The U.K. Delivers Additional Ground Vehicles to Ukraine

British Minister for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge has announced a new aid package for Ukraine, including various ground vehicles. The package includes 160 Husky 4x4 armoured vehicles, 162 tracked armoured vehicles, including AS90 155 mm SPGs, and 76 tracked all-terrain vehicles. AS90 has been a long-timer throughout the war with its higher protection level than truck-based SPGs found more often in Ukrainian forces. Despite the shorter range of the L39 gun, the all-terrain mobility of the tracked platform gives it an important edge in Ukraine’s ground conditions, which often cause wheeled vehicles to get stuck. The new deliveries of tracked all-terrain vehicles are also important as they can provide logistical support regardless of the terrain conditions. The U.K. is a major supporter of Ukraine on the ground with its past deliveries of AS90 SPGs, Challenger 2 MBTs, Starsteak low-altitude air defence systems, and a Supacat 6x6-based launcher for AIM-132 ASRAAM air-to-air missiles. The U.K. also supplied Ukraine with shoulder–fired MBT LAW anti-tank missiles that use Predicted Line of Sight guidance for infantry units. Recently, air forces were added to the aid efforts with Paveway IV guided bombs worth £500 million ($622 million). Paveway IV incorporates both GPS/INS and laser guidance, expanding the options and providing the capability to hit moving targets with laser designation. Ukraine currently uses JDAM GPS/INS guided bombs and the French AASM-250 guidance kits onboard its ex-Soviet aircraft.