Eurosatory 2026: Ukraine drives European artillery renaissance
The UK has transferred AS90 self-propelled artillery systems to Ukraine as European governments continue to rebuild long-range fires capabilities in response to lessons from the war. (Photo: UK Crown Copyright)
European governments have ordered nearly 1,400 self-propelled howitzers and more than 400 multiple-launch rocket systems since 2022 as lessons from Ukraine reshape long-range fires requirements across the continent.
Long-range fires are undergoing a significant revival across Europe as governments rebuild artillery capabilities that had declined sharply following the end of the Cold War.
Speaking at Eurosatory 2026 on 17 June, Shephard Defence Insight analyst Dr Peter Magill described the trend as an “artillery renaissance”, driven largely by lessons from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and growing concern over the prospect of high-intensity conflict in Europe.
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, many European countries reduced force structures and prioritised capabilities better suited to peacekeeping, stabilisation and counter-insurgency operations. Heavy armour and long-range fires were often viewed as
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