The Ukrainian army will soon receive 40 more M109L 155mm self-propelled howitzers from Italy, as part of a military assistance programme.
The M109L is a modernized version of the M109 howitzer, which has been in service with the Italian army since 1993. The M109L has a longer barrel, a new fire control system, a GPS navigation system, and improved protection and mobility.
The M109L howitzers will join the existing fleet of 20 M109 and 6 PzH 2000 howitzers that Italy has already delivered to Ukraine in previous batches of military aid. The Italian howitzers have been deployed to the front line in eastern Ukraine, where they provide fire support to the Ukrainian troops fighting against Russian forces. The M109L can fire up to six rounds per minute, with a maximum range of 30 kilometres.
The delivery of the M109L howitzers is part of a broader effort by Italy and other European countries to support Ukraine’s defence and security amid the ongoing Russian aggression. Italy has also supplied Ukraine with anti-tank missiles, air defence systems, mortars, small arms, body armour, and medical equipment.
Italy’s defence minister, Lorenzo Guerini, said that Italy stands by Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and that the military assistance is a sign of solidarity and friendship.
