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Fourteen Archer artillery systems are being transferred to the British Army this month to replace 32 UK AS90 artillery systems previously gifted to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
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The 14 Swedish 6x6 self-propelled 155mm howitzer gun systems, designed and built by BAE Systems Bofors, are expected to be fully operational by next April, according to a UK Ministry of Defence announcement made on 16 March.
The Archer is considered a significant upgrade with the ability to make ready for action within 20 seconds, has double the maximum range of 50 kilometres, greater mobility, can be operated by a smaller three to four-person crew, has a higher top speed of 70km/h and the ability to hit targets simultaneously.
The system can also fire extended range and precision anti-armour shells, can achieve eight rounds a minute and fire four rounds in a simultaneous impact-mode allowing shells fired in succession with different trajectories to hit the same target at the same time.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the purchase of Swedish Archer vehicles enables the UK to quickly replace AS90 until the long-term Mobile Fires Platform delivers later this decade as part of the Future Soldier modernisation program.
“While continuing to double-down on our unwavering support for Ukraine, it’s imperative we simultaneously replenish our capabilities at home,” he said.
“Archer artillery systems are powerful, protective, and can be rapidly deployed. This agreement with a close European ally will sustain the British Army’s requirements until the longer-term Mobile Fires Platform comes into service; a program we are working hard to accelerate.”
Archer will contribute to the Close Support capability as part of the UK commitment to NATO, he said.
Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Sharon Nesmith said the agreement has been reached in the space of just two months, demonstrating agility to procure at pace and deliver the Army requirements, following the gifting to Ukraine.
“Archer is a potent, modern artillery system procured at a speed previously unseen in Defence. Today’s agreement took only eight weeks to secure and the guns will be in service with the British Army by next spring,” she said.
“Archer fires further and faster than any artillery system previously in service with the British Army; it is a step change in capability and fills a gap left by UK support to Ukraine.
“It will provide a bridge to the next generation of artillery systems, the procurement of which is being accelerated to speed up modernisation.”
Lt Gen Nesmith said the agreement emphasises the strong ties with UK’s Swedish allies, who have risen to support the challenging timeframe.
