British Assistance in Strengthening the Anti-Tank and Artillery Capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2022—2024

Abstract

The purpose is to study the UK’s contribution to the provision of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with anti-tank weapons and artillery and assess the importance of these supplies for strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities amid the Russo-Ukrainian war in 2022—2024.

The research methodology rests upon a comprehensive analysis of official sources, such as statements made by UK government agencies, analysis papers and reports of the military think tanks, and statistical data on the number of arms transfers. Methods of comparison, systematisation and generalisation are being used to study the dynamics and impact of international military assistance on the course of the war.

The scientific novelty lies in the comprehensive coverage of British military assistance to Ukraine, the supply of modern anti-tank systems and artillery systems in particular, reviewed from the angle of a multilayered approach. The article reveals the specifics of the allies’ defense cooperation and analyzes the changes in the UK’s approach to providing assistance depending on the war developments.

Main results. The United Kingdom has been one of Ukraine’s most active allies, having started providing military assistance well before the outbreak of a full-scale war. In January 2022, the UK began supplying over 2,000 NLAW anti-tank systems, which have become critical in deterring the Russian invasion. These systems, due to the “fire and forget” technology, have allowed the Armed Forces of Ukraine to destroy enemy armored vehicles effectively. By the end of 2022, the number of NLAWs transferred had reached more than 12,000, making these weapons key in the first months of Ukraine’s defense. In addition to NLAWs, the UK has provided many other systems, including Javelin, artillery (L119 howitzers, AS-90 self-propelled guns), and M270 multiple launch rocket systems. The provision of high-precision shells for artillery systems, which signifi cantly increased the accuracy and range of destruction of enemy targets, played a particular role. For example, by July 2023, more than 200,000 artillery shells had been delivered, far exceeding the original plans. Artillery support, which began in April 2022, was a response to the changing nature of the war. The UK government was quick to respond to Ukraine’s requests, providing both Soviet ammunition calibres and modern Western systems. In particular, the AS-90 and M270 systems signifi cantly strengthened the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ capabilities to counter Russian artillery units. British military assistance also included training for the Ukrainian military. As part of the Operation Orbital in January 2022, UK instructors began training NLAW ATGM operators, which furthered the rapid adoption of the equipment. Overall, the UK’s assistance has played a strategic role in strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities. In different phases of the war, UK military assistance demonstrated flexibility and adaptability to the needs of the Ukrainian army. The following discussion summarizes the key aspects of this support and its significance for Ukraine’s defense. In addition to directly contributing to the weapons reinforcement, it also had a symbolic character, encouraging other allies to take action.