Ukraine received from the U.S. super-precision Excalibur shells

The U.S has sent Ukraine its super-precise artillery shells Excalibur with GPS guidance, which are capable of hitting target at a distance of 40.5 kilometers.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing Bloomberg.

Referring to the budget document, the paper notes that this is the first confirmation of supplies of Excalibur to Ukraine. Previously, U.S. officials evaded questions regarding the supply of these shells to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

According to the budget document published last month, the Pentagon intends to spend $92 million (about 900 shells) on the purchase of Excalibur shells for Ukraine.

Ukrainian Pravda reports that according to Mark Kancian, a defense analyst of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, “allocating $92 million for Excalibur more than doubles the program’s budget, adding about 900 rounds in fiscal year 2022” versus the $56.7 million Congress approved this fiscal year. According to the Army budget documents, the $56.7 million is for the purchase of 374 sophisticated shells.

“It also confirms what has long been suspected about the United States providing these advanced weapons to Ukraine,” Kancian said.

Excalibur GPS-guided shells were first used by Americans in Iraq in 2007 during the elimination of al-Qaeda leader Abu Jura and his associates.

These munitions can be fired by 155-mm howitzers. The Excalibur’s accuracy allows it to hit the target with the first shot, reducing the number of rounds needed and reducing collateral damage. The shells can hit target at a distance of about 40.5 kilometers.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 08/09/2022