.
The AS-90 Braveheart is the proposed upgrade of the AS-90 with a longer-range gun.
Operators
United Kingdom
UkraineFrequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the AS-90?
The AS-90 has a range of 24.7 km with conventional ammunition and 30 km with rocket-assisted rounds. It fires a three-round burst in ten seconds.
Which countries use the AS-90?
The AS-90 is used by the United Kingdom and Ukraine. The UK donated examples in 2023–24, and no Arab state operates it. The British Army is retiring the type in favour of newer systems.
How many AS-90 were built?
About 179 AS-90 howitzers were built for the British Army. It entered service in 1993. It was developed by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering and replaced the FV433 Abbot and M109.
AS-90 vs PzH 2000: which is better?
The AS-90 is a 45 t British 155 mm howitzer with a 24.7 km range, while the German PzH 2000 has a longer gun and higher rate of fire. The PzH 2000 is generally regarded as more capable.
What replaces the AS-90?
The UK plans to replace the AS-90 with the RCH 155 from KNDS, bought jointly with Germany. The Archer is also named as a replacement.
Is the AS-90 used in Ukraine?
Yes. The UK donated AS-90 howitzers to Ukraine in 2023–24, where they have been used in combat. The UK has also decided to retire the type and buy the KNDS RCH 155 jointly with Germany.