Will the UK Deliver More Heavy Equipment To Ukraine?
On the 4 March Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom,
Vadym Prystaiko stated in an interview for Radio Svoboda that British support for Ukraine will double. The news comes after the official announcement of the deliveries of Challenger II Main Battle Tanks and AS-90 Self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine back in January. The Ukrainian ambassador’s statements have not been yet confirmed by UK officials. Vadym Prystaiko told Radio Svoboda:
“Some of the weapons that we requested – for example, airplanes – are difficult to obtain. We are looking for options. In terms of tanks 14 were promised to us, and as a result of President Zelensky’s visit, it was agreed that this number will double.”
This means that Ukraine may potentially receive nearly 30 tanks from the UK. In addition to the discussion of Challengers II the possibility of additional AS-90 howitzers was also discussed. Ukraine is in continuing need of modern heavy artillery systems as they are crucial in halting Russian advances on the frontline. There are already a plethora of artillery systems are in service in Ukraine, with transfers beginning to ramp up last year, including PzH 2000, M777, M109, and AHS ‘Krab’, not to mention captured Russian systems. Prystaiko noted that “we will now receive thirty-three 155 mm AS-90s from Britain”.
Overt Defense has reached out to the UK Ministry of Defence for confirmation and comment on the possibility of additional Challengers and AS-90s being transferred to Ukraine but did not received a response at the time of publication. Sources familiar with the matter however, have said that while the UK is not ruling out future further increases in aid to Ukraine there are currently no plans to increase the numbers of AS-90s and Challengers bound for Ukraine.
Importantly, ambassador Prystaiko pointed out in the interview that the UK might be “contributing to creating consensus” among other NATO countries in regard to new weapon deliveries, helping to encourage other nations to provide weapon systems which otherwise seemed unlikely. It remains to be seen if this is the case with the modern fighter jets which are high on Ukraine’s list.
Even without the increases suggested by Prystaiko’s statements the UK’s support of Ukraine is significant. Ukrainian soldiers continue their training on British soil with thousands of personnel trained over the last 14 months as part of Operation Interflex and most recently the first troops beginning their instruction on AS-90 last month.
Additional reporting – Matthew Moss
Header image: AS-90 being used in the ‘Direct Fire’ mode. during Ex Steel Sabre 16 (UK MoD/Crown Copyright)